Hiking with Kids Open
Middlesex Fells Reservation
4.7(5,348)4.7 out of 5 stars, 5348 reviews Boston, MA
About Middlesex Fells Reservation
A beautiful and expansive suburban nature reservation close to Boston, offering diverse trails, scenic reservoirs, and dog-friendly areas, easily accessible by public transit or car.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a nature escape close to the cityDog owners seeking dog-friendly hiking trailsAutumn foliage viewing and scenic photographyToddlers and younger children (best for short walks around the pond)Older kids and teens (suitable for longer hikes like the 8-mile Skyline Trail)
Why families love it
- Convenient access from downtown Boston via the Orange Line T to Oak Grove (15-minute walk to start)
- Diverse trail options including the 8-mile Skyline Trail and paths leading to Wright's Tower
- Highly dog-friendly with scenic trails and a dedicated dog park
- Beautiful natural features such as reservoirs, ponds, Pinnacle Rock, and autumn foliage
- Ample parking spaces, including the South Border Road Parking Lot
- Colored tree blazes (e.g., blue circles, white blazes) for trail navigation
Insider tips
- Follow the painted tree markers (like blue circles or white blazes) to stay on the correct path
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes
- Park at the South Border Road Parking Lot for direct access to the Skyline Trail
- Check trail conditions beforehand as paths can be icy in March or wet in autumn
Good to know before you go
- Hiking without proper footwear, especially during icy winter months or wet days
- A reviewer noted a creepy/scary baby carriage with a 'Lost baby' sign near the east trail/Pinnacle Rock
- Trails can be icy in winter/early spring or wet and slippery after rain
- Crowds
- Can be quiet and peaceful on weekdays, but popular during peak times like autumn foliage season
- Value
- Free entry to the reservation, providing high recreational value with no admission fees.
- Food
- Bring your own food and drinks; visitors recommend packing plenty of water and snacks
- Accessibility
- Accessible via public transit with a 15-minute walk from the Oak Grove T station
- Safety
- Trails are marked with colored blazes on trees to assist with navigation
What parents say
"Middlesex Fells is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to experience Foliage. If you are coming from Boston, just take a T to Oak Grove ( probably orange) and it's just a 15 min walk to the starting point. Be mindful about getting lots of water bottles, snacks and good shoes. Pro tip: Just see the marks on the trees ( 🔵) to be guided during the trek and then you'll reach some beautiful places. We visited the reservoir and the pond. It was a magical experience altogether. To witness it catch some of these photos."
6 months ago
"A true suburban gem! There are so many different kinds of trails snd activities to do. Protect this space forever!"
4 weeks ago
"Beautiful trails, well kept, and my dog absolutely loves it! So early to get to from downtown, highly recommend checking it out!"
3 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More hiking with kids in Boston
Hiking with Kids Franklin Park
4.5(5,919)4.5 out of 5 stars, 5919 reviews1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston
Hiking with Kids Blue Hills Reservation
4.7(3,890)4.7 out of 5 stars, 3890 reviews695 Hillside St, Milton
Hiking with Kids Breakheart Reservation
4.7(2,187)4.7 out of 5 stars, 2187 reviews177 Forest St, Saugus
Hiking with Kids World's End
4.7(1,486)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1486 reviewsMartins Ln, Hingham