Blue Hills & Stony Brook Reservation gravel loop from Roslindale — Blue Hills Reservation

The loop offers a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll encounter significant unpaved sections, including well-graded gravel roads like the Walcott Path, and some rocky, challenging doubletrack within the Blue Hills. Expect about 24.1 km of unpaved surfaces, 17.9 km of asphalt, and 1.07 km of paved sections, including compacted gravel. The Pine Brook Trail, for instance, runs through wetlands and can be muddy.

This route is categorized as a 'moderate gravel ride' and requires good fitness. While some sections might be manageable, the Blue Hills portion features continuous elevation changes and can be quite hilly and rocky. A minimum tire size of 32c or larger is recommended due to the varied terrain. Riders not reasonably fit may find it challenging.

You'll experience a rich natural environment, including the lush woodlands of Stony Brook Reservation and the scenic vistas of Blue Hills Reservation. Highlights include the tranquil Ponkapoag Pond, the Breeze Hill summit, and Popes Pond. The route also passes by a former WWII Nike missile site, adding a historical touch.

While the loop starts from Roslindale, specific parking information for this exact route isn't detailed. However, for Blue Hills Reservation, various parking lots are available, such as those near the Blue Hills Ski Area or Houghton's Pond. For Stony Brook Reservation, parking can be found near the visitor center or various trailheads within the reservation. It's advisable to check the DCR websites for the most current parking options.

Starting from Roslindale, you can utilize the MBTA public transport system. Roslindale Village is accessible via the Commuter Rail (Needham Line) and several MBTA bus routes. From there, you would need to connect to bus routes that serve the perimeters of Blue Hills Reservation or Stony Brook Reservation, such as those along Washington Street or Blue Hill Avenue, to reach a suitable starting point.

Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for day use of the trails within Blue Hills Reservation or Stony Brook Reservation. Both are managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and are open to the public. However, specific activities or events might require permits, so it's always good to check the official DCR website for any updates.

Yes, both Blue Hills Reservation and Stony Brook Reservation are generally dog-friendly. Dogs are typically allowed on trails but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

The best time to ride this gravel loop is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. Spring offers lush greenery, while fall provides stunning foliage. Summer is also great, but be prepared for potential heat and humidity. Winter riding is possible but can be challenging due to snow, ice, and colder temperatures, especially on the unpaved and rocky sections.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll ride parts of the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway, Walking City Trail Section 1, Skyline Trail, Neponset River Greenway, and the Wolcott Path. It also includes segments of the Tucker Hill Path, Acton Path, Ponkapoag Trail, and many others, allowing for varied and extended riding options.

Given the varied terrain, which includes gravel, rocky doubletrack, and potentially muddy sections, a gravel bike is highly recommended. For tires, a minimum size of 32c or larger is advisable to handle the different surfaces and provide comfort and traction, especially on the more technical parts within the Blue Hills.

The estimated duration for completing this gravel loop is approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes (13,462 seconds). This duration is an estimate and can vary based on your fitness level, the type of bike you're riding, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or take breaks.