On the southern edge of Boston [1], the protected green space of the Blue Hills rises 600 feet into the sky. The reservation, which is popular with families in the summer, offers a full slate of recreational activities year-round. For hikers, 125 miles of trails wind their way through bottomland forests, swamps, and meadows.
If you are lucky, you might spot a coyote or turkey vulture along the way; you are sure to see the delicate lady slipper, a beautiful but endangered Massachusetts flower.
Trail maps are available at Blue Hills Reservation Headquarters (695 Hillside St., Milton, 617/698-1802, www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm [2]).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/massachusetts/boston
[2] http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm