Near Ward Reservation
View towards Boston.
Near Ward Reservation
Solstice Stones on Holt Hill.
Near Ward Reservation
IMG_7323
Near Ward Reservation
The path less travelled

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Hike Route

Ward Reservation

4.2 (6 Ratings)
This loop hike features excellent views of Boston and the Blue Hills.
3.5
mi
Distance
432
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFamily FriendlyLakeViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.45mi
Distance
432ft
Elevation Gain
432ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
416ft
High Point
219ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The entrance for this hike is on Prospect Rd, 0.3 miles east of MA 125 in Andover. Hike east along Prospect Rd, then bear left and follow Rachel's Trail past the orchard. At Jct 4, turn left onto the Bay Circuit Trail (BCT, more info at http://www.baycircuit.org) and make an easy ascent to the open meadow at the summit of Holt Hill and the Solstice Stones directional markers. From the summit, follow the BCT along a paved utility road, then turn right at Jct 23 and continue downhill past stone walls. At Jct 22, turn right off the BCT and follow Ward Trail through the woods bordering Rubbish Meadow wetland. Turn right at Jcts 18 and 17, then right at Jct 16 and follow the Sanborn Trail along Cat Swamp and the base of Shrub and Holt Hills. Complete the loop at the junction with the BCT near Holt Hill summit, then turn right on the paved road and follow it past Jct 23 to Prospect Rd and the trailhead.This featured hike is courtesy of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Bay Circuit Trail Map & Guide. For more information, visit their website.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Appalachian Mountain Club