Ponkapoag Pond Loop

Starting to the north of Ponkapoag Pond, this lollipop-style loop winds its way clockwise around the pond, following the Green Dot trail. There are some minor hills here and there but nothing too technical. Toward the end of the loop, at the 3.5-mile mark (in the northwest corner of the loop), look for the Ponkapoag Bog Boardwalk heading to the right (southeast) into the marsh. This is not to be missed as it provides an exciting, intimate experience into an Atlantic white cedar bog. If traveling with younger hikers or short on time, you could simply head straight to the boardwalk (turning right at the lollipop stem instead of left, shown here) for an out-and-back hike.

The Civilian Conservation Corps did extensive work in Blue Hills Reservation between 1933 and 1937, adding trails, masonry, and the camp east of Randolph Avenue.