Near Rock Circuit Loop
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Near Rock Circuit Loop
MIT Observatory on the Rock Circuit Trail.
Near Rock Circuit Loop
A frozen Cascade Falls makes for a beautiful wintertime reward at the trail's end.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Rock Circuit Loop

4.0 (11 Ratings)
A nice loop that takes in some of the high points of the East Fells.
3.9
mi
Distance
546
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.93mi
Distance
546ft
Elevation Gain
507ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
286ft
High Point
126ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail often takes short detours to reach more boulders (they don't call it Rock Circuit for nothing) and also visits the ruins of the MIT Geodetic Observatory. The trail is reasonably well-blazed (in white) but it crosses many other trails and fire roads so a map or the Mobile App is strongly recommended.As shown, this lollipop hike starts from the Flynn Rink parking area and uses the Cross Fells Trail: Flynn Skating Rink To Black Rock to join with the Rock Circuit Trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
zach young