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Two Towers Hike

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

Highlights:

Great views of Boston and beyond from Two observation towers.
Near:West Medford, MA
Scenery:
Distance:6.43 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1340 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: Fells is the Saxon word for " rocky, hilly area", the route travels to the higerst points in this section of the reservation, Its rocky and hilly both. On the open areas notice the multitude of scrape marks on the igneous rock, caused by the retreating glaciers. From the two towers get a great view of Boston and the reservation. Youll pass over an old Soap Box Derby track and next to the Sheepfold, where sheep grazed for hundreds of years. Now a popular spot for dogs to run free.
Trailhead: The hike begins in a parking lot, near Bellevue Pond, in the Southeast corner of the western section of the park. Just off I-93 at exit 33 "Rte 28/Fellsway". The exit leads to a Rotary, head northwest out of the rotary onto South Border Rd, .2 of a mile to the lot on right. (Lat:42.43072 Lon:-71.1076)
Trail Guides for Two Towers Hike:
AMC Massachusetts and Rhode Island Trail Guide
by Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC Books)

Fifty Hikes In Massachusetts
by John Brady & Brian White  (Backcountry Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Metropolitan District Commision (781) 322-2851
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Chuck Brown
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by ARM on 5/13/2011
Nice trail. Its a great way to begin the season. The 6 miles goes by quickly. The views aren't great, but the trail is in great shape (as of early May 2011) and gets your feet ready to go for the season. Only major annoyance is the omnipresent traffic noise for the first half of the hike. The trail sits right next to 93.

Reviewed by Ravi on 5/27/2010
Would definitely hike again. The white marker skyline trail is gorgeous. Little challenging at places, but it is worth every bit. This time of the year, its green and serene. Ideal to picnic and feel one with nature in the middle of the city. Cannot believe such a great hike is minutes away from the city. The trail is well maintained and saw decent people on the trails. Have a great hike! Welcome to Medford :)

Reviewed by SH on 9/19/2009
I'm glad to have the Middlesex Fells nearby for hiking/running. I'm still getting to know the trails but it's very difficult considering that they are not very well marked in places. So far I have gotten turned around and/or lost the trail on every one of my visits, and I consider myself a pretty good hiker. The Skyline trail (white markers) is my favorite so far for its variety and because it's more fun to run and hike. All in all, a nice place to hike and only 4 miles outside of Boston. Just make sure to bring a map.

Reviewed by Oldman on 4/23/2008
I hiked the skyline trail on Sunday, It was much more than I expected! all sorts of terrain from dirt roads to very steep rock faces, it is easy to get off course, but it is challenging to stay on course, and you can if you pay attention to the white blazes!. I don't think trash was a problem at all, this park is in the middle of scumville ( aside from Winchester). It's really amazing that such a long and challenging hike can be so close to Boston!! Do it if you can, It's long one!

Reviewed by Morgoth on 9/17/2007
The Fells is a playground. I jog in there all the time, including what I call 'extreme jogging' (jogging the entire Skyline or Reservoir Trail). The Mountain Bike Loop will kick your ass. I don't see a lot of riders in the Lawrence Woods, but the trails in that section are great. I have yet to complete the Cross Fells Trail in its entirety. The views of Boston from the Rock Circuit Trail in the Virginia Wood are exceptional. The area around Long Pond is very pretty and has challenging terrain, as well. The area north of the Virginia Wood where Crystal Spring is has some steep workouts! When I jog, I carry a plastic bag to pick up the occasional detritus left by irresponsible visitors.

Reviewed by Local Guy on 5/21/2006
If you're a local or not, instead of complaining about the conditions of the Fells, why not do something about it. Bring a trash bag or small plastic container and carry out some litter or broken glass. Join the Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation ( www.fells.org ) and help with trail advocacy or the Middlesex Fells Trail Adopter Program. If you use it, take care or it. Others won't.

Reviewed by SB on 7/24/2005
I have been hiking herre almost every fall and summer weekend for 5 years and can say that the occasional party spot doesn't affect me at all. I wear shoes and the dogs can go crap somewhere else. I can get to the hike from downtown Boston in 10 minutes and hike for over 2 hours of strenuous, challenging trails. Stick to the Skyline trail to avoid the party spots and bikers because it is much more strenuous and you'll have the park to yourself. Pay attention to the blazes because it *is* easy to get lost, but that makes it more fun!

Reviewed by phil on 6/4/2005
it's true. welcome to Massachusetts. Yes, it's annoying. But it's also basically in the city, and it's a hell of a lot better than costco and wallmart.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Massachusetts Hiking, Massachusetts Trails, Massachusetts Hikes, Middlesex County Hiking, Middlesex County Trails, Middlesex County Hikes


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