Boston, MA: Ponkapoag Pond Loop
This scenic 4.2-mile hike in the Blue Hills Reservation loops under pines and passes by a rare Atlantic white cedar bog, home to 17 endangered species.
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A twenty-minute drive from Boston proper, the Blue Hills Reservation offers a host of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. This 4.2-mile hike around Ponkapoag Pond makes for a relaxing dayhike or a scenic trail run.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.8
Waypoints
PON001
Location: 42.202156, -71.095389
From road, head S toward pond under white pines and birches
PON002
Location: 42.198572, -71.098119
Turn R @ 3-way to begin loop around Ponkapoag Pond
PON003
Location: 42.198582, -71.104195
Trail is fairly flat; YMCA camp to R. Ahead, take boardwalk on L into Ponkapoag Bog. Look for pitcher plants, sundews, cranberries, and water willow
PON004
Location: 42.196812, -71.108208
Head up slight hill, edging by Ponkapoag Golf Course; gate crosses trail
PON005
Location: 42.195389, -71.108955
Trail passes sand trap; continue heading S
PON006
Location: 42.190968, -71.107445
Trail curves SE; unobstructed views of shoreline; look for boaters and geese on this large, clear, blue pond
PON007
Location: 42.18961, -71.103401
Trail is flat and narrow; short side trails heading up the hill look promising, but go nowhere
PON008
Location: 42.186718, -71.091988
Continue heading E
PON009
Location: 42.189209, -71.084068
Forest opens up briefly; terrain becomes hilly
PON010
Location: 42.192394, -71.085739
Trail takes sharp L turn and heads uphill toward Appalachian Mountain Club huts
PON011
Location: 42.195915, -71.086197
Turn L by the tool shed after AMC huts
PON012
Location: 42.196266, -71.08979
Most rugged section; watch footing heading uphill on varied terrain; side trail leads to pond. Continue straight to WPT 2; turn R @ junction, return to trailhead