Yellow Loop, Ward Reservation, Massachusetts

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, birding

LENGTH OF HIKE(S): 1-mile, 2-mile, and 3-mile loops

OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Loop

DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Easy–moderate

ELEVATION GAIN: 420 feet

PA RKING FEE/PASS: $5 for nonmembers

TOILETS: Yes

CHANGING TABLE: Unknown

NURSING BENCHES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, on leash

BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: Bikes allowed

CELL RECEPTION: Yes

DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No

POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Mosquitoes and ticks

GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Insect repellent

Ward Reservation may be a small parcel of land with just 729 acres to explore 20 miles to the north of Boston, but it has been well developed and offers Bostonians a quick getaway into the hills. There are 13 miles of trails with well-marked beginner to intermediate paths to follow. Ward Reservation Trail Map https://thetrustees.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ward-Reservation-Trail-Map.pdf

Starting from the main parking area on Prospect Road, follow the Yellow Loop trail toward the bog and then to the top of Holt Hill to enjoy the incredible view from the Solstice Stones. This is an excellent beginner trail for new hikers, and nursing moms will be happy to find benches to stop and rest on as they hike. Solstice Stones is a large group of granite stones that were installed by the Ward
family, who owned the property, to mark the sunrise and sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year. The land is private but was donated to the Trustees of Reservations as a memorial for Nicholas Holt in 1940.

Look for wildflowers in the spring and early summer on this reserve. Pyrola, hepatica, starflower, lady’s slipper, bright purple violets, and lush green ferns thrive in the area. Also look for bluebirds, butterflies, and herons.

If you are successful with the easy Yellow Loop, consider moving on to the Blue Trail to Elephant Rock. Keep an eye out for two different spots where you come out of the woods in a large clearing. You can move quickly through this area if you choose, but consider stopping and having a picnic or taking a rest here.
Journey on and hike to Holt Hill for about a 420-foot elevation, which is the highest point in Essex County.

If you’re a history buff, you might know about this hill because on June 17, 1775, the townspeople climbed to the top to watch the burning of Charlestown after the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War.

Expect mosquitoes on this hike because it’s near a swampy bog, and deer ticks are common in the area. Also if you are off trail, keep an eye out for poison ivy. Trails are wide and even and flatten out at the top of the hill, making it perfect for little
walkers.

INSIDER’S TIP
If you’re there in the summer, it’s just a short ride to Big Dipper Ice Cream in North Reading, MA. It’s a great local way to end a wonderful hike!