Hiking Albuquerque's Southern Sandia Mountains: Eye of the Sandias

The Eye of the Sandias is a famous Albuquerque hike that takes you to a mysterious spot in the Sandia Mountains Wilderness where half a century ago an unknown artist painted an adaptation of the Eye of Horus - an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health - on a large rock formation overlooking Tijeras Canyon. Decidedly New Mexican, the Eye of the Sandias features the ancient Zia Sun symbol in lieu of a pupul, while teardrops fall from the inside corner, presumably symbolic of the mountain's grief over the encroachment of suburbia.

Heading up to a blue grama meadow en route to The Eye of the Sandias

The trail to the Eye of the Sandias is not easy, but it's not a long hike, so it's do-able as long as you have a moderate fitness level and good balance. Not considered an official or maintained trail, The Eye of the Sandias route is well traveled and therefore well marked by use, so it is fairly simple to follow.


The trail starts in Albuquerque Open Space, at the Copper Trailhead, and ends in the foothills of the Sandia Wilderness at the site of the mysterious painted Eye. It is a moderate to difficult hike - a four-mile, out-and-back, inverted lollipop loop - which takes about 3 hours of steady hiking to complete round trip.

Overlook at the junction with views south of Four Hills area

From the Copper Trailhead you will go directly east - straight toward the mountain - on the 400 Trail (the center choice of three trails visible from the trailhead). This will take you up a couple of switchbacks to a saddle where you will see a set of tall electrical towers poised on the prominent ridge before you. Make your way up to the towers; here you will find a web of trails all leading up the ridge. The trail becomes more clear here as you walk, and you will continue on this path up the ridgeline and around two prominent mounds (foothills) until you come to a gentle meadow covered in blue grama, juniper trees and cholla.

You will reach a T in the trail - turn left and it will take you up to the Eye. (Pay close attention to this intersection, as you will be taking the trail to the right on your way back down to continue the loop.) Farther on you reach what feels like a small summit. Continue hiking as the trail dips down again. As you walk, the Eye comes into view before you on the wall of a great rock formation. Don't worry if you don't see it yet. Just keep walking until you find it; this is pretty much the trail's end. 

Where's the Eye of the Sandias? Can you find it in this picture?

After snapping a few obligatory pics with the Eye and having a trail snack, go back the way you came; However, when you reach the junction again, continue going straight instead of turning to complete the full four-mile loop. Descend the ridge on a winding trail that passes through some amazing rock outcroppings. At one point you will come to a point on the trail where you must choose to go right or left - go left. Then continue hiking down the mountain until you see the network of Open Space Trails again. From here you will see the parking area in the distance to the right and can easily make your way back to your car along the 401 Trail.

The Eye of the Sandias

This hike is a great workout - a real butt-burner as I call it. Plus, the trail is accessible by public transportation, which is perfect for visitors without cars who are staying in the downtown or university areas. are all the stats you need to get started on The Eye of the Sandias hike:

Trailhead: You can get to the trailhead by car via I-40 take the Tramway Boulevard and go north to Copper Avenue, where you'll turn right and drive east until you reach the Copper Trailhead parking area. Likewise you may take the ABQRide 11 Bus from Downtown Alvarado Station, UNM Hospital or anywhere along Lomas Boulevard.
Distance: 4-mile (6.4 km) out-and-back inverted lollipop loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,650 feet (503 m)
Map: This hike is listed in the Sandia Mountains Hiking Guide and highlighted on the accompanying map. You may also find a map of this hike online at the Trimble.Outdoors website.
Hiking Time: About 3 hours, depending on your personal speed.
Best Times to Hike: This hike is great in the winter and also in the spring and fall, but there is no shade, so you might choose a more suitable hike for summer. Also, make sure you take plenty of water and snacks. It's a short hike, but strenuous.
Difficulty: Moderate

For more information on this hike or other hikes discussed in the blog HikeyHikey, feel free to leave a comment below. Check out my other blogs Man of Merit and MyFitLife2Day. Or contact me via my splash page at about.me/brian.schwarz.

Hiking Joshua Tree National Park - Ryan Mountain Trail

You could spend days wandering around Joshua Tree National Park, but if you only have one I suggest you hike Ryan Mountain. This 3-mile out-and-back hike is a bit strenuous, but not overly so. Today I saw everyone from kids to retired folks and everyone in between enjoying the Ryan Mountain Trail. And let me tell you, the payoff for reaching Ryan's summit - the second highest in the park - is extreme.

Ryan Mountain in the distance, Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Mountain's central location and 5,461-foot summit make it a perfect vantage point for appreciating Joshua Tree National Park's surrounding features, such as the valleys of Lost Horse, Queen and Pleasant, as well as the southern portion of the Wonderland of Rocks.

You can reach the trail head from any of the park's entrances, but I recommend you come in through the west entrance, where you immediately encounter grove upon grove of the park's namesake - the Joshua Tree. Take a quick detour down Key's View Road to get a grand view of the Coachella Valley and desert cities below. Then on your return to Park Boulevard you will see Ryan Mountain rising up to the east.

On the ascent: Ryan Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park

Turn right to get back on Park Boulevard, and just after passing the Ryan Campground on your right and the Hall of Horrors on your left, you will see the large parking area for the Ryan Mountain Trail. There are restrooms here, but no water, so make sure you bring plenty of your own.

The trail is simple to follow. It first rises up a steep hill and after less than a mile you are treated to westward views over a deep canyon and incredible rock formations. Look closely and you may see rock climbers here. Look to the north and you will see the Hall of Horrors rocks in the valley below - pay attention to how big they look on the way in and how small they look from here. Then notice the incredible rock formations of the Wonderland of Rocks that extend toward the northern horizon.

Joshua Tree on Ryan Mountain

With views in every direction, you won't know which way to look as you continue up the trail. But keep a close eye on the trail. This is a heavily trafficked trail and can be a bit rough in patches. Be careful. Don't let a careless misstep ruin your day at Joshua Tree.

As you make your way to the summit, you will notice that the trail continues on past where you thought the summit would be. Don't worry, the trail gets more gentle the closer you get to the top. And when you arrive, you will be glad you made the effort.

Wonderland of Rocks in the distance, facing north on Ryan Mountain

If you go up and turn right back around you can probably do this hike in less than two hours. Take some time, though, and appreciate the 360-degree views. Take your map up to the summit with you so you can really absorb where you are. Joshua Tree National Park is a place you will want to linger.

Joshua Tree on the eastern slope of Ryan Mountain

Here are the quick stats for the Ryan Mountain Trail:

Trailhead: The trail head is not shown on the map you are given for free at any of the three Joshua Tree National Park Visitor's Centers; Nonetheless, it is easy to find. Just take Park Boulevard and you will find it on the south side of the road just east of the Ryan Campground (which is on the map).
Distance: 3-mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 feet (304 m)
Map: You will find a map for the Ryan Mountain Trail here.
Hiking Time: About 2 hours, depending on your personal speed.
Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round. Fall through spring, make sure you layer as the temperature at the summit is typically colder than at the trailhead.
Difficulty: Moderate

View of Mount San Gorgonio from Ryan Mountain summit

For more information on this hike or other hikes discussed in the blog HikeyHikey, feel free to leave a comment below. Check out my other blogs Man of Merit andMyFitLife2Day. Or contact me via my splash page at about.me/brian.schwarz.

Happy hiking!

Hiking East Kansas - Clinton Lake George Latham Trail

Opportunities for hiking are everywhere - you just have to look for them. On a recent cross-country road trip from New England to New Mexico with my partner and our two dogs, we were looking for a place to get out and stretch our legs after crossing the state line into eastern Kansas. A quick Google search landed us on the Kansas Trails Council website where we found directions to the Clinton Lake George Latham Trail, located just west of Lawrence, home of the University of Kansas. (Go Jayhawks!)

Tee-pee setup near the George Latham Trailhead, Woodridge Park, KS

Man-made Clinton Lake is home Woodridge Park, where the George Latham Trail winds through forest and pastures on a 4.5-mile loop. It took about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead from the exit on I-70, and after the 2.5-hour hike we were able to enjoy a nice healthy meal in nearby Lawrence before getting back on the road.

Hiking the George Latham Trail (with Diego) near Lawrence, KS

The best part of the Clinton Lake George Latham Trail is that no-fee primitive camping is allowed. Next time we pass through Kansas we'll be prepared to save some money and enjoy a night under the stars.

Here are the quick stats for the Clinton Lake George Latham Trail:

Trailhead: From I-70, take KS-10 exit and go south U.S. 40 (W. 6th St.) and turn right (west). Go about 4.5 miles and turn left on Co. Rd. 1023. Go another 3.5 miles or so to reach N. 1250 Rd. and turn left. Go a mile to reach E. 350 Rd., which will take you half a mile to the Woodridge Park parking lot. Enter the park on foot (if the gate is closed). Start the trail at the trailhead on the north side of the open field.
Distance: 4.5-mile loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: Insignificant
Map: A map of the George Latham Trail is available from the Kansas Trails Council.
Hiking Time: About 2.5 hours, depending on your personal speed.
Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round.
Difficulty: Easy

View of Clinton Lake from the George Latham Trail in eastern Kansas

For more information on this hike or other hikes discussed in the blog HikeyHikey, feel free to leave a comment below. Check out my other blogs Man of Merit andMyFitLife2Day. Or contact me via my splash page at about.me/brian.schwarz.

Hiking Greater St. Louis - Lewis and Clark Trails Loop

Hikers typically don't think of the Midwest when considering a hiking destination, but if you ever find yourself in St. Louis, for business or even just passing through on your next cross-country road trip, you would be remiss not to seek out some hiking along the Missouri River bluffs.

Missouri River bluffs sunset hiking, Weldon Spring Conservation Area

The Weldon Spring Conservation area in Saint Charles County, just off I-64 west of St. Louis, is home to several trails that fit the bill for an amazing day in the woods. This post describes a 5-mile loop of the Louis and Clark Trails that can be done in just a few hours - even as a several-hour stop-off on your next cross-country road trip.

From I-64, take the Weldon Spring exit and go south on route 94. Pick up a map at the conservation area headquarters (or take along a printed copy of the one available in the quick stats section below), and park in the the parking area on the left side of the road just past the Francis Howell High School.

Descending to Missouri River bluffs, Lewis and Clark Hiking Trails

Take the trail that heads southeast down a fire road directly toward the Missouri River, and in less than a mile you will take a right at the Y and find yourself descending down a scenic single-track trail that leads to a lookout point on the Missouri River bluffs. There's a huge boulder here you'll probably want to stop at to take pictures and linger, but there are more vistas coming, so pace yourself.

Missouri Conservation Department maintains Lewis and Clark Hiking Trails

The trail turns northeast here and winds down into and follows the wall of a gully leading back around to another incredible vista along the bluffs. After this vista the trail descends rapidly to a creek with a fairly wide creek bed - be careful here for seasonal flooding.

This convenient hike off of I-64 west of St. Louis is about pay off!

At the creek, which is at approximately the 2.5-mile point, the Lewis and Clark Trails split and you will have a choice to continue on the Lewis Trail, which leads back toward the river for an 8-mile loop option, or follow the Clark Trail for the 5-mile option. The Clark Trail leads up the creek bed. This part of the trail is a bit less scenic, but it is still a wonderful walk in the woods. Eventually the trails will reconnect, and you will turn left at the junction to continue back to the parking lot where you started.

Signage can seem confusing, but get the map and you'll figure it out!

Here are the quick stats for the Weldon Spring Conservation Area Lewis and Clark Trails Loop:

Trailhead: From I-64, take the Weldon Spring exit and go south on route 94. Park in the parking area on the left side of the road just past the Francis Howell High School.
Distance: 5-mile loop with 8-mile option
Elevation Gain/Loss: 860 ft (262 m) approximate
Map: A map of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area is available from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Hiking Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours for the 5-mile loop, depending on your personal speed.
Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round, but summers can be incredibly hot. Also, be careful to avoid seasonal flooding.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

For more information on this hike or other hikes discussed in the blog HikeyHikey, feel free to leave a comment below. Check out my other blogs Man of Merit and MyFitLife2Day. Or contact me via my splash page at about.me/brian.schwarz.

Happy hiking!

Hiking Rancho Mirage - Survivors Loop Foothills Hike

Every town should be so fortunate as Rancho Mirage. In this age when communities are on the front lines of the obesity epidemic, Rancho Mirage is truly blessed to be home to fitness hiking trails with such variety as these.

The Survivors Loop hike begins at Rancho Mirage Cancer Survivors Park

The Rancho Mirage trailhead practically starts at a bus stop next to city hall, at State Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive, where there's a park honoring cancer survivors. From here, trails go up and down along the foothills, snaking through canyons and passing unrivaled views of the northern Coachella Valley and surrounding mountain ranges before heading back to the beginning at a soon-to-open 5-star resort - the much anticipated Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage.

Rancho Mirage Cancer Survivors Park, seen from the Jack Rabbit Trail

The hike I describe here is actually a composite of several trails: the Jack Rabbit, Road Runner and Chuckwalla trails to be exact. From the parking area, go through Cancer Survivors Park and take the Jack Rabbit trail up the back side of the hill you see on your right. You will go up several switchbacks and pass the Bighorn Overlook before finally reaching Frank Sinatra Road at about 1.2 miles. Cross the road and take the Road Runner trail up the hill. Soon it will turn into the Chuckwalla Trail as it bends around and passes over two developer-flattened hill.

At the top, you will see a trail spur to your right. Take this first of two short spurs on this hike for an incredible view, then return to the original trail and go straight on and into a canyon. There will be a trailer park deep in the canyon below and to your right, and then you will notice another trail spur. Take this one to the end, to what I call Survivors Point, which looms above the intersection of Highway 111 and Date Palm Drive and overlooks Cathedral Canyon and downtown Cathedral City. Go back to the original trail and continue on.

View of Santa Rosa Mountains from first spur on the Survivors Loop hike

This part of the Chuckwalla Trail winds in and out of small canyons and passes below the Mirada Villas housing development before eventually ending up at an area cleared for the Ritz Carlton Development at Frank Sinatra Drive again. From here, walk carefully down Frank Sinatra until you arrive to the point where you crossed the road down earlier, and take the Jack Rabbit trail once again to the bottom of the hill at Cancer Survivors Park. You could also choose to re-trace your steps back along the Chuckwalla Trail, excluding the spurs, to add another 1.25 miles.

At the first spur junction, this arrow directs your way to the canyons

I am inspired to call this hike the Survivors Loop, and here's why: 1) When I hike here I do it in honor of all of the people in my life who have survived or are currently fighting to survive cancer, 2) Because I myself am a survivor of super obesity, and hiking these trails has allowed my fitness and weight-loss goals to survive while visiting the area, and 3) The trails here are old and exist in a constant state of jeopardy, surviving only because developers consider them a value-added selling point.

The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage is itself a survivor, adding perhaps a fourth reason for the name Survivors Loop. The property was almost fully completed when the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 left its developers bankrupt. The resort has stood silent in these hills since then, but recently the City of Rancho Mirage struck a deal with a new developer that promises to put the project back on track. Apparently, The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage will survive and open sometime in 2013.

Going back the way you came provides many views you may have missed

If you're interested in hiking the Rancho Mirage trails, here are some quick stats for the Survivors Loop hike:

Trailhead: You can find parking in a small lot between Rancho Mirage City Hall and the Cancer Survivors Park just off State Highway 111. Additional parking can be found in the city hall lot at the corner of Highway 11 and Frank Sinatra Drive. You can also shorten this loop by driving up Frank Sinatra Drive a bit and parking where you see the Chuckwalla Loop sign on the right side. Starting here cuts off about 2 miles.

Distance: 5 miles, lollipop loop (6.25 miles for the full out-and-back route; 3 miles for the short out-and-back loop)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300/300 feet (approximate)
Map: The City of Rancho Mirage has a trail map online, but it isn't very detailed. Still, it is difficult if not impossible to get lost in this area since views are so open and it lies within the foothills urbanized zone.
Hiking Time: About 2 to 3 hours for the full loop, depending on your personal speed.
Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round. In hotter months it is best to do the hike super early, so plan to arrive at the trailhead just before dawn.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (due to length)

Teddy bear cholla and Coachella Valley view, Rancho Mirage Survivor Loop

If you have any questions about this or any other hike listed on this blog, please leave your comment below. Also, you can tweet me @MyFitLife2Day.

Hiking Palm Springs - Goat Trails to Murray Hill Summit

Visitors to Palm Springs rarely get a feel for the true texture of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. To most, the slopes that line State Highway 111 from the wind farms at San Gorgonio Pass to Palm Desert and the southern Coachella Valley are just a glorious backdrop to a weekend desert getaway. For those who would venture into them, however, these mountains unlock treasures beyond the ordinary vacation.

Murray Hill rising above the Cathedral City Starbucks along Highway 111

The hike from the Goat Trails to the top of Murray Hill in the lower Santa Rosas is a magical one. I like to start with a cup of joe from the Starbucks in Cathedral City so I can stare up at the summit and imagine myself there while I get the jolt of caffeine I'll need to help get me motivated to make the trip. Climbing more than 1,900 feet in about 3.5 miles - with a couple of ups and downs along the way that add probably another 300 feet of vertical hiking - this 7-mile out-and-back hike is fairly strenuous but still do-able in about four hours for the average hiker.

This less-than-welcoming sign marks the start of your hike to Murray Hill

The trailhead just south of the Vons Supermarket at Highway 111 and South Broadmoor Drive in Palm Springs provides ample parking. Start this hike early, as there is no tree-cover, and bring plenty of water. I recommend at least four liters. From the trailhead you will pass through a gate that says no trespassing. I assume this is meant for cars because this is a very popular trail that is listed in many guidebooks. In fact, this trailhead is especially popular because it is where all the mountain bikers access the so-called Goat Trails - a complex network of abandoned dirt roads and single-track trails that you will have to navigate on your way to the entrance to the Clara Burgess Trail, which lead to Murray Hill's summit.

View of Murray Hill from the Goat Trails, just above the twin water towers

Beyond the trailhead gate, walk up the road toward twin water towers. Near the top of the hill you will see a driveway leading into the towers on your right. Just past this, you will see a single-track trail that rises sharply up a hill. Take this and continue on it until you reach a wider trail, which is actually an abandoned dirt road. Cross this road and go straight onto another road. Continue until you reach an intersection at the bottom of the hill. Here, you will see another single-track trail that you will follow into Eagle Canyon.

Dropping into Eagle Canyon is one of my favorite parts of this hike

Continue on the Eagle Canyon trail as it takes you along the north rim of the canyon. On this trail, at about one mile, you will find a spur that leads down into Jane's Hoffbrau Oasis, a palm oasis that is a perfect destination for a shorter hike and a picnic. To reach Murray Hill, continue on. Shortly, the trail will turn sharply to the right and continue up a couple of switchbacks to the top of a hill where you will pass some serendipitous trail art before descending again into the canyon.

Take Clara Burgess Trail to Murry Hill summit

You can take that route, or instead, bypass the extra switchbacks by taking the rugged trail that continues straight along the canyon's rim until it dips down to the canyon floor. Watch your footing here as this is an un-maintained part of the trail. From here, go right and follow the floor of the canyon, scramble up two small dry waterfalls, and just after the second one look closely for a trail that leads up the south wall of the canyon. Take this route up and along the spine of a ridge until you reach a sign for the Clara Burgess Trail. This is where you will begin your ascent of Murray Hill.

Enjoy lunch with 360° views at the picnic area atop Murray Hill's summit

From here the trail is easy to follow; Just remember the way you came so you can easily find your path on the return. Here are some quick stats to help you find your way:

Trailhead: Dirt parking lot south of the Vons Supermarket at Highway 111 and South Broadmoor Drive in Palm Springs
Distance: 7 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,200/2,200 feet
Map: The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument sells a map that includes this hike for $10. Pick one up at the visitor's center, located at 51500 State Highway 74 in Palm Desert. Also, you can put your Google skills to work to find a GPS map of the Murray Hill hike online.
Hiking Time: About 4 hours, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains.
Best Times to Hike: The BLM asks that you voluntarily refrain from hiking this trail to protect Bighorn Sheep breeding habitats from January 1 to June 31, although winter is probably the best time to to hike it. This means, your best bet is to hike it from late October through the end of December.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

This palm oasis in Eagle Canyon means a mile or so to go to the trailhead!

For more information on this and other hikes in the desert mountains, check with the Friends of the Desert Mountains. The Friends share a headquarters with the national monument at the visitor's center listed above. Also, as always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly using the comments section below. I'm also on Twitter @myfitlife2day. To read my other blogs or learn more about me, check out my splash page.

Hiking Boston Metro West - Kendal Green to Cat Rock

You may know that Boston is home to two sprawling urban wilderness sanctuaries - the Middlesex Fells and the Blue Hills. But did you know that throughout the city and in the surrounding suburbs many smaller conservation areas are to be found. Cat Rock is one of my favorites, and the best part is that it's accessible by public transit from Boston's North Station or Porter Square in Cambridge.

Hobb's Pond - the gem of Cat Rock Park

Cat Rock Park, located in Weston, Mass., is a tiny slice of preserved wilderness in the midst of suburbia. This granite-topped hill scratches up to the sky from within the suburban landscape about half a mile's walk from the Kendall Green T station.

Escape to the wilds of suburban Boston in Metro West's Cat Rock Park

A passive park, or reservation as it's called, Cat Rock features a loop trail that links it to the rest of the 80 Acre woods that surround Hobb's Pond - the park's central gem. Hobb's Pond is fed by the Cambridge Reservoir farther north and empties via Hobbs Brook to the south into the Stony Brook Reservoir, finally releasing into the Charles River by the Waltham-Newton divide. Hobb's Brook dissects the Cat Rock and 80 Acres hiking loop, so two shorter loops may be followed by sticking to the brook's east or west bank, or you can do the whole thing in just a few hours.

Dogs should be on-leash when not relaxing by your side atop Cat Rock

Cat Rock is on the west side loop. To get there directly I'd suggest taking the Fitchburg Line to Kendal Green, walking north on Church Street, taking a left onto Route 117, and then a quick right onto Drabbington Way. Trail spurs are at the end of Drabbington, on either side of the ball field. The quickest route to Cat Rock from here is taking the left trail spur. Take it into the woods and veer left in the clearing to ascend the old abandoned ski run, and then down the mushroom-clad hill that leads downhill to the west and north here and do the entire loop toward an open meadow, and Hobb's Pond.

Fells-like rock formation in northeaster section of Cat Rock Park

The trail to the right of the ball field will take you away from Cat Rock, to a footbridge where you can cross to the east side loop and into the woods. Straight ahead you will find a street exit to Lexington Street, which runs north-south and forms much of the eastern edge of the woods. Straight and to the right you will find the southern exit to Page Road, which curves east once exiting the park and also leads to Lexington Street. Continue to the north past Hobb's Pond and across the meadow and you will find the northwestern corner of the park, which is also fun to explore. There is a large rock formation similar to what you will find in the Fells.

After exploring Cat Rock Park, to return to Kendal Green either go back to the trailhead you came in on via Drabbington Way, or take Lexington south to Route 117, where you will take a right and then a left onto Church, which slopes down hill toward the station.

Here are the quick stats for Cat Rock Park:

Trailhead: Parking lot at the end of Drabbington Way in Weston, Mass.
Distance: 1 to 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: approximately 300/300 feet
Map: You can obtain a map of Weston Conservation Lands for $10 from the town hall at 11 Town House Road, Weston, MA 02493, or by calling 781-786-5000.  A book with trail descriptions is also available from Weston Conservation Commission for $15. An interactive online map of Cat Rock and other conservation lands is available from the Weston Forest and Trail Association.
Hiking Time: Trails within the park extend as far as the Weston/Lincoln border in the northwestern extreme of the park - doing the main loop and the long spur up to Lincoln will garner you a fairly nice hike of about three hours. This is a great place to walk around for as little or as much time as you have.
Best Times to Hike: This hike is great year-round. Watch out for seasonal flooding.
Difficulty: Easy

If you're living in or just visiting the Boston area, I'd really recommend checking this place out. It's a lovely diversion from the fast pace of city life. And if you're close enough, it's a great spot to enjoy regular hikes without having to venture too far from home. If you're looking for more strenuous hikes in the Boston area, check out these three hikes.

To find out more about your me, check out my splash page. Follow me on Twitter @MyFitLife2Day. And check out my other blogs, MyFitLife2Day and Man of Merit.