Houghton's Pond Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates seasonally from April through October. Bathrooms open seasonally 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM during operating months.

About

Located within the Blue Hills Reservation stretching from Quincy to Dedham and Milton to Randolph, Houghton's Pond Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown Boston. The 24-acre pond features a beach with seasonal lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making it a popular summer swimming destination. The area provides access to the extensive trail network of the Blue Hills Reservation, including options for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The recreation area includes amenities such as picnic areas, a playground, a concession pavilion, and a visitor center. Parking is free of charge. The Blue Hills Reservation's 7,000 acres of open space provide a green oasis in an urban environment, with trails ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging climbs up Great Blue Hill, the highest coastal hill on the Atlantic south of Maine at over 630 feet elevation.

Directions

From Route 93, take exit 3 (Houghton's Pond, Ponkapoag Trail exit). Follow signs to Houghton's Pond Recreation Area at 840 Hillside St., Milton, MA 02186.

Nearby Campgrounds