Middlesex Fells Reservation
Visitor Guide
100+ miles of free trails, ponds and rocky hills, about six miles north of Boston. Here's where to park, when it's open, and which trail to pick.
What Is Middlesex Fells Reservation?
Middlesex Fells Reservation is a free, 2,575-acre state park about six miles north of Boston, in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester. It's open dawn to dusk, and the gated parking lots open at 9 AM.
Locals call it "the Fells." The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) runs it, and it was one of the first public parks preserved for the Boston area, starting in 1894. Route 93 splits it into the West Fells and the East Fells, with 100+ miles of trails between them.
Middlesex Fells Reservation at a Glance
Where to Park at Middlesex Fells
Parking is free at the DCR lots. The gated lots usually open at 9 AM and lock within a half hour after sunset, so don't plan an early start from inside a gate.
- Sheepfold, off Route 28 (Fellsway West) in Stoneham: the West Fells, the dog field and the Skyline Trail.
- Bellevue Pond, South Border Road in Medford: the closest lot to Wright's Tower.
- Long Pond, South Border Road in Winchester: the Long Pond Nature Trail and the reservoirs.
- Botume House (Stoneham) and Flynn Rink (Medford), Woodland Road: Spot Pond and the East Fells.
Lot-by-lot details and busy-day tips are in our Parking guide.
What to Do at Middlesex Fells Reservation
Hiking, biking, paddling, dog walks and winter skiing, all in one park.
Hiking
100+ miles of trails, from easy walks around Long Pond to the rocky 7.6-mile Skyline Trail. Bring the DCR trail map. Some junctions aren't well marked.
Hiking Guide →
Mountain Biking
The Mountain Bike Loop (green blazes) covers 6.5 miles of the western Fells. Bikes stay on marked bike trails.
Mountain Biking Guide →
Canoe & Kayaking
Rent a canoe or kayak from Paddle Boston and paddle Spot Pond in the warm months. Private boats aren't allowed.
Canoe & Kayaking Guide →
Dogs & Off-Leash Area
Dogs are welcome on leash everywhere, and off leash in the Sheepfold field under voice control. The limit is four dogs per person.
Dogs Guide →
Swimming
The only place to swim is Wright's Pond, a City of Medford beach for Medford residents with a pond pass, late June to late August.
Wright's Pond →
Picnicking
The Sheepfold is a 5-acre open field off Route 28 in Stoneham, with room for a picnic blanket and a game of catch.
Birdwatching & Wildlife
The reservoirs, ponds and wooded ridges make the Fells one of the easiest places to go birding this close to Boston.
Winter Activities
After a good snow, the fire roads and wider trails work for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Cross-Country Skiing →Most Popular Trails at Middlesex Fells
Mileage and difficulty from the DCR trail map.
The long loop around the western Fells, with views of Boston from rocky summits. DCR puts it at about 5 hours.
Circles the north, middle and south reservoirs in the western Fells, with water views along the way. DCR rates it moderate to difficult. The reservoirs are drinking water, so stay out of them.
A rocky loop east of Route 93 with lots of outcrops and views. DCR puts it at about 4.5 hours.
The marked bike route through the western Fells.
A short, quiet walk and the easiest place to start with kids.
How to Get to Middlesex Fells Reservation
By car, by bus from the Orange Line, or on foot from the neighborhoods around it.
By Car
From Route 93, the Fells is minutes from the Route 28 and South Border Road exits. Parking is free at the DCR lots listed above. If a lot is full, park only where signs allow and never block a gate.
By Public Transit
Take the Orange Line to Malden Center, then MBTA bus #132 to the Stone Zoo, about 10 minutes, at the edge of the East Fells.
Visitor Center
The Botume House Visitor Center is located at 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, on the eastern shore of Spot Pond, half a mile south of Stone Zoo. Trail maps and DCR program info are available there. Call (781) 590-2100 for hours.
Rules to Know at Middlesex Fells
- Dogs stay on leash except in the Sheepfold field, and the limit is four dogs per person.
- No swimming in Spot Pond, Bellevue Pond or the reservoirs. The only beach is Wright's Pond, for Medford residents.
- Bikes stay on marked bike trails.
- The reservation is open dawn to dusk.
The full list is on our Rules & Regulations page.
A Feel for the Fells
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middlesex Fells Reservation free?
Yes. There's no entrance fee, and parking is free at the DCR lots.
What are the Middlesex Fells hours?
The reservation is open dawn to dusk, year-round. Gated lots like Sheepfold, Bellevue Pond and Long Pond usually open at 9 AM and lock within a half hour after sunset.
Where do I park for Middlesex Fells?
The main free lots are Sheepfold off Route 28 in Stoneham, Bellevue Pond and Long Pond on South Border Road, and the Botume House lot in Stoneham and the Flynn Rink lot in Medford, both on Woodland Road. See our Parking guide.
How far is Middlesex Fells from Boston?
About six miles north of downtown Boston. It sits in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester.
Are dogs allowed at Middlesex Fells?
Yes, on leash. The only off-leash area is the Sheepfold field, where dogs must stay under voice control. The limit is four dogs per person.
Can you swim at Middlesex Fells?
Only at Wright's Pond, and only if you live in Medford. The City of Medford runs a lifeguarded beach there for residents with a pond pass, late June to late August. Spot Pond, Bellevue Pond, and the reservoirs are closed to swimming year-round. See our Swimming page.
What is the best hike at Middlesex Fells?
The Skyline Trail is the classic: a 7.6-mile loop around the western Fells with views of Boston. DCR rates it difficult and puts it at about 5 hours. Our hiking guide compares every marked trail.
What is a good short hike at Middlesex Fells?
Walk from Bellevue Pond up the fire roads to Wright's Tower for a view over the Boston Basin. For an easy walk, try the 1.7-mile Long Pond Nature Trail. More easy hikes are in our hiking guide.
Where can I get a Middlesex Fells trail map?
DCR publishes the official trail map as a free PDF. Our Trail Map page links to it and lists the main trails.
Can you get to Middlesex Fells by public transit?
Yes. MBTA bus #132 runs from Malden Center on the Orange Line to the Stone Zoo in about 10 minutes, at the edge of the East Fells. See Getting Here by Public Transit.