Bear Hill Trail and Bear Hill Tower

Bear Hill Trail is a 0.2-mile blue-blazed spur off the Skyline Trail that climbs to Bear Hill Tower in the western Fells. The tower is currently closed, according to Friends of the Fells.

Bear Hill Tower: Is It Open?

No. Friends of the Fells lists Bear Hill Tower as currently closed. The trail still goes to the base of the tower.

If you want a tower you can visit, Wright's Tower on Pine Hill is a different hike. More on that below.

How to Get There

Friends of the Fells describes the usual route: start at the Sheepfold parking lot in Stoneham and take the white-blazed Skyline Trail north. Turn onto the blue-blazed Bear Hill Trail where it leaves the Skyline. Plan on about an hour from the lot to the tower.

DCR calls the Sheepfold one of the main ways into the trails on the western side of the Fells. Its lot is gated, usually opens at 9 AM, and is locked within a half hour after sunset.

Friends of the Fells also lists a gated Bear Hill parking area with the same hours, and has started Bear Hill walks at Gate 21 on Fallon Road in Stoneham. Use the official trail map to find your way from there. Our parking guide covers every lot.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: adding a short side climb to a Skyline Trail hike.

Maybe skip if: you came for the tower view, since the tower is closed. Or if you want a short walk on its own. From the Sheepfold lot it's about an hour each way.

Connecting Trails

Bear Hill Trail branches off the Skyline Trail. The Skyline is white-blazed and 7.6 miles around the outer edge of the western Fells. DCR rates it difficult and puts it at about 5 hours, with steep climbs to rocky outcrops and views of Boston. Our hiking guide covers the other marked trails.

Bear Hill Tower vs. Wright's Tower

They're two different towers. Bear Hill Tower sits at the end of this trail and is closed. Wright's Tower is on Pine Hill, near Bellevue Pond and South Border Road in Medford, where DCR says it looks out over the Boston Basin.

Rules to Know

• The reservation is open dawn to dusk.
• Dogs on a leash, up to four per person. Pick up and carry out all waste.
• Stay on official trails, and avoid them after heavy rain.
• No fires, grilling, drones or alcohol.