Plan Your Visit

Middlesex Fells Reservation is open every day, free to visit, and accessible by car or public transit. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know before you go — with links to the full details on each topic.

Hours & Admission

The reservation is open sunrise to sunset, year-round, with no admission fee. A few activities like kayak rentals and fishing licenses have their own costs. See our Hours & Fees page for full details, including parking gate times.

Parking

Free parking is available at multiple lots throughout the reservation, though the busiest ones fill up on weekend mornings. See our Parking & Directions guide for lot-by-lot locations and tips for beating the crowds.

Getting Here by Transit

Middlesex Fells is reachable by MBTA without a car — the Orange Line and several bus routes drop you within walking distance of the trails. See our Getting Here by Transit guide for step-by-step directions.

What to Bring

• Comfortable footwear. Most trails are natural surface — trail shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Some trails get muddy after rain, particularly in spring.
• Water. There are no water fountains on the trails. Bring more than you think you'll need.
• A trail map. Download one from our Trail Map page before you go. GPS and cell reception are unreliable in parts of the reservation, and Google Maps does not accurately reflect the trail network.
• Layers. Temperatures can be noticeably cooler inside the forested hills, especially in the morning.
• Dog leash. Required throughout the reservation, except in the Sheepfold off-leash area.

Things to Do

Middlesex Fells has something for most visitors:

• Hiking and Walking — 100+ miles of mixed-use trails for all skill levels
• Mountain Biking — designated trails through the Mountain Bike Loop
• Kayaking and Canoeing — rentals through Paddle Boston on Spot Pond
• Fishing — Spot Pond, Bellevue Pond, Wright's Pond, and more
• Dog Park — Sheepfold Meadow off-leash area in the West Fells
• Horseback Riding — designated bridle paths in the West Fells
• Cross-Country Skiing — trails open in winter when conditions allow

Key Rules to Know

Dogs must stay leashed except at Sheepfold, swimming isn't allowed except at the Medford residents' beach at Wright's Pond, and fires, grilling, and camping aren't allowed. See our full Rules and Regulations page before you go.

Start at the Botume House

If it's your first visit, the Botume House Visitor Center at 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham is the best place to start — trail maps and current conditions info are available there, right on the eastern shore of Spot Pond.

DCR can be reached at 781-590-2100 for questions about conditions, closures, or anything else.

More at Middlesex Fells

• Trail Map
• Parking and Directions
• Hours and Fees
• Rules and Regulations
• Accessible Recreation
• Getting Here by Transit
• Botume House Visitor Center
• About the Park