Rock Circuit Trail at Middlesex Fells Reservation

The Rock Circuit Trail is a 4-mile loop with white blazes in the eastern Middlesex Fells, east of Route 93. DCR rates it a difficult hike and puts the average hiking time at about 4.5 hours, mostly over rocky outcrops.

Most people start at Flynn Rink in Medford and cross Woodland Road to pick up the loop. If you want a shorter hike, a 0.6-mile connector cuts the loop in half.

Where to Start and Park

DCR's suggested start is the Flynn Rink lot at 300 Elm Street in Medford. Cross Woodland Road, start on the Woodland Path, and walk uphill until you meet the white blazes. You can go either direction from there.

Parking is free. For other lots on the east side of the Fells, see our parking guide.

What the Trail Is Like

The name tells you most of it. DCR describes the trail as crossing rocky outcrops in the southeast corner of the Fells, with a mix of scenic views along the way. Expect short, steep climbs up ledges and a lot of rock underfoot.

DCR points out two highlights: the view from Boojum Rock, and the Cascades when the water is flowing.

DCR also warns that rocky single-track trails like this one can be slippery or muddy at any time of year. Wear shoes with good grip. After heavy rain, pick another day. Wet trails erode fast, and wet ledges are hard to stand on.

Bring a map. DCR notes that some trails aren't well marked, and the Fells has many unofficial side paths. Stick to the blazed route. Our trail map page links the official DCR map.

Shorter Option: The Rock Circuit Connector

The Rock Circuit Connector is a 0.6-mile trail with orange blazes. It runs from gate #51 on Fellsway East to the Rock Circuit north of Boojum Rock. DCR says it lets you cut the Rock Circuit in half, and rates it a moderate hike.

Use it if you want the rocky terrain without committing to the full four-hour loop, or if you're running short on daylight.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: experienced hikers who want a real workout close to Boston, and anyone who likes scrambling over ledges more than walking flat paths.

Maybe skip if: you're hiking with young kids or want an easy walk. DCR rates the 1.5-mile Healthy Heart Trail (marked with green hearts) as easy. For flat walking with water views, try the paths around Spot Pond.

Connecting Trails

• Crystal Spring Trail: red blazes, 2.3 miles, moderate. It climbs Saddleback and Whip Hills, passes through Virginia Wood, and meets the Rock Circuit south of Pond Street.
• Cross Fells Trail: blue blazes, 4.7 miles one way, difficult. It links the western Fells to Quarter Mile Pond on the east side and crosses Woodland Road and Fellsway East.
• Skyline Trail: the other big white-blazed loop, 7.6 miles around the western Fells. It's on the other side of Route 93, so you won't mix the two up on the trail.

Rules on the Trail

• The reservation is open dawn to dusk.
• Dogs stay on a leash, with a limit of four dogs per person. Pick up and carry out all waste.
• The Rock Circuit is for hikers only. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails only.
• Stay on official, blazed trails. Going off trail needs a DCR permit.
• No fires, grilling, drones or alcohol.

See the full list on our rules page, and check hours before you go. Planning more hikes? Our hiking guide covers the other trails in the Fells.