Picture it: you’re in your car on a Wednesday evening. You’ve been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for at least 45 minutes with no end in sight — brake lights ahead of you as far as the eye can see. 

Beyond your windshield the sun is shining and a breeze ruffles the tree tops. Birds are probably chirping if you could hear them over the honking. You’re just about at your wit’s end. Should you quit your job, abandon your car by the side of the road, and start a new life beyond Boston drivers?

What if there were a better way? What if you paused your commute, took a walk in the woods, and got back on the road only when the worst of rush hour has calmed down. 

This scenario is how I first found my way into the Blue Hills more than 10 years ago. I had recently started a job in Quincy but was still living on the North Shore and faced an hour or more slog to get home every day. Looking for local things to do to avoid traffic, I discovered a small trail head near my office that actually connected to 125 miles of trails through a 7,000-acre state park!

It’s a Walk in the Park

An evening hike is a great way to relax, destress, and reset after a busy day.  Walking just 30 minutes a day has been proven to have benefits for physical and mental health, while spending time in nature can improve mindfulness and general well-being.

The Blue Hills Reservation is one of the most convenient places to take a post-work hike in greater Boston. It’s easy to access from the highway, offers plenty of parking, and is big enough that you won’t accidentally run into any coworkers you’d rather not see after hours.

Recommended Route

My personal go-to for an afterwork stroll is to to start at St. Moritz Ponds. This pair of ponds separated by a slim causeway is beautiful in any season, but especially during the summer when they’re covered with waterlilies.

If you’re looking for an easy stroll to stretch your legs after a long day, there are several options for easy loops depending on how far you want to go. The shortest route around is about three quarters of a mile, with a boardwalk running along the western edge of the pond. Sticking close to the water offers your best opportunity to spot herons, ducks, and other native birds that call the park home.

For a longer trek with minimal elevation gain, follow the Green Dot Loop. This 3.2 mile route will take you to the Milton border and back through woods and wetlands, offering an easy to moderate hike on broad, well-marked trails. 

If you want more of a challenge, I recommend Rattlesnake Hill. Start out on the Green Dot Loop heading west until it intersects with the Skyline Trail. Then follow those blue blazes to climb up to an old quarry on the hillside, now home to frogs and other amphibians. You can then continue along Skyline, possibly even taking in some views of Boston, until you’re ready to start looping back. With lots of interconnected trails in the area, it’s easy to find exactly the right path for your evening hike!