Trail Run Project Logo

This loop run features excellent views of Boston and the Blue Hills.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.7

KM

97%

Runnable

392' 119 m

High

241' 73 m

Low

227' 69 m

Up

225' 69 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Overview

After passing an orchard, the loop reaches the summit of Holt Hill, where there are excellent views of Boston and the Blue Hills. This route is recommended for families.

Description

The entrance for this run is on Prospect Rd, 0.3 miles east of MA 125 in Andover. Run east along Prospect Rd, then bear left and follow Rachel's Trail past the orchard.

At Jct 4, turn left onto the Bay Circuit Trail (BCT, more info at baycircuit.org) and make an easy ascent to the open meadow at the summit of Holt Hill and the Solstice Stones directional markers.

From the summit, follow the BCT along a paved utility road, then turn right at Jct 23 and continue downhill past stone walls. At Jct 22, turn right off the BCT and follow Ward Trail through the woods bordering Rubbish Meadow wetland. Turn right at Jcts 18 and 17, then right at Jct 16 and follow the Sanborn Trail along Cat Swamp and the base of Shrub and Holt Hills.

Complete the loop at the junction with the BCT near Holt Hill summit, then turn right on the paved road and follow it past Jct 23 to Prospect Rd and the trailhead.

This featured run is courtesy of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Bay Circuit Trail Map & Guide. For more information, visit their website.

Contacts

Shared By:

Appalachian Mountain Club

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 6 votes

#3252

Overall
  4.2 from 6 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#26

in Massachusetts

#3,252

Overall
10 Views Last Month
5,723 Since Oct 25, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

20%
20%
60%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

View towards Boston.
Oct 25, 2016 near Andover, MA
Solstice Stones on Holt Hill.
Oct 25, 2016 near Andover, MA
IMG_7323
Oct 23, 2019 near Andover, MA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.