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A nice loop that takes in some of the high points of the East Fells.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

91%

Runnable

281' 86 m

High

137' 42 m

Low

619' 189 m

Up

619' 189 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

Blazed in white, this is a loop trail that can be done in either direction from a variety of starting points. The parts of the trail closer to the Flynn Rink parking lot are a fairly gentle run in the woods, while the parts around to Fellsway East feature a fair amount of ascents/descents and some short scrambles.

Need to Know

The trail crosses Fellsway East twice—be careful and watch for cars!

Be aware that the blazing is inconsistent, and in some cases misleading. Trail junctions are often not blazed, and many blazes are heavily worn, or on fallen trees. There are several locations where off-trail paths have been cut. Follow the blazes religiously!

Description

The trail often takes short detours to reach more boulders (they don't call it Rock Circuit for nothing) and also visits the ruins of the MIT Geodetic Observatory. The trail is reasonably well-blazed (in white) but it crosses many other trails and fire roads so a map or the Trail Run Project mobile app is strongly recommended.

As shown, this lollipop run starts from the Flynn Rink parking area and uses the Cross Fells Trail: Flynn Skating Rink To Black Rock to join with the Rock Circuit Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Look for lots of lady slipper orchids in late spring.

Contacts

Shared By:

zach young with improvements by Ben Child

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 11 votes

#3163

Overall
  4.0 from 11 votes
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4 Star
45%
3 Star
27%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#22

in Massachusetts

#3,163

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7,200 Since May 28, 2018
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Photos

Middlesex Fells Reservation
Feb 19, 2020 near Melrose, MA
A frozen Cascade Falls makes for a beautiful wintertime reward at the trail's end.
Mar 5, 2017 near Melrose, MA

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 6 days ago
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Apr 24, 2022
Hayley Kunkle
Sep 7, 2020
Ben Child
4.6mi — 1h 25m
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