Getting Here

Blue Hill Observatory sits at the summit of Great Blue Hill in Milton, Massachusetts — about 10 miles south of downtown Boston. The closest public parking is at the Blue Hill Ski Area and Trailside Museum at the base of the hill.

📍 Parking: Blue Hill Ski Area / Trailside Museum, 1902 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186

Directions From the North

Take either Route 128/95 south or Route 93 south to the Route 138 exit in Canton (Exit 2). Follow Route 138 north approximately 1 mile through one set of traffic lights to the Blue Hill Ski Area and Trailside Museum parking area on the right. Hiking trails lead to the summit of Great Blue Hill from these parking lots.

Directions From the South

Take Route 95 or Route 3 north to Route 93 north, then to the Route 138 exit in Canton (Exit 2). Follow Route 138 north approximately 1 mile through one set of traffic lights to the Blue Hill Ski Area and Trailside Museum parking area on the right. Hiking trails lead to the summit from these parking lots.

Hiking to the Summit

Two main routes lead from the parking area to the Observatory. Both take approximately 20–30 minutes.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Blue Hill Ski Area and adjacent Trailside Museum (1902 Canton Ave, Milton). Please note: Blue Hill Observatory has no affiliation with Mass Audubon or the Trailside Museum — they simply share the same parking area at the base of the hill.

Public Transit

Take the MBTA Red Line (Ashmont branch) and connect to Bus Route 240 toward Avon/Randolph, which stops near the Blue Hills Reservation. From the bus stop, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the trailhead. Check mbta.com for current schedules and fares.