Date visited: January 31, 2016
There are about a dozen parking spaces in the main parking lot. If needed, you can also park on the side of the road by the parking lot.
Cost: Free
Hours: open daily, sunrise to sunset
Before you even begin climbing the ascent to Signal Hill, the views from the parking lot are astounding.
Besides the historical significance (it used to be the home to the Paleo-Americans who settled on what would become the Neponset River) and the active wildlife (hawks are said to nest there and many amphibians inhabit the area by the river), Signal Hill also offers grand views of the Boston Skyline, Blue Hills and the Neponset River Valley.
The hill to the scenic outlook at Signal Hill is modest at best. It should only take 10 minutes to go from the parking lot to the outlook.
The views are worth the short hike.
The scenic overlook has some pretty trees and rocks.
One of the charming features of Signal Hill is the short loop (1.6 miles) at the base of the hill. After climbing and trudging along so many long and steep hills, it’s refreshing to be able to take a leisurely stroll along the clearly defined trail. There are also trails that veer off a little.
Off the main trail there is a canoe launch site on the Neponset River. The upstream launch site goes to Norwood (MA) while the downstream site leads to Milton (MA).
Since there is little traffic on the road, the road to Signal Hill is popular with joggers and cyclists.
I met Charley during my visit. He was having fun playing in what remained of the snow on the trail.
A 360 degree video of the overlook at Signal Hill
Connect with me on Facebook New England Nomad
February 5th, 2016 at 12:42 am
Wow not a lot of snow. Have you had it fairly easy this year? The skyline from the country always bring to mind the encroachment mankind has had on nature giving the elbow room of living space mankind wants. Be well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 1:05 am
No, we have escaped most of the storms this winter. We’re expecting a big one this weekend, though. We’re due for one! The snow would make for good photography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 1:49 am
Red berries look awesome in the snow as red cardinals. Don’t know if you get them over there or not. I miss the red cardinals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 2:48 am
Yes,I agree. We get a lot of cardinals in the Western MA area. They’re very pretty, especially in the winter after a snowfall. I will probably get a chance this weekend after our expected snow storm. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 4:37 am
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 12:44 am
The canoe launch spot on the Neponset looks like a serene spot, a nice place to paddle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 1:06 am
I’d like to try it out sometime. It goes on for quite a while, too.
LikeLike
February 24th, 2016 at 2:43 pm
In the summer, there’s a canoe/kayak rental vendor there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 24th, 2016 at 2:46 pm
Thank you for the tip! I’m definitely
LikeLike
February 24th, 2016 at 2:48 pm
l will definitely do it this summer!
LikeLike
February 5th, 2016 at 1:47 am
A canoe, water, trees rocks and methinks a picnic basket and I am loving this place!!! My list of places I would love to visit are steadily growing. Thank you for that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 2:40 am
Yes! On a sunny spring or summer day it would be a perfect location for a picnic and canoe trip. Yes, do add it to your list! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 3:44 am
Huge smiles, I will. I hope you’re having an amazing day.
LikeLike
February 5th, 2016 at 2:11 am
I bet this is beautiful in the spring and summer. Enjoy the snow tonight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 2:57 am
Yes, I miss the lush green grass and leafy trees! I will enjoy it until I have to shovel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 3:00 am
I hear that. I am getting ready.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 3:04 am
Good luck! Let’s hope it goes easy on us !
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 11:38 am
Beautiful place, Signal Hill 🙂 I like the landscapes. I love the video, too. I would like to take a ride on Signal Hill some day
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 12:47 pm
Thank you! Yes, it is beautiful there. It’s a nice place to go if you don’t want to go for a long, arduous hike. Some great views, too. It definitely is a nice place to take a ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 3:48 pm
This place looks like a very nice one to visit. So beautiful photos, it looks very peaceful 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 5th, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Thank you, Irene! That was one of the things that really attracted me to the place. It is located down a secluded, quiet service road and the trail is not very challenging. So, you can just relax and take a chill stroll. It’s very serene there. Based on the empty bottles and cigarette butts on the ground, I think the local kids like it there too ( :
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 7th, 2016 at 4:06 pm
Nice pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 7th, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Thank you, Heather!
LikeLike
February 8th, 2016 at 4:26 am
I love the traces of green healthy leaves showing off its fresh vivid colors, amidst the gray, brittle trees, it is like hope springing from among it. Wonderful pictures! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 8th, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Thank you! I liked how the blue sky played against the green fir trees.
LikeLike