Category Archives: Canton

Signal Hill (Canton, MA)

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

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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.

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The views are worth the short hike.

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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.

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A 360 degree video of the overlook at Signal Hill

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