Need a vacation from the holidays before they even start?  Even if you don’t have much time, you can still get a respite from the hustle and bustle by exploring of a new part of the Blue Hills.  Here’s one suggestion for your quick, local family get-away.

Start on the parking lot on Route 138, in between the Trailside Museum and Blue Hill River Road.  (The parking lot is on the opposite side as the Trailside.) Look for the trailhead to Little Blue Hill, a great hike for families.  Little Blue offers a much shorter climb than Great Blue, (only 270 feet in elevation, as opposed to Great Blue’s 635 feet).  If your kids like a bit of rock scrambling, they’ll get a quick fix up the (rather short) hill.  Most of the hike is through thick woods, although you’ll pass close to Green and Royale Streets. You’ll also discover a clearing with a stone bench, dedicated to Augustus Hemenway. A number of loop trails provide flexibility, so you can make it as short or as you like. Make sure you bring a map to navigate the trails, water (yes, even in the winter!) and don’t forget snacks to keep the kids’ energy up.

After you’ve enjoyed Little Blue Hill, check our recommended trail page on our website for more ideas.

Happy holidays!