Blue Hills reservations spring

## Overview Blue Hills Reservation Spring is a public drinking spring located within the Blue Hills Reservation in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The Blue Hills Reservation is one of the largest open spaces in the greater Boston metropolitan area, encompassing over 7,000 acres of forested hills, ponds, wetlands, and rocky terrain managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The reservation's name derives from the bluish hue its hills take on when viewed from a distance — a feature noted by early European explorers and long before that by the Massachusett people, for whom the hills held cultural and spiritual significance. The geology of the Blue Hills is notable: the area is underlain by a variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including the distinctive Blue Hills Granite Porphyry, which dates back roughly 450 million years. Natural springs in the reservation emerge where groundwater meets fractures or contacts between rock types, often producing cool, mineral-filtered water. This particular spring, situated near GPS coordinates 42.22265, -71.0631, has historically served as a refreshment point for hikers and visitors exploring the reservation's extensive trail network. While the spring has been used as a drinking water source by visitors over the years, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions, and no current testing data is publicly available for this specific source. ## Directions 1. The spring is located within the Blue Hills Reservation in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, near GPS coordinates **42.22265, -71.0631**. 2. From Boston, head south on I-93 and take Exit 3 (Houghton's Pond / Blue Hills Reservation). 3. Follow signs toward the Blue Hills Reservation and Houghton's Pond area. 4. Use the GPS coordinates to navigate to the spring's approximate location within the reservation. A GPS-enabled device or smartphone mapping app is recommended, as the reservation covers a large area with many trails and access points. 5. Be prepared for a short hike from the nearest parking area, as the spring may not be directly accessible by car. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Visitors are encouraged to consult a Blue Hills Reservation trail map (available at DCR kiosks and online) for the most accurate route to the spring.* ## What to Expect The Blue Hills Reservation offers a surprisingly wild landscape just minutes south of downtown Boston. The terrain is hilly and rocky, with well-marked trails winding through oak and pine forests. The spring is situated in this natural setting, and reaching it may require a moderate hike depending on your starting point. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as trails in the reservation can be rocky and uneven. The reservation is open year-round, but spring flow may vary seasonally — it tends to be strongest in spring and early summer after snowmelt and rain, and may slow during dry summer months. The surrounding area is excellent for hiking, with over 125 miles of trails, including a section of the Skyline Trail that offers panoramic views of the Boston skyline. Houghton's Pond, located nearby, is a popular swimming and picnic spot in warmer months. The reservation is also home to the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, a small nature museum operated by Mass Audubon. Parking is available at several lots throughout the reservation, though popular areas can fill up on weekends, especially in fall foliage season. There is no fee to enter the reservation itself.