Rock Circuit Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Blazed in white, this is a loop trail that can be done in either direction from a variety of starting points. The parts of the trail closer to the Flynn Rink parking lot are a fairly gentle hike in the woods, while the parts around to Fellsway East feature a fair amount of ascents/descents and some short scrambles.

The trail crosses Fellsway East twice—be careful and watch for cars!

Be aware that the blazing is inconsistent, and in some cases misleading. Trail junctions are often not blazed, and many blazes are heavily worn, or on fallen trees. There are several locations where off-trail paths have been cut. Follow the blazes religiously!

The trail often takes short detours to reach more boulders (they don't call it Rock Circuit for nothing) and also visits the ruins of the MIT Geodetic Observatory. The trail is reasonably well-blazed (in white) but it crosses many other trails and fire roads so a map or the Hiking Project mobile app is strongly recommended.

As shown, this lollipop hike starts from the Flynn Rink parking area and uses the Cross Fells Trail: Flynn Skating Rink To Black Rock to join with the Rock Circuit Trail.

Look for lots of lady slipper orchids in late spring.