for young explorers
dynamite doublet hill, by sarah smith and mary menino

Birds in Weston Area, by Crystal Tzau

Climbing Cat, by Sarah Smith

Dynamite Doublet Hill, by Sarah Smith and Mary Menino

An Excellent Excursion, by Molly Recka

The Hidden Stonehedge Trail, by Kristy Stewart

A Jolly Jericho Jaunt, by Crystal Tzau

Just Around the Woody Bend, by Lindsay Jarrett

A Kid's Guide to Weston's Trails, by Girl Scout Troop 3064, June 2007

Rockin' Around the Reservoir, by Kara Hedges

Weekend Waddle in the Fiske Forest and Sunday Woods, by Meredith Rahman

Woodland Wander and Bumpy Biking, by Maggie Merrill

If you want to see Weston in relation to its neighbors—including the behemoth of Boston—this is the place to come. You can see close-in landmarks, such as Newton-Wellesley Hospital (ouch) and the Charles River, and further out you can pick out the Prudential and Hancock towers and Heartbreak Hill. I couldn’t find Fenway, even in the summer, when the trees are full of leaves, you get a great view from the ledges at the top. As the name suggests, Doublet Hill has two peaks: the one you will walk over on the walk described below and a second peak which is a few feet higher at 360 feet above sea level and about 100 yards to the west. The western peak belongs to a lucky homeowner whose large terrace and swimming pool have a great view to the south. However, the “public” peak blocks the view of Boston from the terrace of the private home.

General Information
What I am calling Doublet Hill is really three separate parcels of conservation land, which are separated only by a buried underground aqueduct, which resembles an earthen speed bump.

My suggested walk enters from the northern-most and largest of these parcels—Doublet Hill—which is bordered on the south side of the aqueduct by two other pieces of conservation land, the Elliston Woods (named in honor of the founder of Weston Forest and Trails Association) and Hemlock Pond. Parking for these three pieces of conservation land is limited, so, if you don’t ride your bike, tell your chauffeur to take you to the end of—yes— Doublet Hill Road (off Newton Street just north of Pine Brook Golf Club). There is an unpaved area in front of the water tower where you can leave your limo. Alternatively, there is a single parking space along Young Road (just north of #44) and you can join the trail there.

Recommended Hike
So, lace up your sneakers and let’s get started. Assuming you start at the end of Doublet Hill Road, you enter the property by the vehicle-blocking gate. About 200’ in from the parking you will see several trails fan out. You should head for the marked trail furthest to the right that runs between the water tower (on the right) and what appears to be a huge pile of rocks on the left. (Note, if you can’t wait for the promised view, you could sneak a peak by heading up over the peak right at the beginning. To do this take one of the trails to the left. In that case, when you come down on the south side, turn right at either the intersection marked “R“ or “S” and proceed to the intersection marked “P“ where you will turn left to join the proposed route.).

You should turn right and follow the path around the pond. As you come to the west end of the pond you will cross a bridge over the water source for the pond and you should be able to see Young Road on your right. (This is the alternate entrance to this hike). Continue around the pond close to the edge of the water with the pond on your left (or if the pond is really full, there is another trail further to your right that will be drier). This area around the pond is full of beautiful moss and lichen and in places can be swampy. (If you prefer, you could go left when you first reach the pond and not go around the entire pond). At the eastern end of the pond there will be an intersection of four trails, take the left-most trail closest to the pond. Go just a short distance across the eastern end of the pond and turn right and go straight up hill on a trail. You will quickly find yourself back on top of the aqueduct. Turn right. Walk along the aqueduct for a few minutes until you see a sign on your left. Drop down off the aqueduct and immediately you will begin a steep climb.

Queen of the Hill
by Sarah Smith

At the beginning of the big huge climb
Dark leaves and big tall trees engulf the view
You step in mud and trek through the gross slime
You cannot see what is in front of you

The darkness of the deepened forest swallows all
And every turn can bring a new surprise
Yet walking through the darkest forest wall
Can bring new light to the darkest eye

You’re reaching the top of the double hill
The feeling of success is not denied
The gorgeous view has calméd my wild will
Whoever said the view was bad, they lied

The sudden burst of joy, it feels so great
Yet I must return home before I’m late