Today’s Forecast

37º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 4:28 p.m.

🥾 It’s adventure time

Take a hike: A guide to trails around Boston

At the end of your hike, soak in this classic skyline view at Blue Hills. | Photo via @morvant_carley

From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountains, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Boston area with 15 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

North of Boston

Battle Road Trail, 174 Liberty St., Concord

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 5 miles
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, leash required

The historic trail at Minute Man National Historical Park connects sites from Meriam’s Corner to Lexington. The route follows remnants of the Battle Road, the site of the first Revolutionary War battle on April 19, 1775 (and the shot heard ‘round the world).

Historic building along Battle Road Trail — Minute Man National Historical Park is home to several battle sites, including Concord and Lexington.
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Photo by @boston1c

Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden St., Concord

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.9 miles
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: No

Spend a Thoreau-ly perfect day at the famous Concord reservation. The hike takes about ~40 minutes to complete as you encounter swimming beaches, forests, and birds.

Skyline Outer Reservoir Loop, 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 7.7 miles
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Head to Middlesex Fells Reservation to try this popular loop out of four total trails. Bring your pups along, but be sure to follow the guidelines for dogs in on-leash and off-leash areas.

Body of water and trees at Middlesex Fells Reservation — You can also bike, fish, or rent a canoe at Middlesex Fells Reservation.
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Photo by @mr._thunderr

South of Boston

Great Blue Hill via Skyline Trail, 695 Hillside St., Milton

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 3 miles
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes, leash required

The Blue Hills Reservation is one of the most popular hiking spots in close proximity to Boston (and when you catch the views of the skyline from Eliot Tower, you’ll know why). Pro tip: Bring a trekking pole to help with your footing in steep areas.

Click the link below for 10 more hike details.

Take a hike

Asked

What is most important to you when choosing a hike?

A. Level of difficulty
B. Time to complete/number of miles
C. Unmatched views
D. It’s all about the hiking location

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, May 17

Celtics vs. Heat Game One | Wednesday, May 17 | 8:30 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | Prices vary | Cheer on the Celtics in Game One in this best-of-seven series for the Eastern Conference Finals.
100 Years of Boston Comedy | Wednesday, May 17 | 6-7 p.m. | Boston Public Library, Central Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston | Free | Learn more about the history of Boston’s comedy scene with Lynn resident Nick A. Zaino, III.

Thursday, May 18

Taylor Swift Trivia Night | Thursday, May 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | Free to attend | Get ready to “Speak Now” and play this Taylor Swift-themed trivia night with all your Swifties.

Friday, May 19

Boston’s First AI Art Gallery | Friday, May 19 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Boston University, 730 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | Free | Immerse yourself in the world of art + technology at the first AI Art Gallery including light bites, drinks, and prizes.

Saturday, May 20

Community Concert | Saturday, May 20 | 3-7 p.m. | Wenham Street Cinema, 23 Wenham St., Boston | $10, suggested donation | Head down to this Jamaica Plain favorite for live music and a vinyl pop-up from Light of Day Records.
Rise and Shine Yoga Flow | Saturday, May 20 | 8:45 a.m. | ReelHouse, 6 New St., Boston | $40 | A ticket includes a 40-minute workout and access to a breakfast buffet featuring an egg station, fresh fruits, yogurt, pastries, and sides.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Mayor Wu and City Councilor Kendra Lara proposed new City Council district maps after the latest ones were barred by a federal judge. The new versions focus on whole neighborhoods within individual districts. Officials hope to finalize the proposed version by Tuesday, May 30. (Boston.com)

Concert

“Wow” — we get another visit from Post Malone on Saturday, July 22 at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield. Tickets to the “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying Tour” go on sale Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m.

Number

75. That’s the amount of families that have been able to purchase a home thanks to down payment support from the City of Boston and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The homes were located across 11 neighborhoods, including the South End, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester.

Closed

East Cambridge Portuguese eatery Portugalia Restaurant has closed its doors after 40 years. Residents in the neighborhood would visit for classic dishes like grilled Portuguese sausages and seafood stews. (Eater Boston)

Community

The Negro League Baseball Museum Touring Exhibit called “Barrier Breakers” will pop-up in Boston from Monday, June 19 through Friday, Aug. 4 at 118 Boylston St. The free exhibit that honors players like Jackie Robinson + Sam Jethroe will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CBS Boston)

Family

The 8th annual Kite Festival will fly into Revere Beach on Saturday, May 20. The free family-friendly event will include professional kite flyers, live music + the first 300 kids in attendance (12 years and under) will receive a free kite to build, decorate, and fly in the festival.

Travel

How does Going work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and get notified when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a ~$575 round trip to Fiji).*

Today Is

Today is World Baking Day. To celebrate, shop our online store (Six & Main), which features Sourhouse, a company that creates simple tools for sourdough bakers to care for their starters. You might just knead it. Start shopping now.

Outdoors

Get ready to be on island time

Celebrate Free Ferry Day in Boston

Spectacle Island is one of 34 islands and peninsulas that make up the Boston Harbor Islands. | Photo via @eddie6751

All aboard — Saturday, May 20 is the Boston Harbor Islands opening day and Free Ferry Day.

Hop on the ferry from Long Wharf North for a free trip to Spectacle or Georges Island, and take in the harbor views from the Boston Harbor Islands.

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Tickets are first come, first served and will be available beginning at 8 a.m. Plan accordingly — only five tickets will be issued per adult. Pro tip: Get there early, these will go fast.

Ferries will depart from Gate 5 and all passengers should plan to be in line ~15 minutes before the departure time.

Ferry Schedule:
Boston to Georges Island — 10 a.m., 12 p.m. + 2 p.m.
Boston to Spectacle Island — 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. + 2:30 p.m.

The Wrap

Jess Burton in a blue shirt and gold necklace

Today’s edition by:
Jessica

From the editor

Yesterday I got to check out the new Stubbys’ location in the Seaport. Stop by 43 Northern Ave. (near the newly opened Grace by Nia) today for the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites. My favorite was the Jerk Chicken Sandwich. Pro tip: Ask about the secret menu items.

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