Canton, MAAt the far end of an industrial park you’ll discover a protected refuge that offers both views of the Blue Hills and access to the Neponset River.
What makes Signal Hill a special place?
The summit of this hill may be modest – it’s only 188 feet high – but the views from the top are grand, taking in nearby Great Blue Hill and stretching to the distant Boston skyline beyond. A short, easy ascent up a former cartpath leads to the top of the hill, while another, flat trail reaches the banks of the Neponset River. Here you’ll find a small launch site for canoes and kayaks. You can start your river trip here or simply take a break during a day of paddling on the river to stretch your legs.
Signal Hill also offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient history, having served as a seasonal home for paleo-Americans who settled what would become the Neponset River Valley as the last glacier retreated.
Hawk watchers are drawn here by the variety of hawks riding thermal drafts between the Blue Hills and the Neponset River Valley. Songbirds find shelter and nesting places within the woods and wet areas, and the river habitat is home to frogs, turtles, and other amphibians.
Trails
A short, moderately inclined former cart path leads to the top of the hill, while another, flat trail reaches the banks of the nearby Neponset River.
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
bird-watching
cross-country-skiing-snowshoeing
walking-hiking-easy
walking-hiking-moderate
picnicking
canoeing-kayakingCanoe the Neponset at Signal Hill! Join Blue Hill Adventures on a guided tour – or explore on your own. Weekends/holidays through October. $60/all day, $30/half day, $15/hour. 10% off for members. Call 781.326.0079 for more details.
Take our Hike Trustees challenge and see just how far you can go. Get outside, win prizes.
Moose Hill Farm
Sharon, MA
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
Canton, MA
Francis William Bird Park
Walpole, MA
