Signal Hill
Canton, MA
150 acres
south-of-boston
Bird Watching Cross-country skiing/Snowshoeing Walking/Hiking (Easy) Walking/Hiking (Moderate) Picnicking Canoeing/Kayaking

About Signal Hill

At 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.

Regulations & Advisories

  • Alcoholic beverages, fires, camping, and littering are prohibited.

  • Disturbing, removing, defacing, cutting, or otherwise causing damage to a natural feature, sign, poster, barrier, vegetation, or other property is prohibited.

  • Dogs must be leashed at all times. Help us keep Signal Hill clean for all visitors by removing dog waste from the reservation.

The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Find the full policy here.

Directions

University Road
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone: 781.784.0567
E-mail: greaterboston@thetrustees.org

Latitude: 42.185
Longitude: -71.159

Get directions on Google Maps.

From I-95/Rt. 128: Take Exit 13 onto University Avenue. Proceed through large industrial park development to traffic light at Canton Street. Left on Canton St., cross Neponset River and take immediate right onto University Road. Proceed through office park. Parking on right just before last building, also on right.

From Canton: Take Dedham Street and immediately after crossing I-95 and railroad bridges take left on University Road. Follow further directions as above.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Signal Hill was a gift to The Trustees of Reservations in 2005 from George and Nancy Bates.

Programs

Canoe the Neponset River at Signal Hill!
Join Blue Hill Adventures on a guided tour – or explore on your own. See wildlife and scenic Blue Hill area through Fowl Meadow. Weekends/holidays through October. $60/all day, $30/half day, $15/hour. 10% off for members. Canoe rentals and livery at Signal Hill, Canton. Call 781.326.0079 for more details.

Conservation and Stewardship

Management Planning for Our Properties
 


Since 1891, The Trustees of Reservations have worked to protect special places in Massachusetts and maintain them to the highest standards. To ensure these standards are met, a program of careful planning and sound management is essential. Comprehensive property management plans are created for each reservation and are completely updated approximately every ten years. We often work with volunteers, property users, and members of the community to carry out this planning, which typically involves several steps:
 


  • Describing in detail the site’s natural, scenic, and historical resources; identifying management issues related to the protection of those resources. 

  • Describing how visitors use the property; outlining the opportunities that the property provides for people to become involved in the work of conservation and caring for their community.

  • Developing a detailed list of management recommendations, a work plan, and a description of financial needs for implementing the actions.

  • Developing a prescribed routine management program for the reservation that will guide staff work plans, volunteer involvement, and the allocation of human and financial resources.


Maps and Resources

At present, a downloadable trail map is not available for Signal Hill.



Planning Your Visit

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

  • Protect wildlife and plants.
  • Guard against all risk of fire.
  • Help keep air and water clean.
  • Carry out what you carry in.
  • Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
  • Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
  • Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
  • Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land