Kiski Trails, Dedham

Tucked into Kiski’s more than 9 miles of narrow, single-track trails and 1.7 miles of gravel roads are two destinations: the overlook and the waterfall.

The trail system is geared toward mountain bike riders. But I think you might only want to ride here if you are an advanced technical rider, since the trails are root-filled and rocky. The two easiest trails to bike are Endo Alley and part of the Brook Trail.

If you come here to walk, and are headed to the overlook, take the gravel road north 0.5 miles from the parking lot to the Overlook Trail on your right; it’s marked with signs. Overlook Trail climbs 0.6 miles via switchbacks to a ledge with a great view of Phillips Lake. For a leafier, shadier hike, follow Endo Alley to the Old Loop Trail, and then cross the gravel road to catch the Overlook Trail.

Then you can head back down and, if you have the time to check out the waterfall, take a left at the intersection onto the gravel road that heads south. Follow this a short ways to the Brook Trail, which will be on your left. Continue along the stream until you come to the falls and the small but deep pool below it. It’ll be about 0.4 miles after you pass the intersection with Ridge Trail.

The other interesting spot is along the 1.3-mile Rail Trail. When the trail swings out onto the railroad tracks, you’ll come out onto a large wetland. Route 1A is close by so it’s not quiet along this stretch.

On my visit, signs were posted on every intersection, but these were sometimes tucked back into the trees and hard to see, so bring a trail map. Other than these trail signs, there were no blazes. However, the narrow trails were easy to follow. In some of the trails farthest from the parking area, the vegetation was growing thickly across the path.

Directions: Google maps has Kiski Trails marked accurately on its map, which is helpful because there was no visible sign of the trails from Route 1. Also, because Route 1 is fast, you’ll want to give the cars behind you advance notice of you turning. Once you turn into the dirt road, you’ll see the trailhead kiosk, gate, and small parking area (which had some big potholes when I visited) directly ahead.