Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

A NPS Ranger speaking to a school group about Lewis Hayden outside of the Hayden House.

Matt Teuten

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of the Black community in 1800s Beacon Hill.

The Black Heritage Trail^® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.

This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. It begins across the street from the Massachusetts 54^th Regiment Memorial in front of the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History, covering about 1.4 miles.

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Tours are offered during the summer season. For a self-guided tour, download the NPS App.  

The Park also offers virtual Black Heritage Trail Tours for groups of 10 or more people. Please contact us for more information. These virtual tours are subject to availability and staffing.

Details

Duration

60-90 Minutes

The Black Heritage Trail^® Tours typically lasts 1.5 hours.

Activity

Guided Tours

Age(s)

8 and Older

This tour is best suited for individuals aged 8 and above.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed while walking through Beacon Hill. The Museum of African American History only allows service animals into its buildings.

Please visit our page on Accessibility to learn more about General Guidelines for Visitors with Service Animals.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

Yes

Guided tours are offered in the summer and fall.

For a self-guided tour, download the NPS App. 

If you are interested in a virtual Black Heritage Trail^® Tour for a group of 10 or more people, please contact us. Virtual Tours are subject to availability and staffing.

Season

Summer, Fall

These tours are typically offered in the summer and fall.

For a self-guided tour, download the NPS App.

If you are interested in a virtual Black Heritage Trail^® Tour for a group of 10 or more people, please contact us. Virtual Tours are subject to availability and staffing.

Time of Day

Day

Guided tours are offered in the summer and fall.

For a self-guided tour, download the NPS App. 

If you are interested in a virtual Black Heritage Trail^® Tour for a group of 10 or more people, please contact us. Virtual Tours are subject to availability and staffing.

Accessibility Information

This trail navigates a hill and consists of sharp inclines and small and uneven concrete sidewalks. Occasionally there are obstructions on the sidewalk that may be difficult to navigate around.