January-February 2013 AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Monday, November 12, 2012 8:44 AM

For further information, send e-mail to Robert Winters at Robert@rwinters.com.

Tues, Jan 1. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - OK, Sept 12
Outdoors version: 5 mi. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. Dress for the Elements. Stabilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. From Rte.95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4mi. From Rte.1, take Walnut St. exit, 2mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579), Nelsonnec1@aol.com).
Web version: 5 miles, L's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. Staibilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Nelson Caraballo ((617-548-8579), Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Jan 6, 2013. Blue Hills, Canton, MA. (Hiking, Cross-Country Ski) - approved Aug 30.
Outdoors version: X-C ski 6mi or hike 8mi if no snow around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-3pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather questionable. Joint with FBH. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Cross-country ski 6 miles, or hike up to 8 miles if no snow, across golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation, 10 am-3 pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Route 138, Canton, 0.7 miles south of I-93/Route 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather is questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Sun, Jan 6, 2013. Wellesley Triple Treat, Wellesley, MA. (walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 11am-2/3pm. Meet Wellesley Town Hall 525 Washington St. near int. Rts.16/135. Come in from the cold to the steamy Wellesley College greenhouse. Enjoy 2+mile walk around Lake Waban; boots rec. Eat lunch (brought), then Davis Art Museum. Heavy rain/snow cancels. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).
Web version: 11am-2/3pm. Meet Wellesley Town Hall 525 Washington St. near int. Rts.16/135. Come in from the cold to the steamy tropical room at the Wellesley College greenhouse, or perhaps the desert room if you prefer dry heat. There are more than a half dozen other rooms in this wonderful facility - easily the finest greenhouse in the Boston area. We next enjoy a 2+ mile walk through the campus and around Lake Waban - boots are recommended for snow, ice or mud, as we're likely to experience at least one of those. Bring your lunch for our rest stop at the handsome campus center, followed by an optional visit to the school's excellent (and free) Davis Art Museum. Heavy rain/snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).

Sat, Jan 12, 2013. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 5-mi.walk, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Bring snack. Meet Pope John Paul II Park. Rte.93N, exit11(11B from Rte.93S) to Granite Ave., N over Neponset River, immediate R on Hilltop St., R at Hallet St., under bridge into pkg.lot. Severe weather->email. Snow->traction devices. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: Five-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Bring snack. Meet at Hallet Street entrance to Pope John Paul II Park. From Route 93N, take exit 11 (11B from Route 93S) to Granite Avenue, north over Neponset River, immediate right on Hilltop Street, right at Hallet St., under bridge into parking lot. Email if severe weather. Bring traction devices if snow. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Jan 13, 2013. Sandy Pond, Lincoln, MA. (hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Moderate snowshoe/hike. 10:00a.m.- 2:00p.m. Bring lunch/winter footwear. Conditions may require snowshoes/traction devices. Meet Lincoln RR Station. Rte 95/128 exit28, take Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi. to stop. L onto Lincoln Rd. 1.3mi. to Lincoln RR sta. pkg. on R. Storm cancels. L Henry Gardner (781-894-4383, henryghikes@gis.net).
Web version: Moderate snowshoe/hike around pond. 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. Bring lunch and winter footwear. Snowshoes/tractiondevices required as conditions warrant. Meet Lincoln RR Station. Rte. 95/128 exit 28, take Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi. to stop. L onto Lincoln Rd. 1.3mi. to Lincoln RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Henry Gardner (henryghikes@gis.net).

Sat, Jan 19, 2013. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Mod. 5-mi. snowshoe/hike 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Bring lunch/water/hiking poles. From Rte.95/128 exit16 take Rt.109 W 3/4mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3mi., R on Carby St. 0.3 mi. to Hale gate then 0.3mi. to Cat Rock lot on L. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732, info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Mod. 5-mi. snowshoe/hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16 take Rt. 109 W 3/4 mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3 mi., R on Carby St. 0.3 mi. to Hale gate then 0.3 mi. to Cat Rock lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Jan 20, 2013. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. (walks, Instruction) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6mi. R into Clifton St., First L on Fletcher Rd., bear L at fork, next L on Juniper Rd. 0.2 mi. to sanctuary (10 Juniper). Steady rain, heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6mi. R into Clifton St., First L on Fletcher Rd., bear L at fork, next L on Juniper Rd. 0.2 mi. to sanctuary (10 Juniper). Steady rain, heavy snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Jan 20, 2013. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. (hiking, walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 7mi hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm. Meet Peabody Mill Environmental Center. From Nashua, NH, Rte3 exit7, 101A W to 101E toward Amherst/Manchester. Left onto Horace Greeley Rd , left onto Brook Rd. 1.4mi to pkg(dead end). Traction devices and/or snowshoes? Weather uncertain->call. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143, trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: A 7mi quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails. Meet by Peabody Mill Environmental Center, Brook Rd , Amherst , NH . From Nashua, NH, Rte 3 exit 7, 101A W to junction 101 E (7.4mi) toward Amherst/Manchester Turn left after 5.7mi on Horace Greeley Rd , left again 0.4mi on Brook Rd. Go 1.4mi to pkg at dead end. Traction devices and/or snowshoes may be necessary! Call if weather uncertain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Mon, Jan 21, 2013. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. (walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Walk/moderate cross-country ski. Bring skis/boots/water/lunch. 10a.m.Wedgmere RR Sta. From Rte.93 exit33(Medford ). S. Border Rd.W 2.2mi. Mystic Valley Pkwy. 0.9mi., R Bacon St. , under tracks, L to pkg. lot. Contact for conditions. Storm cancels. L Betsy Goeke (781-729-8484 til 10:00 pm, betsyg@space.mit.edu).
Web version: Walk or moderate cross-country ski depending on conditions. Bring skis/boots plus -contact for conditions, water and lunch. Meet at Wedgmere RR Sta. at 10 a.m. From Rte. 3, take Church St. E 0.3 mi., R on Bacon St. 0.4 mi. to pkg. lot on Mystic Valley Pkwy. From Rte. 93 exit 33 in Medford , take S. Border Rd. W 2.2 mi., then Mystic Valley Pkwy. 0.9 mi., R on Bacon St. , under tracks to pkg. lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Betsy Goeke (781-729-8484 til 10:00 pm).

Sat, Jan 26, 2013. Blue Hills, Quincy, MA. (Hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Snowshoe/hike if no snow mod. terrain 6-7mi., 10am-3pm. Shea Ice Rink, Willard St. From SE Expwy, Exit 8 Quincy, go S 0.6mi. on Willard St. Or I-93/Rt. 128, Exit 6 Braintree, go N 0.7mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Snowshoe 6 miles in the Eastern section of the Blue Hills Reservation over moderate terrain, or hike 7 miles in hilly areas if no snow, 10 am-3 pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit, take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Call if weather questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Sun, Jan 27, 2013. Snowshoe/Hike, Sudbury, MA. (walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Explore trails around Wayside Inn/Memorial Forest Reservation. Hot cider at historic Wayside Inn pub afterwards. Meet at The Wayside Inn pkg lot at 1:00pm. Rte.95/12 N take exit26 (Rte.20) W for 11mi., right on Wayside Inn Rd. Pkg on left. L Gail Zwink (508-460-5038, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: Explore trails around the Wayside Inn and Memorial Forest Reservation. Enjoy hot cider at the historic Wayside Inn pub afterwards. Meet at The Wayside Inn, Sudbury parking lot at 1:00pm, Rte. 20 off Rte. 95/128. Directions: Rte. 95/128 N take exit 26 (Rte. 20) W for 11 miles, right on Wayside Inn Rd. Parking is on the left. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Gail Zwink (508-460-5038).

Sat, Feb 2, 2013. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 10.
Outdoors version: Mod-stren. 7mi hike. 9am-2pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. Staibilicer/YakTrack-ice/snow. Rt.93S to exit35. Stop sign-go L under highway. Next stop sign-go R. First lights turn R onto Rt.28. Turn R into Sheepfold pkg.lot. Rt.93N to exit33(Rt28). Sheepfold pkg.lot 2mi. on L. Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579, 11am-2pm; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).
Web version: Sheepfold Pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 7 mi. Hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.Bring lunch, H2O, snacks. Dress for the Elements. Staibilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow. Rt. 93 S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. At next stop sign go R. At first set of lights turn R onto Rt. 28. Turn R into Sheepfold entrance. Rt. 93 N to exit 33 (Route 28). Sheepfold entrance is 2 miles up on the L. Cancel if rain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579, 11am-2pm).

Sun, Feb 3, 2013. Pond Meadow, Braintree, MA. (walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45a.m.-12p.m. Bring snack/water/hiking poles/sturdy footwear/traction devices/snowshoes. Meet Braintree lot. Rte3 S (past Braintree split) exit17 to traffic circle, 3rd R (Union Street) east 0.7mi., R (Middle St) 0.7mi., L (Liberty St), immediate R into lot. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732, info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45a.m.-12p.m. Bring snack/water/hiking poles/sturdy footwear/traction devices/snowshoes. Meet Braintree lot. Rte3 S (past Braintree split) exit17 to traffic circle, 3rd R (Union Street) east 0.7mi., R (Middle St) 0.7mi., L (Liberty St), immediate R into lot. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Feb 3, 2013. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead, MA. (walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Approx. 4-mi. walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock & Marblehead Light w/optional hot chocolate after, 12:30-3:30p.m. Take Rte. 114 from Salem or Rte.129 from Swampscott, R on Ocean Ave. to Devereux Beach pkg. lot. Storm/icy roads cancels. L Sara Epstein (781-620-1014, sarachef@aol.com).
Web version: Approx. 4-mi. walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock & Marblehead Light w/optional hot chocolate after, 12:30-3:30p.m. Take Rte. 114 from Salem or Rte.129 from Swampscott, R on Ocean Ave. to Devereux Beach pkg. lot. Storm/icy roads cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sara Epstein (781-620-1014).

Sun, Feb 10, 2013. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. (walks, Instruction) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun natural history, 9:30-12:30p.m. From Rte. 93 exit 33 rotary, follow S. Border Rd. towards Winchester 2 mi. to Long Pond lot on R. Parking limited; arrive early. Heavy rain or snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun natural history, 9:30-12:30p.m. From Rte. 93 exit 33 rotary, follow S. Border Rd. towards Winchester 2 mi. to Long Pond lot on R. Parking limited; arrive early. Heavy rain or snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Feb 17, 2013. Blue Hills, Quincy, MA. (Hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Snowshoe/hike if no snow 6-7mi. in remote Chickatawbut section, 10am-3pm. Shea Ice Rink, Willard St. From SE Expwy, Exit 8 Quincy, go S 0.6mi. on Willard. Or I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 6 Braintree, N 0.7mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Snowshoe 6 miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Will hike 7 miles in hilly areas if no snow, 10 am-3 pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit, take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Call if weather questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Sun, Feb 24, 2013. Contemporary Waterfront, Boston, MA. (walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 10am-1/2pm. Meet ICA-lobby 100 Northern Ave. Walk 5-6 miles along Waterfront, North End, North Station (food-coffee-rest break), Downtown. See unique plaques at Old North Church, early crocuses, exceptional cast-iron fire-escapes on Boston's smaller streets. Museum optional; admission. Heavy rain/snow cancels. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).
Web version: 10am-1/2pm. Meet ICA-lobby 100 Northern Ave.; free parking should be available nearby (come early), or use the T. Walk 5-6 miles along the Waterfront, North End, North Station (food-coffee-rest break; bring lunch if you want), Downtown. See some unique plaques (Boston-India ice trade, the man with wings who jumped off the church steeple) at Old North Church, also some early crocuses, and later exceptional cast-iron fire-escapes on one of Boston's smallest streets. Possible extension to Fish Pier. Museum optional on return; admission fee. Heavy rain/snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Charles Hansen (velotrain@yahoo.com).

Sun, Feb 24, 2013. Minute Man National Park, Lexington, MA. (walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 1-4pm - Walk/snowshoe. Meet at Fiske Hill in Lexington off Rte2A. Take Rte.95/128 to Rte.2A. Look for a sign for Minute Man National Park. Go in direction of the national park and park in Fiske Hill lot off of Rte.2A. L Gail Zwink (508-460-5038, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: 1-4pm - Walk/snowshoe. Meet at Fiske Hill in Lexington off Rte 2A. Take Rte.95/128 to Rte. 2A. Look for a sign for Minute Man National Park. Go in direction of the national park and park in Fiske Hill lot off of Rte. 2A. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Gail Zwink (508-460-5038).

Sun, Feb 24, 2013. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (hiking, walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: Moderate 5-6 mile snowshoe/hike. 10:00a.m.-2:30p.m. Bring lunch/winter footwear. Conditions may require snowshoes/traction devices. From I-93/Rte128 Exit3, travel north for 0.5mi. to stop sign, turn right on Hillside St. Go 0.2mi. to Houghton's Pond lot on right. Storm cancels. L Henry Gardner (781-894-4383, henryghikes@gis.net).
Web version: Moderate 5-6 mile snowshoe/hike. 10:00a.m.-2:30p.m. Bring lunch and winter footwear. Snowshoes/traction devices required as conditions warrant. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, travel north for 0.5mi. to stop sign, turn right on Hillside St. Go 0.2mi. to Houghton's Pond lot on right. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Henry Gardner (henryghikes@gis.net).

Sat, Mar 2, 2013. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (hiking, walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 5-mile snowshoe or hike, 11:00am. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3,head north to stop sign at Hillside Street, then turn right and travel 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the right.Storm cancels. L Claire Braye (508-857-0320, cbraye57@comcast.net).
Web version: 5-mile snowshoe or hike, 11:00am. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3,head north to stop sign at Hillside Street, then turn right and travel 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the right.Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Claire Braye (508-857-0320).

Sun, Mar 3, 2013. Purgatory Falls, Milford, NH. (hiking, walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 6-mi. 9:30am-3:30pm. From Nashua(NH), Rte.101A W toward Milford 7mi., L onto Rte.101W ramp toward Wilton 5mi., continue N thru light, over bridge onto North River Rd., cross Center Rd. to McClellan Tr. lot on L. Traction devices/snowshoes? Weather uncertain->call. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143, trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: 6-mi. lollypop route along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9:30am-3:30pm. From Nashua NH go W on Rte. 101A toward Milford 7 mi., L onto Rte. 101 W ramp toward Wilton, NH 5 mi., continue N thru light (cross Rte. 101A) over bridge onto North River Rd., 0.8 mi. cross Center Rd. 0.5 mi. to McClellan Tr. lot on L. Depending on weather traction devices and/or snowshoes may be necessary! Call if weatheruncertain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Mar 3, 2013. Blue Hills Hike, Milton, MA. (Hiking, walks) - approved Nov 5.
Outdoors version: 7-mi. Houghton's section hike w/variety of trails, several views, lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rt. 93/128 Exit 3, go N to stop sign (Hillside St.), R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Joint w/FBH. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Seven-mile hike in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill, 10 am-3:30 pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, go north to the stop sign at Hillside Street and turn right. Go 0.2 miles to the lot on the right. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Special designations:
C = Conservation program
F = Great for first timers in activity area
N = New members especially welcome