January-February 2016 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Saturday, January 12, 2019 11:20 AM

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

Calendar Grid here

Fri, Jan 1, 2016. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map [cancelled due to surgery for detached retina]
New Years Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sat, Jan 2, 2016. Boston's South End Old and New. (walks) - approved Dec 26 with map
NY Streets, "The Stacks," Victorian brownstones, Southwest Corridor Park. 10:00am-1:30pm. Meet at Back Bay T station (orange line) indoors near exit turnstile. Bring lunch and water. No dogs. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551; s.marshall.slm@gmail.com).

Sat, Jan 2, 2016. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 28 with map and image
Fast-paced 6-mile hike including Long Pond, newly-opened scenic trail along North Reservoir, and Nanepashemet Hill, 11:15am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water. From Route 93, take exit 33 in Medford, go west on South Border Road toward Winchester; two miles to paved Long Pond lot on the right. (Additional parking on side streets across the road.) Rain/snow cancels. Non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Jan 3, 2016. Lincoln Conservation Area hike - Leader's Choice Ramble. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 28 with map and image
5-7 mi. We will be hiking on familiar trails in unfamiliar ways (for this leader!). Meet at 10:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot. From Rte. 95/128 take exit 28 in Waltham, follow Trapelo Rd. W 2.5 mi.., L on Lincoln Rd. 1.4 mi., R just before tracks into RR station lot. No dogs; non-AMC members, $1. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).

Sun, Jan 3, 2016. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
New Year Walk with Arboretum guide on and off the trail, up and down hill, stopping at favorite trees. 10:00am-12:00pm, meet on steps of Visitors Center, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain. Park on Arborway or half-mile walk from Forest Hills T stop. Rain/ice cancels; no reg but call if weather doubtful. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Chris McArdle (617-480 3351; chrismcardles@yahoo.com).

Tues, Jan 5, 2016. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. (walks) - approved Dec 21 with map; date changed to one week later
Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-9:15pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Boylston Street by Boston Common. Rain/Snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Jan 9, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Gilson Hill. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by flag of Dutile School, 10 Biagiotti Way, Billerica. Easy two hour hike up and around Gilson Hill, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow ... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Jan 9, 2016. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Jan 3 with map and image
5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm. 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 under bridge into parking lot. E-mail if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Jan 10, 2016. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Dec 6 with map
1:00pm start. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, a beaver marsh, hills, a true bog, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. No Dogs. Meet at the Rocky Hill Sanctuary parking area off of Robin Hill Rd in Groton, 42.5811N 71.5311W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Jan 16, 2016. Wildcat Conservation Area, Boxford. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Kids and dogs are welcome. Meet at 1:00pm. It will be about 2 hours, easy terrain, moderate pace. From Rte. 95 take 133 east toward Georgetown, going past IRS, past Shawsheen, past Merrimack College and then merging with 125 in N. Andover. Shortly thereafter, at an ice cream shop, 133 bears right into west Boxford (with large white church, farm stand, and country store). Turn right at this intersection onto Main St. At the next 4 way intersection, bear left on to Ipswich Rd. At the next 4 way intersection (police station kitty corner on left) turn right on Herrick Rd. and immediately look for parking area on right. If there is enough snow bring cross country skis or snow shoes. Steve Davis (978-352-2250; sadmd1@verizon.net).

Sat, Jan 16, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Concord River Greenway. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the Hallenborg Ice rink, 10 Good street, Billerica. Easy two hour hike along the old B&M RR the Concord River, Lover's Lane and proposed Yankee Doodle Bike Path, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow ... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Jan 16, 2016. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 11 with map and photo - rain, postponed to following week
Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 11:15am-2:30pm. Bring lunch, water & hiking boots. From Rte. 1 in Saugus take Lynn Fells Pkwy West 0.3 mi., right onto Forrest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Jan 17, 2016. Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 22 with map
Explore trails through 140-acre hilltop international sculpture garden - largest in NE, w/views, constantly changing exhibits and interesting finds. Note, some steep sections & rough terrain. 9:40am-2:00pm. Take Rte. 2 W 20 mi. past Concord, MA rotary. R on Rte. 13N 15 mi., L Andres driveway (2.5 mi. N MA/NH state line). 100 yds to pkg. lot on R. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Jan 17, 2016. Blue Hills, Quincy. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
10:00am-3:00pm. 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. Meet at Shea Ice Rink parking lot by the trailhead, Willard St., Quincy. Call if weather questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Mon, Jan 18, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 7 with map
Outdoors version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm).

Sat, Jan 23, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Jones Forest. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at the Locke School parking lot, 110 Allan Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike through Jones Forest and the Country Club, by Shawsheen River with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow ... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Jan 23, 2016. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. (walks, hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Dec 30 with map and image
10:00am-noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. We will meet in the visitor's center. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. If snow on ground, will snowshoe. Heavy ran or snowstorm cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain (781-296-4487 day of hike). Charge: $4 if not a Mass Audubon member, plus $1 if not an AMC member. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Mary Wisbach (mwisbach@aol.com).
Directions: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor/directions [42.256118, -71.340345]

Sat, Jan 23, 2016. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 18 with map and photo
Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 10:30am-1:45pm. Bring lunch, water & hiking boots. From Rte. 1 in Saugus take Lynn Fells Pkwy West 0.3 mi., right onto Forrest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Jan 30, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Fields. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the tennis courts of Boys and Girls Club aka Lampson Field aka Peggy Hannon-Rizza Recreation Complex, 1 Ed Hayes Way, Billerica. Easy two hour hike along Narrow Gauge and B&M RR ad Martina Gage conservation land, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Jan 30, 2016. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Jan 25 with map and photo
9.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes/snowshoes or traction devices. Rte. 3 Exit 14 to Rte. 228N toward Hingham, 4 mi. to Wompatuck sign, then R on Free St. 1.3 mi. to visitor center pkg. lot. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Jan 31, 2016. Beaver Brook, Hollis NH. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Dec 26 with map, postponed from Jan 10 to Jan 31 on Jan 7
1:00pm meet at Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Rd. Hollis, this will be a hike/snowshoe, thru woods with beaver ponds and streams. Route will be leaders choice depending on conditions for hiking or snowshoeing. Directions: Route 3 north, exit 6 route 130 west in NH. Follow route 130 past Brookdale Farms, 130 bears right, follow to center, at lights take left on 122, go past cemetery, take a right onto Ridge Road. Maple Hill Farm is the second parking lot. Meet at red yurt. Leader: Judi Barthakur (603-440-4924; barthakur@comcast.net).

Sat, Feb 6, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Warren Manning. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the Manning Manse aka Jon Ryan's Pub parking lot, 56 Chelmsford Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike through Warren Manning State Forest, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Feb 6, 2016. Blue Hills, Quincy. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
10:00am-3:00pm. 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. Meet at Shea Ice Rink parking lot by the trailhead, Willard St., Quincy. 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 7, 2016. Powisett Farm, Dover. (snowshoeing, walks) - approved Nov 22 with map
Snowshoe/walk, thru meadows, 1-3pm. Meet at grey barn. I-95/Rte. 128 Exit 16B to Rte. 109W for 1 mi., then R on Dover Rd. becomes Powisett Road. 2.5 mi. to Powisett Farm on left. Trustees of Reservation property. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324).

Sun, Feb 7, 2016. Pond Meadow, Braintree. (snowshoeing, walks) - approved Jan 31 with map and image
Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45am-12:00pm. Bring snack/water/hiking poles/sturdy footwear/traction devices/snowshoes. Meet at Braintree lot. Rte 3 S (past Braintree split) exit 17 to traffic circle, 3rd R (Union Street) east 0.7mi., R (Middle St) 0.7 mi., L (Liberty St), immediate R into lot. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Feb 13, 2016. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 with map and image
10:30am-12:30pm. Meet at the Visitors Center. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. If snow on ground, will snowshoe. Heavy rain or snowstorm cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain (781-296-4487 day of hike). Charge: $5 if not a Mass Audubon member, plus $1 if not an AMC member. Ls Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 (before 9 pm); day of hike 781-296-4487), Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 (before 9 pm); mwisbach@aol.com).
Driving directions: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor/directions

Sun, Feb 14, 2016. Hike/snowshoe in the Silver Lake Area of Hollis, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 with map and image - cancelled due to anticpated severe cold
This will be about a 3 mile loop passing by ponds, and wetlands and thru wooded trails. Bring snacks and water. Meet at 1:30pm at the parking lot (far end by the woods) across from Silver Lake on Route 122 in Hollis, NH. Directions, take Route 3 north, exit 6 Route 130 in NH. Follow Route 130 west into Hollis, in Hollis Center at the junction of Routes 122 and 130 take a right onto Route 122. Follow about 1.5 or 2 miles, lake will be on left, parking lot on right. Park at rear of parking lot near the woods. Rain or stormy weather cancels. L Judi Barthakur (barthakur@comcast.net, 603-886-8931 (home) or 603-440-4924 (cell)).

Sun, Feb 14, 2016. The Throne, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 with map and image
1:00pm. Come hike thru one of the largest contiguous undeveloped parcels in the area, featuring mostly upland forest and a variety of wet lands. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the end of Castle Drive, 42.6260N 71.6171W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Mon, Feb 15, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Nov 7 with map
Outdoors version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Feb 20, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Vietnam Veteran Memorial Park. (hiking, N) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at the Vietnam Veteran's Park parking lot by the flag pole, Treble Cove Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, Ralph Hill, Concord River, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sun, Feb 21, 2016. Blue Hills, Canton. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
10:00am-3:00pm. Snowshoe 6 miles, or hike up to 8 miles if no snow, across the golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation. Call if weather is questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Sat, Feb 27, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Summit Fox Hill. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 30 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at Fox Hill Cemetery parking lot by the flag pole, 130 Andover Road, Billerica. Limited to 20 participants. Easy two hour hike, summit Fox Hill, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Feb 27, 2016. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Feb 16 with map and image
6-mile. hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond, Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30 pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet on Washington St. side of Oak Grove T sta. From Rte. 93 exit 32 in Medford take Rte. 60 E 1.2 mi., L on Highland Ave. 0.5 mi., R on Glenwood St. 0.6 mi., L on Wash. St. 0.1 mi., R into T sta. lot (fee) or park on street. Email if severe weather. Traction devices if snow. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Feb 28, 2016. Sheldrick Preserve and Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 22 with map, rescheduled from Feb 14
Six-mile hike through diverse woodlands and hilly old-growth forest with streams, ponds, ridges, eskers and interpretive points. 9:45am. Bring boots and be prepared for snow cover or ice. From Nashua, NH: take Route 101A W toward Milford, join Route 101W toward Wilton. Approximately 2.1 miles after Route 31S, left on Temple Road (just past Gary's Restaurant), bear left across bridge, left on Town Farm Road. 0.7 miles uphill to parking area. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Sat, Mar 5, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Two Brothers Rocks. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at River View Restaurant for breakfast at 8 am, or park at lot across the bridge, Nashua Road, Billerica. Moderate three hour hike starts at 9:45 am: Great Meadows, Concord River, Governor Dudley Park, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sun, Mar 6, 2016. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
10:00am-3:00pm. Hike 7 miles in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sat, Mar 12, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Historic Middlesex Canal. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 30 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at Faulkner Mill parking lot by the gazebo, 71 Faulkner Street, Billerica. Limited to 20 participants. Easy two hour hike, along extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sun, Mar 13, 2016. McLains Woods, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 with map
1:00pm. Come see this large wild area featuring pretty woods, varied terrain, beaver ponds, and the highest concentration of vernal pools in the area. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet by the open field on the SW side of McLains Woods Rd, 42.6396N 71.5582W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Mar 19, 2016. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, snowshoe, walks) - approved Dec 28 with map and image
5 mile hike/snowshoe, 9:00am-noon. Bring snack/water. From Rte. 3 exit 14, take Rte. 228N 6.5 mi., L on Rte. 3A 1.0mi. to rotary, R on Summer St. 0.5 mi. to light, L on Martin's Lane to entr. $6 fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Mar 19, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Charles H. Kohlrausch Memorial Park. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 30 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at Kohlrausch Avenue (31 Sprague Street), Billerica. Limited to 20 participants. Easy two hour hike, remember Charles H. Kohlrausch and visit an ancient American Indian burial site along the Concord River. Focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sun, Mar 20, 2016. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 31 with map and image
6-mile easy walk along Nashua River, canal with 1886 gatehouse, spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, from 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and water. Route 128 Exit 32, Burlington, to Route 3N toward Nashua. Stay right on Exit 5 lane and take Exit 5A (Simon Street), then left on Simon Street, left on Whipple Street to parking lot at the end. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sat, Apr 2, 2016. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 16 with map and image
Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No email after 4/1. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034; Bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sun, Apr 3, 2016. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 31 with map and image
A 7 mile 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. No advance reservation required. Call if weather uncertain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Apr 10, 2016. Brooks Orchard and Sorhaug Woods, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 with map
1:00pm. This hike features pretty woods, open vistas, a beaver pond, and traversing two of Groton's famous drumlins with views of several more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the edge of the open field on the north side of Orchard Lane, 42.6158N 71.5478W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Apr 16, 2016. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
10:00am-3:00pm. 7-mile hike on a variety of trails in the Blue Hill Section of the Blue Hills Reservation. Some steep trails, including the Skyline Trail with views. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, May 8, 2016. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 16 with map and image
4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch+water. I-93/Rte 128 exit 2A to Rte.138S for 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course pkg lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sun, May 15, 2016. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 with map
1:00pm. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, beaver marshes, heron rookerie, a true bog, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. No Dogs. Meet at the Rocky Hill Sanctuary parking area off of Robin Hill Rd in Groton, 42.5811N 71.5311W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, May 21, 2016. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. (hiking, walks, C,F,N) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
7:00am-10:30am. Beginner's bird walk 3 miles through the Fowl Meadow and along the Neponset River. Learn to bird. See both common and rare bird species at the height of spring migration in the best birding area in the Blue Hills Reservation. Bring your binoculars and a bird book if you have one. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sat, May 28, 2016. Blue Hills Wildflower Hike, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
10:00am-3:30pm. 7-mile hike in the eastern section of the Blue Hills Reservation viewing wildflowers and climbing scenic hills, some steep, including the new trail along the restored Blue Hill Reservoir. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sat, June 4, 2016. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. (hiking, walks, C,F,N) - approved Jan 10 with map and image
8:00am-11:30am. Bird Walk for 3 miles through the Fowl Meadow and along the Neponset River. Learn to bird by listening for and identifying late migrant and nesting species in the best birding area in the Blue Hills Reservation. Bring your binoculars and a bird book if you have one. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, June 19, 2016. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 16 with map and image
Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, 9:00am-noon. Bring snack/water. From SE Expwy, exit 8(Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy. 2.8mi, L onto Quincy Shore Dr. L at first light into lot. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

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