January-February 2019 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Saturday, March 2, 2019 8:52 AM

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

Calendar Grid here

This page has been superceded by the Mar/Apr 2019 page

Tues, Jan 1, 2019. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 28 with map and image, also (NOT) listed w/Forty-Plus
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. 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. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sat, Jan 12, 2019. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6 with map and image
Fast-paced, challenging 6-mi. hike that features a number of "points of interest" in the Central Blue Hills including streams, ponds, cliffs, and open peaks such as Buck Hill, 9:30am-1:45pm. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles, & sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Jan 13, 2019. Nagog Pond, Acton MA and Sarah Doublet, Littleton, MA. (Mark said Jan 10 which is a Thursday) - approved Nov 14 with map (no image)
9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at Grassy Hill parking lot off Nagog Hill Rd, Acton (see links below), S side of Nagog Hill Rd. From Rte.2, exit Rte.27 N toward Acton for 1.1mi., L Nagog Hill Rd. for 1.2mi to Grassy Pond pkg. area on L. This 7½ mi. route wanders through a portion of Acton's Nagog Hill area, hugs the shore of Nagog Pond, loops through the hilly Sarah Doublet area in Littleton where we plan to have lunch and offer an optional excursion to Fort Pond via a short spur trail. Our return covers the remaining portion of Nagog Pond. Snowshoes may be necessary. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine.

Sat, Jan 19, 2019. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 14 with map and image
Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Bring lunch and water. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Mon, Jan 21, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking, walks) - approved Nov 18 with map and image [cancelled due to severe cold]
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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Jan 26, 2019. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 22 with map and image
6-mile, fast-paced hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30pm. 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., Park on street. Email if severe weather. Bring traction spikes and hiking poles. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey.

Sun, Jan 27, 2019. Duck Pond and Groton Woods, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map (no image)
1:00pm. We'll walk along the shore of a pretty pond and thru typical New England woods in several conservation areas. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the Duck Pond and Skinner Forest trailheads on Lost Lake Drive, 42.5958N 71.5150W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Feb 2, 2019. Coastal Neighborhood walk on scenic Great Neck, Ipswich. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map (no image)
Enjoy ocean views at high tide, walking on public streets and beach. Wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared to walk around a little ice on one of the hills. Hilly, but views are worth it. Optional hot chocolate at leader's house near end optional. Meet at Pavilion Beach parking lot, 140 Little Neck Road, Ipswich. Rain cancels. L Katie Krathwohl (katiekrathwohl@gmail.com; 978-790-7052).

Sun, Feb 3, 2019. Pond Meadow, Braintree. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 27 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 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 10, 2019. Bedford, Burlington & Lexington Municipal & Conservation Lands, MA. - approved Nov 14 with map (no image)
Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm. Meet at the new Wilson Mill Park, Old Burlington Rd., Bedford, MA. From Rte. 128 exit 32 merge on Rte. 3N for 1.5 mi. to exit 26, turn L on Burlington Rd (Rte. 62) toward Bedford for 0.6 mi., turn sharp L on Old Burlington Rd. Pkg. lot is 0.3 mi. at dead end. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Conditions may require traction devices/snowshoes. L Mark Levine.

Sun, Feb 17, 2019. McLains Woods, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map and image
1:00pm. We'll enjoy the scenery of woods, vernal pools, and beaver ponds on this loop thru a large area of conservation land. 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).

Mon, Feb 18, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking) - approved Nov 18 with map and image - cancelled due to snow
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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Feb 23, 2019. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (hiking, walks) - approved Feb 19 with map and image
9.5 mile fast-paced hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00 pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. 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. Bring snowshoes and traction spikes as conditions will dictate use. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Leader: Mike Tuohey

Fri, Mar 1, 2019. Historic Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Feb 25 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares, Avon Hill, and Huron Village, 6:45-9:15pm. Bring snack or money for quick dinner at Asian food court. Meet outside of Brattle Theatre (lower level). From Harvard Square T Stop, go 1 block west on Eliot Street; take right on Brattle Street (theatre is on the left). Rain/snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Mar 2, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Feb 25 with map and image [cancelled - snow]
Moderate 6-mi. hike to pond, campsite, duck pool, hidden boardwalk through bog, and more, 9:30am-1:45pm. Bring lunch, water, poles, and traction devices if icy. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. Rain/snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Mar 10, 2019. Northeast Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Explore a large protected area in the Groton/Westford/Tyngsboro corner. We'll see varied environments from beaver ponds to meadows to upland forest, and an old quarry. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the end of Cow Pond Brook Road in Groton, 42.6249N 71.5026W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Mar 16, 2019. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, snowshoe, walks) - approved Nov 18 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. $8 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 23, 2019. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 11 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove, once inhabited by Henry Thoreau. Enjoy sit-down break, on the shore of Walden. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, Mar 24, 2019. Andres Art Institute Sculpture Garden, Brookline, NH. - approved Nov 14 with map (no image), date and venue changed Dec 8, again Jan 7
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. 9:45am-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. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Conditions may require traction devices/snowshoes. L Mark Levine.

Sun, Apr 7, 2019. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Feb 9 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. Leader: Mark Levine

Sat, Apr 13, 2019. Castle Island, South Boston. (walks, hiking) - approved Feb 9 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 dogs; non-AMC members $1. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sun, Apr 14, 2019. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map and image
1:00pm. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, beaver marshes, a heron rookerie, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. No dogs. Meet at the Rocky Hill Sanctuary parking area on Cardinal Lane in Groton, 42.5811N 71.5311W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Apr 20, 2019. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 11 with map and image, date changed 12/20
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, Apr 21, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Feb 9 with map and image
Moderate pace 5-mi. hike around pond, 10:30am-1:30pm. 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. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, May 4, 2019. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Jan 6 with map and image
Moderate pace 4 mile walk, around scenic Ponkapoag Pond, with visit to AMC Camp. Pleasant stroll across golf course, on maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break, on the dock at AMC Camp. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at The Lodge Bar & Grill, in nearby Randolph, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot. From Route 93/128, exit 2A, take Route 138 South for 0.7 mile. See Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot on left. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, May 12, 2019. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (walks, hiking) - approved Feb 9 with map and image
Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 9:00am-noon. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Bring lunch and water. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, May 18, 2019. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (walks, hiking) - approved Jan 6 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, May 19, 2019. The General Field and Surrenden Farms, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Come see this unusual conservation area with large open-field habitat and great views to the south and west. We'll also duck into woods for a bit and stroll along the beautiful Nashua River with conservation land on both sides. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the parking area at the top of the General Field, 42.5871N 71.5858W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sun, May 19, 2019. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Feb 9 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. Leader: Mark Levine

Mon, May 27, 2019. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Feb 9 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sun, June 9, 2019. Horse Hill Nature Preserve, Merrimac, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Feb 9 with map (no image)
A 6 mi. forest hike over two prominent hills on well maintained trails Some ledges and steep ascents. 9:30am-2:00pm. This area is approx 14mi north of the NH/MA border. Head north on Rte. 3 toward Nashua, NH. and at the state line continue on the Everett Tpk. Take Exit 11, turn left onto Continental Blvd and then right at the first cross street onto Amherst Rd. Parking on left just under 3 mi. GPS address is 184 Amherst Rd, Merrimac, NH. Leader: Mark Levine

Sat, June 22, 2019. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved Feb 22 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove, once inhabited by Henry Thoreau. Enjoy sit-down break, on the shore of Walden. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. Leader: Brian Connolly

Sun, June 23, 2019. Groton Hills. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 17 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Come explore this large chunk of conservation land with varied topography, including beaver ponds, meadows, upland, and eskers. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the trailhead in the northeast end of a parking are on Chicopee Row roughly across from Fertiledale Drive, 42.6324N 71.5472W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

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