January-February 2020 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Tuesday, August 11, 2020 9:23 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This page has been superceded by the Mar-Aug 2020 page

Wed, Jan 1, 2020. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 9 with map and image
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. No dogs. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo

Sat, Jan 4, 2020. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 30 with map and image
9.5 mile fast-paced hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. 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. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Appropriate footwear required. L Mike Tuohey

Sun, Jan 5, 2020. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 30 with map and image
Approx. 6-7 mi. hike featuring Alewife wetlands, Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway, Hell's Half Acre to Harvard, 10:30am-2:00pm (estimate). Easy return by T. Meet W side Alewife T station at passenger drop-off sign. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. L Robert Winters

Fri, Jan 10, 2020. Historic Streets of Boston. (walks) - approved Jan 7 with map and image
Leisurely 5-mi walk through some of the city’s most charming areas, including Beacon Hill and other neighborhoods. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Rain cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Jan 11, 2020. Blue Hills, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Jan 7 with map and image
Fast-paced 7-mile scenic hike to lesser-traveled parts of the Central Blue Hills, including Old Route 128, Hawk Hill, Boyce Hill, and Hillside Pond, 9:45am-2:00pm. 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. No dogs. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Jan 11, 2020. Reservoir Ramble in the Fells. (walks, hiking) - approved Jan 9 with map and image
On the warmest day in a while we will explore the North and Middle Reservoir areas in the Middlesex Fells using a mix of market and unmarked trails. Moderate, fast pace. No dogs, please. Meet at 80 North Border Road, Winchester. L Thurman Smith (781-729-3832 / cell day of hike 617-571-3740).

Sat, Jan 18, 2020. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. - post RW
9.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. 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. Email if severe weather. No dogs. L Mike Tuohey.

Mon, Jan 20, 2020. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
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. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sat, Jan 25, 2020. Horn Pond, Woburn. - post RW
Challenging 5-mile hike including deep woods, water views, and a "mountain" with sweeping vistas, 11:45am-2:45pm. Bring lunch, water, trekking poles, sturdy boots/traction devices. From Rte. 95/128 exit 33A, take Rte. 3 S 3 mi., L on Pond St. 1 mi. PAST MAIN PARKING LOT then L on Arlington Road, L on Sturgis St. at northern end of Horn Pond, drive 2 blocks and park along Sturgis. Meet at Water St. intersection (coordinates 42.47366, -71.15943). Rain/Snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz

Sun, Jan 26, 2020. Horse Hill Nature Preserve, Merrimac, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 27 with map (no image)
A moderate 5 mi. forest loop hike at a comfortable pace on well maintained trails through scenic woodlands. Pond views, beaver lodges and dams.and historic sites. 9:30am-2:00pm. Lunch at unusual bench with brook views and footrest. 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 an immediate right at the first cross street onto Amherst Rd. Parking on left just under 3 mi. GPS address is 184 Amherst Rd, Merrimac, NH. L Mark Levine

Sun, Jan 26, 2020. The General Field and Surrenden Farms, Groton. - post RW
1:00pm-3:00pm. 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. Moderate pace. Meet at the parking area at the top of the General Field. 421-431 Farmers Row, Groton, MA 01450. L Olin Lathrop.

Sat, Feb 1, 2020. Belmont Lone Tree Hill and Habitat. - post RW
10:00am-12:30pm. Meet at Lone Tree Hill parking lot at 251 Mill Street, Belmont, a few hundred yards south of Concord Ave intersection (on the left heading south). If the lot is full, park in Rock Meadow lot 100 yards north on the opposite side of Mill Street. Bring water, snacks, and traction devices if snow or ice possible. L Joel Snider.

Sun, Feb 2, 2020. Pond Meadow, Braintree/Weymouth. - post RW
Easy 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45am-12:00pm. Bring snack/water/sturdy footwear. 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. Rain/snow cancels. No dogs; No registration. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Feb 8, 2020. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Lands. - post RW
Moderate-paced 6-mi. hike to Beaver Dam Brook, Heywood's Meadow, and Walden Pond, including possible alpaca sightings and a stop at a hidden farm store. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footwear. Meet at Lincoln Station commuter lot on Lincoln Road. No dogs. Rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Feb 9, 2020. Webb Memorial State Park & Great Hill Park, North Weymouth. - post RW
9:30am-12:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile scenic walk with views of Grape Island, Slate Island, Quincy Bay, Fore River, Hingham Back River, Boston's Harbor and skyline. Bring snack and water. From MA-3A in N. Weymouth take Neck St. ( 0.6 mi. ) continue on River St. ( 0.7 mi. ) then left into Webb Memorial State Park 371 River St. No dogs. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, Feb 15, 2020. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. - post RW
5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling, bushwhacking and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 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 Adams T station. Email if severe weather. No dogs. L Mike Tuohey.

Sun, Feb 16, 2020. The Esker Trail, Groton. - post RW
1:00pm-3:00pm. Experience the views from both above and below this winding esker, and see glacial geology first hand. We will also hike past picturesque wetlands and thru scenic woods. Moderate pace. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the end of Cow Pond Brook Road in Groton. 42.6249N 71.5026W. L Olin Lathrop.

Mon, Feb 17, 2020. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
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. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, Feb 22, 2020. Hale Reservation, Westwood. - post RW
Fast-paced 8-mi. hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:45am-2:15pm. Bring lunch, water, snacks, sturdy boots, hiking poles. From Rte. 95/128 take Rt. 109 W toward Westwood 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. Rain/Snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Feb 29, 2020. Blue Hills, Milton. - post RW
9:30am-noon. Brisk-paced 5.5 mile hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills and a loop around Houghton' s Pond. Bring snack and water. Meet at Houghton' s Pond parking lot area across from the snack bar. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias. By Car: From Rte 93/128 exit 3 ( Houghtons/Ponkapoag) go North 0.5 miles to stop sign. Right on Hillside St. 0.2 miles to Houghton' s Pond lot on the right. 840 Hillside St.]

Sun, Mar 1, 2020. Grassy Pond and Nagog Hill Hike, Acton. - post RW
9:20am-2:00pm. Join us for a 4.8 mile hike in the Grassy Pond and Nagog Hill Conservation areas located in Acton. This will be a comfortably-pace hike that follows two scenic woodland loops on well marked trails. We will hike 2.0 miles in Grassy Pond and move to the adjacent Nagog Hill and hike an additional 2.8 miles. Meet at 9:20am at Grassy Pond parking area off of Nagog Hill Rd, Acton, MA. Storm cancels. Leader: Mark Levine. [Driving directions: From the monument in Acton Center on Main Street (Route 27), drive 0.2miles NE and turn left onto Nagog Hill Road. Drive 1.2 miles to Grassy Pond parking lot on the left.]

Sat, Mar 14, 2020. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sun, Mar 15, 2020. Wild Wharton, Groton. - post RW
1:00pm-3:00pm. Come see this spectacular conservation area featuring beaver ponds, eskers, varied wetlands, upland forest, and hopefully lots of interesting animal tracks in the snow. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Bring water & snacks. Meet at the Dan Parker Road entrance on Martins Pond Rd / Rocky Hill Rd, 42.6278N 71.5236W. L Olin Lathrop.

Sat, Mar 21, 2020. Walden Pond, Concord. - post RW
11:00am-2:00pm. 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. Bring water and snacks. 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.

Sat, Apr 4, 2020. Castle Island, South Boston. - post RW
10:00am-1:30pm. Fast paced, 7 mile scenic walk along boulevard to Castle Island. Bring lunch, snacks, + water or purchase lunch at Sullivan's. Storm cancels. No dogs. L Beth Mosias.

Sat, Apr 18, 2020. Crane Beach, Ipswich. - post RW
11:00am-2:00pm. 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. Bring water and snacks. 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.

Sat, May 2, 2020. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. - post RW
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, on former estate carriage roads, with scenic views across the Merrimack River. Trail wanders through open grass meadows, then enters primeval stands of white pine. Stroll over stone built bridges, visit rhododendron and azalea gardens. Bring water and snacks. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Starboard Galley Restaurant, on the Newburyport boardwalk, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Maudslay State Park, parking lot. From Route 95, exit 57, in Newburyport, take Route 113 West for 0.7 mile. Turn right on Hoyts Lane, follow to end, see parking lot on right. L Brian Connolly.

Sat, May 16, 2020. Crane Beach, Ipswich. - post RW
11:00am-2:00pm. 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. Bring water and snacks. 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.

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