July-August 2019 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Monday, September 2, 2019 1:21 PM

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

Calendar Grid here

This page has been superceded by the Sept/Oct 2019 page

Thurs, July 4, 2019. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved Apr 5 with map and image
Scenic 5-mi. walk, 8:30-11:30am. Bring snack/water. From Rte.3A rotary in Hingham, take Summer St. 0.5mi. to light, L on Martin's Lane to entr. $8.00 per person fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Avoid Rte.228 due to holiday event road closures. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 7/3. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Leader: Beth Mosias

Fri, July 5, 2019. Thompson Island Sandbar Sunset Walk, Quincy/Boston. (walks) - approved June 30 with map and image
Unusual 4-mile walk with great views along sandbar at low tide to southern edge of a Boston Harbor island, 6:45pm-9:00pm. Proper footwear required (hiking boots, sneakers, or water-resistant shoes); bring dinner & water. From Boston, take Rte. 3 South to exit 12, Rte. 3A South. Once under Rte. 3 bridge and through Neponset Circle, go over Neponset Bridge onto Quincy Shore Drive, then L on East Squantum Road 1.3 miles from Neponset Circle. Take E Squantum Road--which becomes Dorchester Street--for just over a mile to Shoreham Street on right. Park on Shoreham Street or nearby streets in spaces that allow parking. Meet at intersection of Dorchester Street and Shoreham Street. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, July 6, 2019. Blue Hills Observatory Tour and Hike, Milton, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved June 30 with map and image
Moderate 6-mi. hike including tour of observatory on top of Great Blue Hill, with meteorologist Eric Fisher joining us (hike to Hemenway Hill takes place after tour), 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footwear (required), $5.00 fee for tour, and AMC membership card or other proof of membership ($8.00 tour fee plus $1.00 hike fee for non-members). Registration required as number of hikers is limited; starting point of hike to be given upon registration. Rain cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz (Register at hiddenboston@yahoo.com).

Sun, July 7, 2019. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. - approved June 12 with map and image
9-11am. Join us for a walk in this local gem, conveniently located directly off of Route 128. As you walk the trails, you will not believe that you are so close to the highway. Highlights include Kendrick Pond, views of the Charles River, and the boardwalk crossing a marshland. Easy trails, minor ups and downs, with some roots and rocks, moderate pace. Bring water and snacks. No children under 10 or dogs. Severe weather cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain. $1 fee for those not AMC members. Leader: Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org, 617-244-5747 before 9pm); Co-Leader: Lynda Boriskin
Directions: 84 Kendrick St, Needham, MA

Sat, July 13, 2019. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. - approved July 7 with map and image
6.5-mile fast-paced hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views, Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, 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; non-AMC members $1. Leader: Mike Tuohey

Sat, July 20, 2019. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved Apr 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 2:00 PM. Meet 11:00 AM, 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, July 21, 2019. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. (walks, Instruction) - approved July 4 with map and image
8:30am-11:30am. Slow-paced nature walk through fields, forests and a wet meadow to enjoy nature in summer with a focus on all the summer wildflowers in bloom. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. ARRIVE EARLY. PARKING LIMITED. Steady rain cancels. Leader: Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Directions: From the East - Take Route 2 westbound and get off at Exit 56 (Rte 4/225, Lexington/Bedford). At the fork in the ramp, bear right (Rte 4/225, Lexington/Bedford). At stop sign at end of ramp, turn left on Winter St. and follow directions From Winter St below. From the West - Take Rte 2 eastbound and get off at Exit 56 (Winter St/Waverly). At end of ramp, take right onto Winter St and follow directions From Winter St below. From Winter St - Follow Winter St for about one mile to its end and take a left onto Concord Ave. In 1/10th mile bear right onto Mill St. In 1/10th mile take first right down a hill into Rock Meadow parking lot. It comes just after 295 Mill St on the opposite side of the road. It comes on you quickly and is easy to miss.

Fri, July 26, 2019. Beacon Hill, Charles River Esplanade, Back Bay, Boston. - approved July 22 with map and image
6:30pm to 9:15pm. Leisurely 5-mi walk including historic streets, gorgeous waterside pathways, and a walk across a new pedestrian bridge. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Bring dinner/snack and water. Rain cancels. Footwear required. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, July 27, 2019. (Rain Date: Sun, July 28) Walk from Revere Beach to Copley Square, Boston. (walks, hiking) - approved Apr 15 with map (no image)
This 12+ mile walk (with shorter options) has it all - ocean, marsh, beach, harbor, river, and ethnic and downtown neighborhoods. It starts with a visit to the annual Sand Sculpting Contest, passes through East Boston including a lunch stop, the Boston Waterfront, the edges of Charlestown and Cambridge, the Boston Esplanade and the Commonwealth Mall, ending at the Boston Marathon finish line. Enjoy a summer day of walking, and celebrate completion of the route at the Solis Irish pub. This walk has become an annual tradition and is a joint venture with FreeWalkers. Meet at 8:30am at the Wonderland Station (MBTA Blue Line) on the upper level plaza that overlooks Revere Beach. The meeting place is two flight up from the subway tracks. Be prepared with water, sunscreen, bug spray (for marsh), snacks, and for those with special or limited diets, a packed lunch. (Mid-day stop has limited lunch options.) $1 charge for non AMC members. NOTE: If you do not want to complete the entire 12+ miles, there are many MBTA stops along the route that make it easy to exit the walk. If any doubt about postponement due to rain, contact one of the leaders. Questions? Contact one of the leaders. Leaders: Nancy Cahn (njcahn@gmail.com), Fran Price (617-875-5232 or francine.j.price@gmail.com).

Sun, July 28, 2019. Hike in the Fells, Medford/Winchester. (walks, hiking) - approved July 4 with map and image [rescheduled from July 21]
2:00pm-4:00pm. An excursion in the less visited Lawrence Woods section of the Fells, the southern part of the Winchester reservoirs section, and the Wright Tower. 2:00pm-4:00pm. Moderate/fast pace; no dogs please. We will gather in the parking lot opposite the NE corner of the high school (Medford High School, 489 Winthrop Street, Medford). Bring water and wear hiking boots. $1 for nonmembers. Heavy rain will cancel. Leader's cell phone day of hike: 617-571-3740. Leader: Thurman Smith

Sat, Aug 3, 2019. Pope John Paul 2 Park to Squantum Point Park Dorchester/Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved July 29 with map and image
7-mile walk from Pope John Paul II Park, along Boston Harborwalk, across bridge to Quincy Riverwalk to Squantum Point Park and back, 9:30am-12:45pm. Bring snack & water. 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. Email if severe weather. No dogs. L Mike Tuohey

Sun, Aug 4, 2019. Castle Island, South Boston. (walks) - approved May 21 with map and image
7:30-9:30am. Beat the heat and bugs on a scenic early morning walk at Castle Island with a couple of loops around the "sugar bowl" followed by breakfast at Sullivan's (counter service). From I-93 take exit 15 Columbia Rd. and turn right on Columbia Rd. At the traffic circle take the 2nd exit onto William J Day Blvd. and follow 2 miles to end and park in the lot at Sullivan's, 2080 William J Day Blvd. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sun, Aug 4, 2019. Blue Hills, Milton. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 with map and image
9:00am-12:00pm. Join us for a co-sponsored hike with both the Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts Chapters. We’ll be in the Blue Hills Reservation for a “Buck Hill Loop” hike. This will be at a moderate pace, on steep hills and rocky trails for 3½ - 4 miles. The trip is not recommended for beginners! We will summit Tucker, North Boyce, and Buck Hills via the Skyline Trail and return using the Red Dot Trail. Bring snacks/lunch, water, sun screen, and insect repellent. Sturdy footwear is a must. Rain cancels; no dogs. Meet at 8:45am for a prompt 9:00am start. Questions? Contact Lisa. Leaders: Ken Cohen, Lisa Fleischman.
Driving Directions: Take Route 93/95/128 to Exit 3, Houghton's Pond. After following the exit ramps, proceed to and turn right at the stop sign onto Hillside Street. Houghton's Pond is located approximately 1/4 mile on the right. Drive into the main parking lot for Houghton’s Pond at 840 Hillside Street in Milton. We’ll meet at the Northwest corner of the lot (the opposite end from the pond) at 8:45am for a prompt 9:00am start.

Sat, Aug 10, 2019. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 4 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, around scenic Ponkapoag Pond, with beautiful views of Great Blue Hill. 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, Aug 11, 2019. Lynn Woods Reservation, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 9 with map and image
106 Pennybrook Pkg. lot off of Walnut St. Make LEFT turn after DD or at traffic light at Pennybrook Rd. Mod to Stren. 6 mi., 9am-1pm. Bring lunch, H2O, snacks. Leaders choice. Cancel if rain. No dogs. Leader: Nelson Caraballo

Sat, Aug 17, 2019. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved June 12 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

Sat, Aug 17, 2019. Houghs Neck, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 11 with map and image
Unusual, fast-paced 9-mile peninsula hike mostly along proposed Sea to Summit Greenway, including salt marshes, a long path along a dike, hidden ocean beaches, and a former Boston Harbor island, all with spectacular views. Bring hiking boots/sturdy sneakers, lunch/snack & water. From SE Expwy, exit 8 (Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy. 2.8 mi., L onto Quincy Shore Dr. L at first light into lot. Rain cancels. No dogs. Leader: Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Aug 24, 2019. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 19 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. Leader: Mike Tuohey

Sat, Aug 31, 2019. Middlesex Fells - Medford. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 26 with map and image
Difficult 5-mile hike on steep terrain with spectacular views from the High Fells Reservoir, Boojum Rock, and more, 11:40am - 2:40pm. Bring lunch, water, poles, and hiking boots. Meet at DCR Flynn Rink on Woodland Road. From Route 93, exit 33 in Medford, take Fellsway West (Route 28) north 0.5 miles; right on Elm Street, 0.5mi.; left at rotary; left at rink. Bus 99 from Wellington T station. No dogs. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz

Sun, Sept 1, 2019. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 27 with map and image
Sheepfold Pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 5 mi. hike over some hills & rough terrain. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch, H2O, snacks. Rte. 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 Rte. 28. Turn R into Sheepfold entrance. Rte. 93 N to exit 33 (Route 28). Sheepfold entrance is 2 miles up on the L. Cancel if rain. No dogs. Note: There is now a parking fee for the Sheepfold Lot. L Nelson Caraballo

Mon, Sept 2, 2019. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 with map and image
5 mile walk, 8:30am-11:30am. 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. $8.00 parking fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. No dogs. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, Sept 7, 2019. Arlington’s Great Meadows, Lexington. (walks, Instruction) - approved July 4 with map and image
9:00am-12:00noon. September is a wonderful season in New England: plants are weighed down with fruits and leaves are ablaze with colors. Come celebrate the season with a walk in Arlington’s Great Meadows. We’ll explore several different habitats during our journey: a pond, the pond edge, an upland forest, a field edge and a wet meadow. We will focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history about the plants we see, and also learn why Arlington’s Great Meadows is in Lexington. Meeting Place: Meet at the Playground behind and to the right of The Waldorf School, 739 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA. NOTE WELL - PARKING: Please park along Mass Ave in Lexington in the vicinity of the Waldorf School (739 Mass Ave). PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE WALDORF SCHOOL PARKING LOT OR THE FOLLEN CHURCH PARKING LOT. BOTH ORGANIZATIONS OFTEN HAVE EVENTS ON WEEKENDS. After you park, walk down the driveway on the right side of Waldorf to the playing fields and turn right. We will meet above the playground and basketball court. Leader: Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Sept 8, 2019. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 27 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. L Nelson Caraballo

Sat, Sept 14, 2019. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (walks, hiking) - approved June 12 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. Leader: Brian Connolly

Sat, Sept 21, 2019. 6th Annual Duxbury Beach Walk. - approved June 12 with map and image
9:30am-2:00pm. Fall has begun and the crowds are gone. It is a perfect time to join us for a walk to the end of Duxbury Beach and have lunch at the Gurnet Point Lighthouse. Moderate pace. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. No children under 10 or dogs. Heavy rain cancels. If uncertain, contact Lisa or Mary. Leaders: Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm, localwalks@amcboston.org); Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm); Co-Leader: Judith Watson
Directions: From North or South: Take Route 3 to Exit 11, Turn R going East, Exit roundabout at 2nd turn from either direction which is Congress/West Street, 1.8 miles, then bear R onto Church St, which turns into George St, 1.1 miles, then L at the flagpole onto Powder Point Rd (no street sign), Powder Point Rd to end, Parking in small lot to the right. No street parking. Call Mary at 781-771-3680 if needed.

Sat, Oct 12, 2019. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 4 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, around scenic Ponkapoag Pond, with beautiful views of Great Blue Hill. 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

Sat, Oct 19, 2019. Plymouth Harbor. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 with map (no image)
Brisk pace 7 mile walk 9:30am-2:00pm along Plymouth Harbor including Jennie's Grist Mill and Historic Monuments. Lunch stop on the walk back at Lobster Hut (counter service). From Route 3 South take exit 9 towards Kingston/N Plymouth then left on MA-3A S/ Main St. for 1.7 miles, turn left onto Cordage Park Circle then first right into parking area by the brick tower. We will meet at the Gazebo. Bring snack and water. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, Nov 2, 2019. Castle Island, South Boston. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

Fri, Nov 29, 2019. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 with map and image
5 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

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