July-December 2024 (and beyond) AMC and other Local Walks/Hikes
updated Friday, January 24, 2025 6:05 PM

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

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Mon, July 1, 2024. Mindful Monday Mornings, Fresh Pond Reservation, Black’s Nook, Cambridge. - cancelled
7:30am. I will be offering hour-long, weekly nature-based mindfulness practices at Fresh Pond Reservation to start your day. Throughout May, these practices will be held at Black’s Nook, a small pond adjacent to Fresh Pond which is a protected wildlife sanctuary and coveted bird watching location. [Learn more about Fresh Pond and locate Black’s Nook] Specific locations may vary month to month but will be held within Fresh Pond Reservation. If there is a change in location that will be posted a week prior. Bring a meditation cushion and/or a yoga mat. Each session will have a brief introduction, 20-30 minute sit or walk and time for reflections. Parking for Cambridge residents is available in both upper and lower parking lots off Fresh Pond Parkway. Non-residents may park at meters on Huron Avenue or at the parking lot of the Fresh Pond Shopping Center. Please leave time for the walk to Black’s Nook which is located across the pond from the reservation’s parking lots, near Neville Manor. [Additional information and updates about location] L Barbara Hamm

Fri, July 5, 2024. Triphammer & Wildcat Ponds, Wompatuck State Park, Hingham.
10:00am-12:45pm. We’ll hike 4-5 ish miles to 2 scenic ponds, plus a side trip to an old naval ammunition depot hidden deep in the woods. Consider packing/wearing: lunch/snacks, water, bugspray, hiking shoes, and a hat. Rain Cancels. Rt 3, exit 35, to Rt 228N toward Hingham. 4 miles to Wompatuck sign, then right onto Free Street. 1.3 mile to the parking area/visitors center. 204 Union Street, Hingham Happy 4th & hope to see you on Friday. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Mon, July 8, 2024. Mindful Monday Mornings, Fresh Pond Reservation, Black’s Nook, Cambridge. - cancelled
7:30am. I will be offering hour-long, weekly nature-based mindfulness practices at Fresh Pond Reservation to start your day. Throughout May, these practices will be held at Black’s Nook, a small pond adjacent to Fresh Pond which is a protected wildlife sanctuary and coveted bird watching location. [Learn more about Fresh Pond and locate Black’s Nook] Specific locations may vary month to month but will be held within Fresh Pond Reservation. If there is a change in location that will be posted a week prior. Bring a meditation cushion and/or a yoga mat. Each session will have a brief introduction, 20-30 minute sit or walk and time for reflections. Parking for Cambridge residents is available in both upper and lower parking lots off Fresh Pond Parkway. Non-residents may park at meters on Huron Avenue or at the parking lot of the Fresh Pond Shopping Center. Please leave time for the walk to Black’s Nook which is located across the pond from the reservation’s parking lots, near Neville Manor. [Additional information and updates about location] L Barbara Hamm

Sat, July 13, 2024. Cranberry Bog & Surrounding Lands, Carlisle/Chelmsford.
10:00am-12:45pm. Come hike/walk with us as we visit the only cranberry bog in Middlesex County. We’ll aim to log ~3.5 & 4.5 miles at a moderate pace. Parking: Curve Street Carlisle, MA at Cranberry Bog (42.5508159, -71.3698050). NOTE: We will park at the first Curve Street lot on the left where the Bog House is; a second lot/parking area is 100 yards to the north and can be used for overflow parking. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, July 20, 2024. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport.
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. 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 86, 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, July 20, 2024. Boxford State Forest & Bald Hill Reservation.
10:00am-1:15pm. We will hike between 4-6 miles at a moderate pace along a section of the Bay Circuit Trail and others. Terrain is hilly in some places. Bob, Marc and I will see you at 10:00am at the Crooked Pond Trailhead parking area and kiosk (Near 196 Middleton Rd, Boxford). Directions to Crooked Pond Trailhead/Middleton Road Boxford MA: From 95, take Exit 72 west on Endicott St. In 0.1 miles turn right onto Middleton Rd and 1.5 miles to the Crooked Pond Trailhead parking area and kiosk that will be on your left side (Near 196 Middleton Rd). As the parking area is limited, make use of the several pull-offs along the road for additional parking. Ls Robin Doyle, Robert Davis, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, July 27, 2024. Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Groton.
10:00am-12:30pm. 4-mile hike through a remote MA Audubon property that includes gorgeous water views of beaver ponds and vernal pools, rolling hills, and an abundance of wildlife (there have been moose sightings here). Bring lunch/snack, water, sturdy footwear, and bug spray. Meet at Rocky Hill parking lot just off Cardinal Lane. From I-495, take exit 80 (Rt. 119 west) toward Groton. Drive just over 3 miles to the traffic light at the junction of Rt. 225 east. Continue west on Rt. 119 for 0.4 miles and take a left onto Robin Hill Road. The sanctuary parking area is located in 0.1 mile, just above the corner of Cardinal Lane. (GPS: 42.5810555,-71.5310644) Additional parking on nearby side streets. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, July 27, 2024. Middlesex Fells, Malden.
10:00am-2:30pm. 7-mile 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. L Mike Tuohey

Sat, Aug 3, 2024. Great Blue Hill, Milton (including the Reopened Eliot Tower and the Observatory Roofdeck).
10:00am-1:00pm. 4-mile moderately steep hike up Great Blue, including a visit to two historic structures at the summit--the recently reopened Eliot Tower with it 360-degree views, and the Blue Hills Observatory, which includes the option to go up to its roof top ($5 charge) for more magnificent vistas, or you can wander the grounds below during the 15-20 minutes we spend on the roof top. Bring lunch/snack, water, poles, bug spray, and sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2B, take Rte. 138 N (Milton) 1.3 mi. to pkg. lot on R that is just AFTER (not before) the Trailside Museum. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sat, Aug 10, 2024. Thompson Island Sandbar, Quincy/Boston (Squantum).
9:30am-12:30pm. Unusual 4- to 5-mile walk with spectacular views along low-tide sandbar to a Boston Harbor island where we’ll walk along the beaches by the waterline, possibly seeing ospreys, herons, egrets, and more. 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. (GPS: 42.30148787220195, -71.01325013791613) Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sat, Aug 17, 2024. Essex Rail Trail - Middleton, MA.
10:00am-12:30pm. Join Marc and I as we discover the Essex Rail Trail in Middleton. We’ll plan to do ~4 miles. Consider bringing: bug spray, sunscreen, water & a snack, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes. Park at the end of Central Street, Middleton MA (near Howe Manning school). Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Aug 24, 2024. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport.
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. 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 86, 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, Aug 24, 2024. Walk-to-the-Sea Hike from Ravenswood Park to Rafe's Chasm, Gloucester.
9:30am-12:30pm. Unusual 4- to 5-mile hike that leads from the deep woods of inland Gloucester to one of the most scenic seaside overlooks in Massachusetts. Meet at main lot for Ravenswood Park at 481 Western Avenue (Route 127) in Gloucester. From Rte. 128N, get off at exit 50 (School St.), and take a right on School St. for ½ mile. Take a left on Lincoln Street for ½ mile then a left on Route 127 for about 4 miles to the main gate for Ravenwood Park on the left. (GPS coordinates: 42.5921461,-70.6984737) Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, Aug 31, 2024. Nashua River Trail, Nashua, NH.
9:30am-12:00pm. [Location: Lincoln Park parking lot, Nashua, NH (end of Coliseum Avenue, New Hampshire, Merrimack Valley, NH.] Join us as we explore the Nashua River Trail. We’ll do a ~5-mile loop. We will break for water and snacks. Consider wearing: layers, hiking shoes, a small backpack. Consider bringing: bug spray, sunscreen, water, snacks, poles (if you use them), a hat. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday! Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Sept 7, 2024. Cutler State Park Reservation, Needham.
9:15am-11:30am. Join us for a late summer walk in the easily accessible Needham State Park reservation - right off Route 95. No reservation required - “show & go!” We will hike the Blue Heron Trail, along Kendrick Pond and the Charles River, walk across a boardwalk to Powell’s Island, loop around Powell’s Island, and then head back, repeating some trails, but also covering different ones. The trails are flat, with some gentle inclines, and rocks and tree roots along the way. I will set a moderate pace. This hike is not a race, but it is not a stroll either! We will stop intermittently for water breaks, to take photos, and enjoy the scenery. What to bring: Plenty of water, snacks, small first aid kit, rain jacket. What to wear: Non-cotton ‘hiking’ clothes are best, however not required if you are new to hiking and don’t have them yet. Hiking boots/shoes or sneakers with good treads are required. Heavy rain cancels. If uncertain, contact Lisa at 617-244-5747 - call or text. Arrive by 9:15am for a prompt 9:30am start. L Lisa Fleischman

Sat, Sept 7, 2024. Horn Pond Conservation Area and Rag Rock/Mount Mianomo, Woburn.
9:30am-12:15pm. Scenic 4- to 5-mile hike through remote areas just a few miles north of Boston, including marshlands, bogs, a deep pine forest, a hidden beach, and a “mountain” with sweeping vistas from its bare summit. Bring lunch/snack, water, hiking poles, bug spray. Note: We are meeting at the northern end of Horn Pond on Sturgis Street (at Water Street) off Arlington Road, NOT the main parking lot at the southern end on Lake Avenue/Pond Street. (GPS: 42.473620, -71.159714) Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sat, Sept 14, 2024. Pope John Paul 2 Park to Squantum Point Park Dorchester/Quincy.
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, left around traffic circle into parking lot. Be aware that there are multiple entrances to the park. L Mike Tuohey

Sat, Sept 21, 2024. Crane Beach and Sand Dunes, Ipswich.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include a pitch pine forest, with views of Essex Bay and Hog Island. Herring gulls soar overhead, while piping plovers scurry across the sand. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. The Essex River salt marsh is behind Woodman’s. There are picnic tables. If the weather is nice, we will eat outside. 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, Sept 21, 2024. Central Blue Hills “Peak Bagging” Hike, Blue Hills Reservation, Canton.
9:30am-12:45pm. 4- to 5-mile hike with some steep sections to Houghton, Hancock, Hemenway, and Wolcott hills with spectacular views throughout. Bring lunch/snack, 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 Houghton’s Pond lot on R. Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sat, Sept 28, 2024. Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest.
9:30am-12:00pm. Let’s check out the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough forest, a DCR property. We plan to walk a 4-5 mile loop. Meet us at 9:30am Saturday at Trotting Park Road (free parking and end of the road). Consider packing: bug spray, sunscreen, layers, a hat, a snack, water and hiking shoes. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Oct 5, 2024. Broadmoor Mass. Audubon, Natick.
9:15am-11:30am. 280 Eliot St, Natick. Join us on a 2-hour hike through the Broadmoor Mass Audubon Sanctuary. Trails are generally flat, with one gradual low hill trail, some rocks and tree roots. We will walk at a moderate pace, with some stops to appreciate the surroundings. Mass Audubon members: Free / Non-Member Adults: $6 / Non-Member Seniors 65+: $4. Arrive by 9:15am for a prompt 9:30am departure. Heavy rain cancels. L Lisa Fleischman

Sat, Oct 5, 2024. Mill Pond/Riverbend, West Newbury.
9:45am-12:15pm. Moderately hilly 4- to 5-mile hike through two scenic conservation areas with lots of water views. Bring lunch/snack, water, and sturdy shoes; also consider a hat and a rain jacket in case there are any sprinkles. Meet at Lower Field parking lot at Mill Pond recreation area (not the lot at the pond itself). From Route 95, take exit 86 and head on Route 113 west toward West Newbury for just under three miles, turning left at the Mill Pond recreation area sign; park at Lower Field, which is the first lot just off Route 113 and before the pond lot (GPS: 42.80626983, -70.96535464). No dogs. Steady rain cancels. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, Oct 12, 2024. Walden Woods, Concord.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk along flat dirt roads, across grassy meadows, and through a hemlock forest. We are going down to Codman Farm, to visit lamas, goats and pigs. We will follow a wooded trail, to a beautiful, secluded pond. Walking on a country road, will lead us to a horse farm. There is a Donelan’s Market next to the parking lot, where we meet. They have outdoor tables and chairs. After the walk, at around 2:00pm, please join us for a lunch from Donelan’s (deli counter, sandwiches, bakery rolls, fruit and vegetables). Meet 11:00am at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot (drive to back of the lot, you will see us - parking is free on weekends). Directions: 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. Heavy rain cancels. L Brian Connolly

Sat, Oct 12, 2024. “Peak Bagging” Hike, Blue Hills Reservation, Canton.
9:30am-12:45pm. 4- to 5-mile hike with some steep sections to Houghton, Hancock, Hemenway, and Wolcott hills with spectacular views throughout. Bring lunch/snack, 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 Houghton’s Pond lot on R. Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sun, Oct 13, 2024, 1:30pm. Middlesex Canal Fall Walk, Billerica.
Middlesex Canal Fall Walk, Billerica to Chelmsford walk along canal to Chelmsford plaque near 121 Riverneck Road. Sites visited on the tour will include the recently restored guard lock, the anchor stone for the floating towpath that bridged the Concord River, and many stretches of the watered canal. Meet at the Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitors’ Center, 71 Faulkner Street, North Billerica, MA 01862. The walk will be led by Robert Winters with the assistance of others. Sponsored by the Middlesex Canal Association. http://www.middlesexcanal.org

Mon, Oct 14, 2024. Mazurenko Farm Conservation Area, N. Andover.
2:30pm-5:00pm. We’ll plan to walk/hike between 4 & 6 miles in and around the Mazurenko Farm Conservation Area, including Carter Hill. It’s a pretty area. Mostly flat trails and some climbing, and elevation up to Carter Hill. Meet at the parking area/trailhead: 592 Bradford Street in North Andover, it’s about 1/3 mile north of the Rte. 133 intersection. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Oct 26, 2024. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, through the forest and around Ponkapoag Pond, with lots of different kinds of views along the way. Begin with pleasant stroll across the golf course, on a maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break, on the dock at the AMC Ponkapoag Camp. Much of the walk is on dirt roads. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at nearby Irish restaurant “The Hillside Pub”, 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. Weather: Heavy rain cancels. L Brian Connolly

Sat, Oct 26, 2024. Peak Bagging in the Central Blue Hills, Quincy.
9:15am-12:00pm. After bagging 4 “peaks” in the Western Blue Hills a few weeks ago, we’ll be doing the same a few miles to the east, doing a moderately challenging 4- to 5-mile hike up Nahanton, Chickatawbut, Kitchamakin, and Fox, with sweeping views from all 4 summits. Bring snack, water, hiking poles, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the parking lot for the Blue Hills Reservoir on Chickatawbut Road. From SE Expwy exit 8 in Quincy, go S on Willard Street then immediately bear right onto Furnace Brook Parkway into the Blue Hills where the road becomes Wampatuck Road. At the stop sign 1.5 miles in, bear right onto Chickatawbut Road and go ½ mile, parking at the far end of the reservoir on the left, either in the designated parking lot, the dirt area along the road across the street, or another dirt area just beyond on the left. (GPS coordinates: 42.2284639,-71.0527783) Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sun, Oct 27, 2024. Horse Hill Nature Preserve, Merrimack NH.
10:15am-12:30pm. An easygoing loop, plus maybe some meandering to extend the hike, through the woods with pretty scenery, beaver dams and, beautiful pond views. We’ll walk between 4 & 6 miles. Consider a small daypack to fit water, a snack, a hat. On a crisp fall day, with leaves and acorns down on the trail and the temps forecasted to be in the 50s, warm layers and sturdy hiking boots will be practical. Park at 184 Amherst Road, Merrimack NH. L Robin Doyle

Sat, Nov 2, 2024. Wilson Mt, Dedham.
9:15am-11:30am. Location: 384 Common Street, Dedham, MA. Join us for a morning hike. We will follow the blue loop trail - 1.8 miles and 173 ft elevation gain, plus take some detours to extend our hike for about 1½ to 2 hours total. Trails are a mix of flat and gentle rolling terrain/inclines, with the usual rocks and tree roots found in New England. We will walk at a moderate pace, with some stops to appreciate the surroundings. Arrive by 9:15am for a prompt 9:30am departure. There is a small lot at the trailhead and a couple of spaces across the street at Whitcomb Woods. Hikers also park along the side of the road or down the street at a school. Heavy rain cancels. L Lisa Fleischman

Sat, Nov 9, 2024. Western Middlesex Fells, Medford and Winchester.
9:45am-1:00pm. Moderate-paced 4- to 5-mile hike including scenic open ledges of little-known hills as well as quiet pine-shaded waterside trails. Bring lunch/snack, water, hiking poles, and sturdy footwear. Meet at Sheepfold. Directions: Rte. 93 to exit 24 (Fellsway West). From rotary, take Rte. 28 north for about 1.7 miles to Sheepfold entrance on the left. Park in either lot; meet at lot overlooking dog park/meadow [GPS: 42.45326830033988, -71.10681299458162]. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Nov 16, 2024. Crane Beach and Sand Dunes, Ipswich.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include a pitch pine forest, with views of Essex Bay and Hog Island. Herring gulls soar overhead, while piping plovers scurry across the sand. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. The Essex River salt marsh is behind Woodman’s. There are picnic tables. If the weather is nice, we will eat outside. 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, Nov 16, 2024. Powow Hill Conservation Area and Battis Farm, Amesbury.
9:30am-12:00pm. Moderate-paced 4- to 5-mile hike along a lake, through fields, and up to an open summit with views of New Hampshire and Maine (including mountains and the ocean). Bring snack, water, hiking poles, sturdy footwear. Meet in the parking lot for the Lake Gardner public beach. From the rotary in Amesbury Center, take High Street for 0.3 miles, then turn right at sign for Lake Gardner beach. (GPS Coordinates: 42.8596818,-70.9371758) Rain cancels. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, Nov 23, 2024. Annursnac Conservation Land, Concord.
10:00am-12:30pm. Location: 155-100 Black Horse Place, Concord MA. (42.47594, -71.40198) Join us for a hike at Annursnac Conservation! We’ll explore a 3.5-mile loop with an optional 1-2 mile extension, totaling 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain on easy trails through forests, fields, and part of the Bay Circuit Trail. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Fri, Nov 29, 2024. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy.
10:00am-3:00pm. Work off your turkey dinner with a 6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. Mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view. 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. L Mike Tuohey

Sat, Nov 30, 2024. Cochichewick Loop, Andover.
9:45am-12:45pm. What to Expect: Distance: ~5 miles; Elevation Gain: ~500 ft; Pace: Moderate; Highlights: Scenic lake views, a beautiful loop trail; What to Bring: Warm layers Hat & mittens/gloves Poles (optional) Snacks & water; Trailhead/Meeting spot: Weir Hill, 526-530 Pleasant St, North Andover, MA. See you there! GPS: 42.698907, -71.10633. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Dec 7, 2024. Tompson Street Reservation, Gloucester.
9:45am-12:30pm. A somewhat hilly 5-mile hike with varied terrain, including swampland, vernal ponds, and open summits with views of the ocean all the way up to Maine depending on how clear the skies are. Dress in layers and bring snack/lunch, water, poles, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the Tompson Street Greenbelt lot along Concord Street just north of Route 128. From the Boston area via Route 128 north, take Exit 54 and go right at the end of the offramp, go under Route 128, and park in the lot on the left just after the bridge. (GPS coordinates: 42.6249212,-70.7102999) Rain/snow cancels. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, Dec 14, 2024. Walden Woods, Concord.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk along flat dirt roads, across grassy meadows, and through a hemlock forest. We are going down to Codman Farm, to visit lamas, goats and pigs. We will follow a wooded trail, to a beautiful, secluded pond. Walking on a country road, will lead us to a horse farm. There is a Donelan’s Market next to the parking lot, where we meet. They have outdoor tables and chairs. After the walk, at around 2:00pm, please join us for a lunch from Donelan’s (deli counter, sandwiches, bakery rolls, fruit and vegetables). Meet 11:00am at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot (drive to back of the lot, you will see us - parking is free on weekends). Directions: 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. Heavy rain cancels. L Brian Connolly

Sat, Dec 14, 2024. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham.
9:30am-2:00pm. 9.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. Climb up Prospect Hill, the highest point in Hingham. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Rte. 3 Exit 35 (Old Exit 14) to Rte. 228N toward Hingham, 4 mi. to Wompatuck sign, then R on Free St. 1.3 mi. to visitor center parking lot. L Mike Tuohey

Sat, Dec 14, 2024. Haggetts Pond, Andover.
10:15am-12:15pm. Location: http://www.andovertrails.org/haggetts-pond--rail-trail.html. Haggetts Pond is the local reservoir in Andover. Built on part of the former line of the historic Lowell and Lawrence Railroad, the trail offers a great, quiet place to go for a run or walk through the lovely wooded landscape. We’ll plan to walk between 3 & 5 miles at a moderate pace. Parking: 52 Haggetts Pond Road. There is a small lot is located right next to the southern trailhead off of Haggetts Pond Rd. If it is full, parking along the street across (a neighborhood) from the parking lot is permitted. To reach the southern trailhead from Boston, take I-93 north to exit 39/Rt 133. Turn left onto State Route 133 (Lowell Street) and continue for about a mile. Turn right onto Haggetts Pond Road - the trailhead will be on the right. L Sam Aman

Sun, Dec 15, 2024. Deer Jump to Spalding, Andover.
1:30pm-4:00pm. This is “part two” of an AVIS property that we’ve done over the past couple of years, this time doing the western half of the trail along the Merrimack River, walking/hiking between 4 & 6 miles at a moderate pace. The trails are mostly flat with some uphill portions. From Rte. 93, take exit 42/River Road west for just over 2 miles then take a right on Ravens Bluff to the circle at the end where we’ll meet (park anywhere along the side of the road). GPS: 42.6669729,-71.2370897. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Dec 21, 2024. Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Groton.
9:30am-12:00pm. 4-mile hike through a remote MA Audubon property that includes gorgeous water views of beaver ponds and vernal pools, rolling hills, and an abundance of wildlife (there have been moose sightings here). Meet at Rocky Hill parking lot just off Cardinal Lane. From I-495, take exit 80 (Rt. 119 west) toward Groton. Drive just over 3 miles to the traffic light at the junction of Rt. 225 east. Continue west on Rt. 119 for 0.4 miles and take a left onto Robin Hill Road. The sanctuary parking area is located in 0.1 mile, just above the corner of Cardinal Lane. (GPS: 42.5810555,-71.5310644) Additional parking on nearby side streets. No dogs. Snowstorm cancels. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, Dec 21, 2024. Haggetts Pond, Andover.
10:00am-12:00pm. Location: http://www.andovertrails.org/haggetts-pond--rail-trail.html. Haggetts Pond is the local reservoir in Andover. Built on part of the former line of the historic Lowell and Lawrence Railroad, the trail offers a great, quiet place to go for a run or walk through the lovely wooded landscape. We’ll plan to walk between 3 & 5 miles at a moderate pace. Parking: 52 Haggetts Pond Road. There is a small lot is located right next to the southern trailhead off of Haggetts Pond Rd. If it is full, parking along the street across (a neighborhood) from the parking lot is permitted. To reach the southern trailhead from Boston, take I-93 north to exit 39/Rt 133. Turn left onto State Route 133 (Lowell Street) and continue for about a mile. Turn right onto Haggetts Pond Road - the trailhead will be on the right. L Sam Aman

Sat, Dec 28, 2024. Coastal Walk/Historic Streets of Marblehead.
2:15pm-4:45pm. Moderate-paced and somewhat hilly 4 to 5-mile walk including beaches, waterfront parks, narrow lanes with old homes, public alleyways, and great ocean views throughout. Bring snack/water, sturdy footwear, wear layers, a hat, mittens. Meet by the Washington Street entrance of Abbot Hall between Marblehead Center and Old Town. (Plenty of free parking on side streets.) Public transportation – commuter rail from North Station to Lynn then 441/442 bus to Pleasant Street/Washington Street in Old Town then walk down Washington Street for 1/4 mile to Abbot Hall; or Blue Line to Wonderland, then 441/442 bus to Old Town. (GPS coordinates to meeting point: 42.502736696,-70.852581947378). Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sat, Jan 11, 2025. Arlington Hill Walk.
9:45am-1:15pm. Brisk 6-mile hike/walk up steep hills and through conservation areas including Hospital Hill, Arlington Heights Hill, Jason Heights, and Menotomy Rocks Park with 700-800 total vertical feet planned and multiple views of the Boston skyline. Bring lunch, water, and sturdy footwear. Meet by reflecting pool in small park between town hall and the library between 730 and 700 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington Center (free street parking on Maple Street and Academy Street behind pool and to right of town hall). Rain/snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Jan 18, 2025. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, through the forest and around Ponkapoag Pond, with lots of different kinds of views along the way. Begin with pleasant stroll across the golf course, on a maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break on the dock at the AMC Ponkapoag Camp. Much of the walk is on dirt roads. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at nearby Irish restaurant “The Hillside Pub”, 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, Jan 18, 2025. Gibbet Hill and Scarlet Hill, Groton.
9:45am-12:15pm. Brisk 4-mile hike with some steep sections, including sweeping views of mountains and more from two open summits. Bring snack, water, poles, and sturdy footwear (also consider bringing traction devices, though likely not needed). Meet in the back of the Gibbet Hill Grill parking lot on Rt. 40 (61 Lowell Road), just east of the center of Groton. From Rt. 3, take Rt. 40 (Exit 86) west 9 mi. then right into lot. From Groton Center, take Rt. 40 east from Rt. 119 0.3 mi. then left into lot. Rain/Snow cancels. No dogs. (Show-and-go - you do not have to register for this.) L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Jan 18, 2025. Walden Pond. [BWMG]
10:30am to 12:00pm. We will walk around Walden Pond and into the woods on some nearby trails to extend the walk to 1.5 hours. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. Parking is $8 (unless you have a pass), so you may want to find free parking nearby and carpool to Walden Pond. Please leave a comment if you would like to offer or request a ride/carpool. L Greg McColm

Mon, Jan 20, 2025. Middlesex Fells. [BWMG]
If you are not working this MLK Day, join me for a walk in the Middlesex Fells! We will walk on the fire roads over to the reservoir. L Greg McColm

Fri, Jan 24, 2025. Charles River Waltham to Watertown. [BWMG] 1:00pm-2:30pm. Join us for a 1.5 hour walk along the Charles River from Waltham towards Watertown. This is a paved trail with many nice viewpoints on the river. L Greg McColm

Sat, Jan 25, 2025. Neponset River Greenway/Mattapan Sq/Milton Hill.
7.5-mile walk along Neponset River to Mattapan Square on newly opened stretch of Neponset Greenway then to Hutchinson Field in Milton 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and 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. L Mike Tuohey

Sat, Feb 8, 2025. Walden Woods, Concord.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk along flat dirt roads, across grassy meadows, and through a hemlock forest. We are going down to Codman farm, to visit lamas, goats and pigs. We will follow a wooded trail to a beautiful, secluded pond. Walking on a country road, will lead us to a horse farm. There is a Donelan’s Market next to the parking lot, where we meet. They have outdoor tables and chairs. After the walk, at around 2:00pm, please join us for a lunch from Donelan’s (deli counter, sandwiches, bakery rolls, fruit and vegetables). Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot (drive to back of the lot, you will see us - parking is free on weekends). Directions: 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, Feb 22, 2025. Crane Beach and Sand Dunes, Ipswich.
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include a pitch pine forest, with views of Essex Bay and Hog Island. Herring gulls soar overhead, while piping plovers scurry across the sand. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. The Essex River salt marsh is behind Woodman’s. There are picnic tables. If the weather is nice, we will eat outside. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot (Note: There is a 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