July-December 2024 (and beyond) AMC and other Local Walks/Hikes
updated Thursday, November 14, 2024 3:39 PM

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

Calendar Grid here

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, 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

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