March-April 2012 AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:30 PM

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

Already Approved from Jan/Feb 2012 listings:

Sat, Mar 3. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Nov 6
Outdoors version: Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footgear. From Rte.3 exit14, take Rte.228N towards Hingham 4mi. to Wompatuck sign, R onto Free St. 1.3mi. to Visitor Ctr. lot. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 3/4. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 7-9pm, bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am. Bring lunch, water & sturdy footgear. From Rte. 3 exit 14, take Rte. 228 N towards Hingham 4 mi. to Wompatuck sign, R onto Free St. 1.3 mi. to Visitor Ctr. lot. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 3/4. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sun, Mar 4. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Nov 6
Outdoors version: 7-mi. Houghton's section hike w/variety of trails, several views, lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rt. 93/128 Exit 3, go N to stop sign (Hillside St.), R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Joint w/FBH. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Seven-mile hike in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill, 10 am-3:30 pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, go north to the stop sign at Hillside Street and turn right. Go 0.2 miles to the lot on the right. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sat, Mar 10. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA. (Walks) - approved Nov 6
Outdoors version: 4 mi. walk to enjoy a variety of trees and plants. Meet at Admin. Bldg. Arborway. Time 10:00am. Possible trip to Doyle's after the walk. L Ann Landers (617-786-8850 until 9 pm, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: 4 mi. walk to enjoy a variety of trees and plants. Meet at Admin. Bldg. Arborway. Time 10:00am. Possible trip to Doyle's after the walk. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Ann Landers.

New Listings for Mar/Apr 2012:

Sat, Mar 3, 2012. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, snowshoeing, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: 5-mi. snowshoe or hike, 11:00am. Meet at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3, go N to stop sign at Hillside St., R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. L Claire Braye (508-857-0320, cbraye57@comcast.net)
Web version: 5-mile snowshoe or hike, 11:00am. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, head north to stop sign at Hillside Street, then turn right and travel 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the right. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Claire Braye.

Sun, Mar 11, 2012. Sheldrick Preserve & Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: 6-mi.hike thru diverse terrain. 9:45am. Bring boots; appropriate traction devices. Nashua,NH: Rte.101A W(toward Milford), join Rte.101W(toward Wilton). Approx.2.1mi. after Rte.31S, L Temple Rd. bear L across bridge, L Town Farm Rd. 0.7mi. uphill to pkg.area. Heavy rain cancels. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143, trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: 6-mile hike through diverse woodlands and hilly old growth forest with streams, ponds, ridges, eskers, and interpretive points. 9:45am. Bring boots and be prepared for snow cover or ice. From Nashua, NH, take Route 101A west toward Milford, then join Route 101W toward Wilton. Approximately 2.1 miles after Route 31S, turn left on Temple Road (just past Gary's Restaurant), and bear left across the bridge, then left on Town Farm Road. Continue 0.7 miles uphill to parking area. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sat, Mar 17, 2012. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Mod. 5-mi. hike. Ponds/cabins/lodges/remote woods, 9:30am-1:00pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking poles. From Rte.95/128 exit 16 take Rte.109 W 3/4 mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3mi., R-on Carby St. 0.3mi. to Hale gate then 0.3mi. to Cat Rock lot on L. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732, info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Moderate 5-mile hike that includes ponds, cabins, lodges, and remote woods. 9:30am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, water, and hiking poles. From I-95/Route 128 Exit 16, take Route 109W for 0.75 miles to a right on Dover Road. Travel 0.3 miles to a right on Carby Street, 0.3 miles to Hale gate, and then 0.3 miles to the Cat Rock lot on the left. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz (info@hiddenboston.com).

Sun, Mar 18, 2012. Wayside Inn to Sudbury Valley Memorial Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Approx. 4mi., back roads/trails, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Meet at first pkg. lot on left across from Inn. I-95 exit 26, Rte.20 W 11mi., R at sign for Wayside Inn, 0.25mi. L to 1st pkg. lot on L. Bring snacks/water/sturdy waterproof footwear. L Gail Zwink (508-369-1645, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: Approximately 4 miles on back roads and trails, 1:00-4:00pm. Meet at first parking lot on left across from The Wayside Inn. From I-95 exit 26, take Rte. 20 W 11 mi., then R at sign for Wayside Inn & go 0.25 mi. to pkg. on L. Bring snacks/water and sturdy waterproof footwear. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Gail Zwink (508-369-1645, ggzwink@gmail.com).

Sun, Mar 18, 2012. Middlesex Fells - Medford. (Instruction -Skills, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk in search of early flowering plants and other signs of approaching spring. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:30am to 12:30pm. Rte. 93 to exit 33. At rotary, go right on South Border Rd/Winchester. 0.2 mi to Bellevue Pond pkg lot on R. Heavy rain or snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk in search of early flowering plants and other signs of approaching spring. Walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. I-93 Exit 33. At rotary, bear right at South Border Road/Winchester and travel 0.2 miles to Bellevue Pond parking lot on the right. Heavy rain or snow cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass Audubon-Habitat, New England Wild Flower Society, Winchester Public Schools, the Friends of the Middlesex Fells, AMC, and other organizations. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Mar 18, 2012. Walden Pond/Sudbury River. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Hike on less traveled paths. 6 mi. Meet 10:30am near restrooms at Walden Pond pkg. lot (pkg fee). From Rte. 2 take Rte. 126S 0.3 mi.; L into lot. Winter storm cancels. Call if in doubt. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).
Web version: Hike on less-traveled paths. 6 miles. Meet at 10:30am near the restrooms at Walden Pond parking lot (parking fee). From Route 2, take Route 126S for 0.3 miles, then turn left into the lot. Winter storm cancels. Call if in doubt. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).

Thurs, Mar 22, 2012. Slide program, Come to Italy - Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. (photography, social events, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: From Venice to Mt. Etna to Rome, the Vatican, Florence, the Leaning Tower, and ghostly Pompeii. See Monaco, the goats of Corsica, the waters around Dubrovnik, Croatia. Presented by Hilary Hopkins. 12:30pm. Brown bag lunch, 11:30am-12:15pm. L Local Walks Committee (617-786-8850, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: Begin in fabulous Venice, then up Mt. Etna, on to Rome and the Vatican, Florence and the Leaning Tower, and ghostly Pompeii. Along the way, see Monaco, the goats of Corsica, and the waters around Dubrovnik, Croatia. Presented by Hilary Hopkins. 12:30pm, Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch, 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Mar 24, 2012. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 15
Outdoors version: Two part L's choice hike, 9:45-11:55am and 12:15-2:30pm. Route depends on conditions. Bring lunch. Meet at pavillion. From Rte.93/128 Exit3 (Houghton's/Ponkapoag), go N to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2mi. to Houghton's Pond lot on R. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182 until 10pm, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: Two-part L's choice hike from 9:45-11:55am and 12:15pm-2:30pm. Length and route depend on conditions. Bring lunch. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3 (Houghton's/Ponkapoag) head north for 0.5 miles to stop sign, then turn right on Hillside Street. Travel 0.2 miles to Houghton's Pond lot on the right. Call L if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182 (best time to call: until 10pm)).

Sun, Mar 25, 2012. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Hike with ponds and views. 10am-2pm. Bring lunch/water. From Needham center take Chestnut St. for 1.5mi. to end. Bear R on Dedham St. & go 1.5mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Storm cancels. Henry Gardner (henryghikes@gis.net; 781-894-4383).
Web version: Hike with ponds and views. 10am-2pm. Bring lunch/water. From Needham Center take Chestnut St. for 1.5mi. to end. Bear R on Dedham St. & go 1.5 mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Henry Gardner (henryghikes@gis.net).

Sun, Mar 25, 2012. Warner Trail, Sharon. (Trail Work, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Trail clearing, 12-4:30pm. Bring water/boots/work gloves/bow saws/clippers. Some tools avail. From Rte.95 exit8 take S.Main St. towards Sharon 0.1mi. to Shaw's Plaza on R. Potluck supper follows in Sharon. Names G-J bring beverage, K-Q salad, R-Z entrée, A-F dessert. L Jim Goyea (508-339-7671, jgoyea@hotmail.com).
Web version: Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm. Bring water, boots, work gloves, bow saws, and clippers. Some tools available. I-95 Exit 8 to South Main Street toward Sharon, and continue 0.1 miles to Shaw's Plaza on the right. Potluck supper follows in Sharon. Names G-J bring beverage, K-Q salad, R-Z entrée, A-F dessert. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Jim Goyea (jgoyea@hotmail.com).

Sat, Mar 31, 2012. Delaney Wildlife Mgt. area, Stow, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: 10am, finish by mid-aft. 6-7 mi. Two small stream crossings. Reg. req. Short car pool. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).
Web version: 10am, finish by mid-afternoon. 6-7 miles. Two small stream crossings. Registration required. Short car pool. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).

Sat, Mar 31, 2012. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Jan 6
Outdoors version: Hike/Snowshoe (Thurs. decision-contact leader before Thursday). 10am. Wedgmere RR Station(Lowell Line). Bring water/lunch. From Rte93, exit33(Medford) to S.Border Road. W 2.2mi., then Mystic Valley Pkwy. Go 0.9mi., R (Bacon Street) under tracks to pkg lot on L. Storm cancels. L Betsy Goeke (781-729-8484 until 10pm, betsyg@space.mit.edu).
Web version: Hike/snowshoe; decision made on Thursday (contact L before Thursday if you'd like notification of the decision). 10am. Wedgmere Station (Lowell Line). Return for 1:30pm train. Bring water and lunch. From Route 3, take Church Street for 0.3 miles and turn right on Bacon Street. Continue 0.4 miles to parking lot on Mystic Valley Parkway. I-93 Exit 33 (Medford) to South Border Road. Head west 2.2 miles, then take Mystic Valley Parkway. Go 0.9 miles and turn right (Bacon Street) under tracks to parking lot on the left. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Betsy Goeke (781-729-8484 (best time to call: until 10pm), betsyg@space.mit.edu).

Sat, Mar 31, 2012. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 9
Outdoors version: 5.5-mi., some rock scrambling, steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit8, S 0.6mi. on Willard St. From I-93/Route128 Exit6 Braintree, N 0.7mi. Email if severe weather. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 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 Center T station. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Apr 1, 2012. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 10-mi. mod. hike. 9am-4pm. Bring lunch & water. Take Rte. 95 S to Rte. 295 S to Exit 11 in Cumberland, RI then Rte. 114 N 3.7 mi. to Diamond Hill SP on R opp. Ice Cream Machine. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472 7-9:00pm).
Web version: 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner, Wrentham to Diamond Hill. Bring lunch and water. We will spot cars before the hike. I-95S to Route 295S Exit 11 in Cumberland, RI, then Route 114N for 3.7 miles to Diamond Hill State Park on the right opposite the Ice Cream Machine. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472 (best time to call: 7-9:00pm)).

Sun, Apr 1, 2012. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 9
Outdoors version: 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderately-paced hike ponds/hills/views. Bring lunch/water. Meet-Northeast Metro School. Rte95/128, exit39(Wakefield), take North Avenue east 2.5mi(becomes Nahant St), right on Farm St. Left on Hemlock St to the end. Heavy rain cancels. L Henry Gardner (781-894-4383, henryg@gis.net).
Web version: 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderately-paced hike around ponds and over hills with views. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Northeast Metro School. From Route 95/128, exit 39 (Wakefield), take North Avenue east for 2.5 miles (it becomes Nahant Street), then go right on Farm Street. Left on Hemlock Street to the end. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Cost for non-members is $1. L Henry Gardner (781-894-4383, henryg@gis.net).

Sat, Apr 7, 2012. Castle Island - South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No e-mail after 4/6. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 7-9pm, bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No e-mail after 4/6. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 (best time to call: 7-9pm); bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Apr 7, 2012. Weld Woods, W. Roxbury. (walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Easy 3-mi. walk in former estate w/woods & ponds, 1pm. Meet at trailhead at corner of W. Roxbury Pkwy. & Weld St. Bus 51, stop near Parklawn Rd. Rain cancels. L Dick Fallona (617-325-2721 6-9pm).
Web version: Easy 3-mile walk in former estate with woods and ponds, 1pm. Meet at trailhead at the corner of West Roxbury Parkway and Weld Street. Bus 51, stop near Parklawn Road. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Dick Fallona (617-325-2721 (best time to call: 6-9pm)).

Sun, Apr 8, 2012. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 6-mi. easy walk along River, waterfall, 9:45am-2pm. Bring lunch/water. Rte.128 exit32, Rte.3N to Nashua, keep R on main exit5 lane, take exit5A ramp (Simon St.), L on Simon St., L on Whipple St. to lot at end. Heavy rain cancels. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143, trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: 6-mile easy walk along Nashua River, canal with 1886 gatehouse, spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, from 9:45am-2pm. 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. L (Mark Levine, trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Apr 8, 2012. Walden Woods, Wright Forest, Concord, MA. (N, F, hiking, walks) - approved Jan 10
Outdoors version: Easy hike. Thoreau interpretive path, forest, marshes, vernal pool (frog chorus). 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring snack. From Rte. 2, take 126 North 0.6 mile. Park on R behind Concord Courthouse. L Joel Snider (617-492-2292, sniderj@ebnhc.org).
Web version: Easy hike. Thoreau interpretive path, forest, marshes, vernal pool (frog chorus). 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring snack. From Rte. 2, take 126 North 0.6 mile. Park on R behind Concord Courthouse. L Joel Snider (617-492-2292, sniderj@ebnhc.org).

Thurs, Apr 12, 2012. Slide Program - August Camp, Canadian Rockies - at Cabot Aud. 5 Joy St. (Photography, Social Events, Walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Lake Louise, Banff Regions of Canadian Rockies. Soaring spires and glaciated summits. Home of AMC's August Camp for past two summers. Visit remote trails and much more. Join Roger Scholl, 12noon. Brown bag lunch 11:30am to 12noon. L Local Walks Committee (617-786-8850, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: Enjoy Spectacular Lake Louise and Banff Regions of the Canadian Rockies with fellow AMCer's! Nestled in the deep verdant Valleys of Alberta and British Columbia, these soaring spires and glaciated summits have drawn AMC mountaineers and hikers alike for 150 years. As the home of AMC's August Camp for the past two summers, you'll visit remote trails and much more. Join Roger Scholl 12noon Cabot Aud. 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am to 12noon. L Local Walks Committee.

Sat, Apr 14, 2012. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Fast-paced 8mi. shore hike to Gurnet Light, return via road. 10:15am-2:15pm. Rte.3 exit11, take Rte.14E to end, L onto Washington St. R onto Powder Point Ave., 1mi. Lot on R before Bridge. No e-mail after 4/13. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 7-9pm, bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced 8-mile hike along shore to Gurnet Light, returning via road. 10:15am-2:15pm. Route 3 Exit 11 to Route 14E to the end, then left on Washington Street and right on Powder Point Avenue. Continue for 1 mile. Parking lot on the right before Powder Point Bridge. No email after 4/13. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Apr 14, 2012. Neponset River Greenway. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 15
Outdoors version: 5-mi.walk in parkland, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Bring snack. Meet: Hallet St. entrance to Pope John Paul II Park. Rte.93N, exit11(11B from Rte.93S) to Granite Ave; north over Neponset River, immediate-R on Hilltop St.; R under bridge into pkg.lot. Severe weather-call. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: Five-mile walk in largely new parkland, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Bring snack. 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. Call if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182).

Sun, Apr 15, 2012. Warner Trail, Wrentham. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 10-mi. mod. hike. 9am. Bring lunch & water. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472 (best time to call: 7-9pm)).
Web version: 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond. Bring lunch & water. We will spot cars before the hike. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472 (best time to call: 7-9pm)).

Sun, Apr 15, 2012. Historic Concord/Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Approx. 8mi. hike, 1:00-4:00pm. Meet at Minute Man National Park Visitor Center, 250 North Great Road, Lincoln MA. May spot cars to include Concord bridge/author's houses/possible author's ridge walk. L Gail Zwink (508-369-1645, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: Approx. 8mi. hike, 1:00-4:00pm. Meet at Minute Man National Park Visitor Center, 250 North Great Road, Lincoln MA. May spot cars to include Concord bridge/author's houses/possible author's ridge walk. L Gail Zwink (508-369-1645, ggzwink@gmail.com).

Sun, Apr 15, 2012. Middlesex Canal, N. Billerica. (F, N, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Level 5-mi. walk along historic canal, 1:30-4pm. From Rte.95/128, Rte.3N to exit28, Treble Cove Rd., L-towards N.Billerica 1.7mi., L-on Rte.3A/129 0.7mi., R-on Lowell St. 0.7mi. becomes Faulkner St., cross river at Faulkner Mills, R-into pkg. lot opp. Middlesex Canal Museum. L Robert Winters (617-661-9230, robert@middlesexcanal.org), CL Roger Hagopian (781-861-7868 to 10pm).
Web version: Level 5-mi. walk along historic canal N to Chelmsford, 1:30-4pm. From Rte. 95/128, take Rte. 3 N to exit 28, Treble Cove Rd., L towards N. Billerica 1.7 mi., L on Rte. 3A/129 0.7 mi., R on Lowell St. 0.7 mi. becomes Faulkner St., cross river at Faulkner Mills, R into pkg. lot opp. Middlesex Canal Museum (opens at noon). Joint w/Middlesex Canal Association. No dogs. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org. L Robert Winters (robert@middlesexcanal.org), CL Roger Hagopian (781-861-7868 to 10pm).

Sun, Apr 15, 2012. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas, Lincoln, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 9mi. Meet at 9:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot. From Rte. 95/128 take exit 28 in Waltham, follow Trapelo Road W 2.5mi., L on Lincoln Rd 1.4mi., R just before tracks into RR sta. lot. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).
Web version: 9 miles. Meet at 9:30am, Lincoln RR commuter parking lot. I-95/Route 128 Exit 28, Waltham, and follow Trapelo Road west for 2.5 miles. Turn left on Lincoln Road and follow for 1.4 miles, then turn right just before the tracks into the RR station parking lot. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).

Mon, Apr 16, 2012. Marathon Day Walk, Natick to Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 9
Outdoors version: Natick train station, 1 Walnut St. 9:25am-7:15pm. 3rd annual walk to South Station via the marathon route. 20 miles. Option to skip dinner in Chinatown and take 5:41pm train from Back Bay. Bring lunch. Rain cancels. Co-Leaders: Carol Leiter (508-962-2789, mcleiter@comcast.net); Maureen (Mo) McCauley (781-572-7494).
Web version: Natick train station, 1 Walnut St. 9:25am. 3rd annual walk to South Station via the marathon route. 20 miles. Dinner in Chinatown and take 7:15pm train to Natick. Option to skip dinner and take 5:41pm train from Back Bay. Bring lunch. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Co-Leaders: Carol Leiter (mcleiter@comcast.net) and Maureen (Mo) McCauley (781-572-7494).

Mon, Apr 16, 2012. Half-Marathon Walk, Minuteman Nat'l Park, Lexington. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Brisk 13-mi. walk on Battle Rd. Tr. to Fiske Hill in Lexington, Meriam's Corner in Concord, and back. 9:30am-3:45pm. Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 95/128 exit 30B in Lexington, take Rte. 2A W 1 mi. to Visitor Ctr. lot on R. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Brisk 13-mile walk on Battle Road Trail to Fiske Hill in Lexington, Meriam's Corner in Concord, and back. 9:30am-3:45pm. Bring lunch/water. From Route 95/128, exit 30B in Lexington, take Route 2AW one mi. to Visitor Center lot on R. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Mon, Apr 16, 2012. Boston Marathon Hike. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 15
Outdoors version: 17th annual hike, 8mi. via Arboretum, Allandale, Hancock Woods/Hammond Pond Park to Heartbreak Hill, 9:00am-12:30pm. Watch race on trolley back into town or hike back via Marathon route. Meet at Forest Hills T at exit gates. Call if severe weather. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: 17th annual hike, eight miles via Arboretum, Allandale and Hancock Woods, Hammond Pond Park to Heartbreak Hill, 9:00am-12:30pm. Watch race on trolley back into town or hike back via Marathon route. Meet at Forest Hills T at exit gates. Call if severe weather. No dogs. AMC members $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182).

Wed, Apr 18, 2012. Castle Island, South Boston. (walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Leisurely 3-mi. walk, 6:15-8:00pm. From SE Expressway take JFK Exit, follow beach along Day Boulevard to end. Meet: front of Sullivan's. Red Line to Broadway Station, then City Point buses(#9 or #11). Walk E toward water, L on Day Boulevard. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Leisurely 3-mi. walk along harbor, 6:15-8:00pm. From SE Expressway take JFK Exit, follow beach along Day Boulevard to end. Meet in front of Sullivan's. Bus: Red Line to Broadway Station, then City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk E toward water, L on Day Boulevard. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Apr 21, 2012. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 6-mi.walk, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Bring snack. Meet Hallet St. entrance to Pope John Paul II Park. Rte.93N, take exit11(11B from Rte.93S) to Granite Ave., N over Neponset River, immediate R on Hilltop St., R under bridge into pkg.lot. Email if severe weather. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: Six-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Bring snack. 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; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey, breadcrumbs60@gmail.com.

Sat, Apr 21, 2012. Breakheart Reservation - Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 5-mile moderate hike, 9:30am. Bring snacks, water and hiking boots. From Route 1 in Saugus, take Lynn Fells Pkwy. West 0.3 miles, right onto Forrest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. Heavy rain cancels. L Nick Palky (781-933-8783, NickPalky@hotmail.com).
Web version: Five-mile moderate hike, 9:30am. Bring snacks, water and hiking boots. From Route 1 in Saugus, take Lynn Fells Pkwy. West 0.3 miles, right onto Forest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Nick Palky (781-933-8783; NickPalky@hotmail.com).

Sun, Apr 22, 2012. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 9
Outdoors version: 7-mi. hike on variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-3:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rt. 93/128 Exit 3, go N to stop sign at Hillside St., R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Joint w/FBH. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: 7-mile hike on a variety of trails in the Blue Hill Section of the Blue Hills Reservation. Some steep trails, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10 am-3:30 pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, go north to the stop sign at Hillside Street and turn right. Go 0.2 miles to the lot on the right. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, Apr 22, 2012. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 15
Outdoors version: Hike to cliff-top views/frozen waterfall, 10:00am-2:15pm. Bring lunch/water. Meet Oak Grove T (Washington St. side). Rte.93, exit32 (Medford); east Rte.60, 1.2mi.; left Highland Ave, 0.5mi.; right Glenwood St., 0.6mi.; left Washington St, 0.1mi; T lot/street pkg. Call if severe weather. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182 until 10pm, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: Hike to cliff-top views and frozen waterfall, from 10am-2:15pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet on Washington Street side of Oak Grove T station. I-93 Exit 32, Medford, head east on Route 60 for 1.2 miles, then turn left on Highland Avenue and follow for 0.5 miles. Turn right on Glenwood Street and go 0.6 miles, then turn left on Washington Street and go 0.1 miles, then turn right into T station lot, or park on street. Call L if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182 (best time to call: until 10pm)).

Sat, Apr 28, 2012. Acton Arboretum, Acton. (Instruction (Skills), walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of early spring wild flowers and other signs of spring. The walk will focus on plant ID and natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Concord rotary, take Rte. 2 west for 2.2 mi. R on Taylor Rd. 0.7 mi. to Arboretum on R. (Note: Sign faces opposite direction.) Steady rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of early spring wild flowers and other signs of spring. The walk will focus on plant ID and natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Concord rotary, take Rte. 2 west for 2.2 mi. R on Taylor Rd. 0.7 mi. to Arboretum on R. (Note: Sign faces opposite direction.) Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass Audubon - Habitat, The New England Wild Flower Society, the Winchester Public Schools, the Friends of the Middlesex Fells, the AMC and other organizations. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Apr 28, 2012. Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 6-mi. mod.hike-rocky terrain, 9:30am. Bring snacks/water/hiking boots. Meet DCR Flynn Rink(Woodland Rd). Rte93, exit33(Medford), take Fellsway West(Route28) north 0.5mi.; right on Elm Street, 0.5mi.; left at rotary; left at rink. Bus 99 from Wellington T station. Heavy rain cancels. L Nick Palky (781-933-8783, NickPalky@hotmail.com).
Web version: Six-mile moderate hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am. Bring snacks, water 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, 0.5 miles; left at rotary and left at rink. Bus 99 from Wellington T station. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Nick Palky (781-933-8783; NickPalky@hotmail.com).

Sun, Apr 29, 2012. Warner Trail, Foxboro. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 10-mi. mod. hike, Moose Hill in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro. 9am-4pm. Bring lunch & water. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. We will spot cars before hike. L Jim Goyea (508-339-7671, jgoyea@hotmail.com).
Web version: 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Moose Hill in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro. Bring lunch & water. We will spot cars before the hike. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jim Goyea (jgoyea@hotmail.com).

Sun, Apr 29, 2012. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 9
Outdoors version: Briskly paced 5-mi. hike in beautiful woods w/ponds & views. 10am. Bring water/lunch. From Needham Ctr., take Chestnut St. 1.5mi. to end. Bear R onto Dedham St. 1.5mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Heavy rain cancels. L Joyce Beatty (781-444-5618, geojoy62@verizon.net).
Web version: Briskly paced 5-mi. hike in beautiful woods w/ponds & views. 10am. Bring water/lunch. From Needham Ctr., take Chestnut St. 1.5 mi. to end. Bear R onto Dedham St. 1.5 miles to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Joyce Beatty (781-444-5618).

Sat, May 5, 2012. Grassy Pond, Acton. (Instruction (Skills), walks) - approved Jan 8, location changed Jan 10
Outdoors version: Bird walk to look for migrating woodland and water birds, 8-10am. Bring binocs & bird book. From Rte. 2 in Acton take Rte. 27 North about 1 mile. After monument in Acton Center, turn left on Nagog Hill Road. Grassy Pond parking lot is 1.2 miles on the left. Heavy rain cancels. L Peter Norton (978-263-4180, pnorton.home@gmail.com).
Web version: Bird walk to look for migrating woodland and water birds, 8-10am. Bring binocs & bird book. From Rte. 2 in Acton take Rte. 27 North about 1 mile. After monument in Acton Center, turn left on Nagog Hill Road. Grassy Pond parking lot is 1.2 miles on the left. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Peter Norton (978-263-4180, pnorton.home@gmail.com).

Sat, May 5, 2012. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. (F, N, C, hiking, walks) - approved Jan 9
Outdoors version: 3mi., 7-10:30am. Beginner's birding. See common, rare species at height of spring migration. Bring binocs, bird book. From Rt. 93/128 Exit 2B, take Rt. 138 N 1.7mi., L on Neponset Valley Pkwy. 0.5mi. to small lot at Brush Hill Rd. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Beginner's bird walk 3 miles through Fowl Meadow, 7-10:30 am. Learn to bird. See both common and rare bird species at the height of spring migration in the best birding area in the Blue Hills Reservation. Bring your binoculars and a bird book if you have one. From Route 93/128 Exit 2B, take Route 138 north 1.7 miles, turn left on Neponset Valley Parkway and go 0.5 miles to the small lot at Brush Hill Road. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, May 6, 2012. Wellesley Wander. (F, N, hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 5-6-mile circuit w/Wellesley College greenhouses/campus/Lake Waban/Charles River/brooks/aqueducts. 10:30am. Bring lunch. Meet at Wellesley College Greenhouses. Route 16W from Wellesley Center to campus entrance; right into campus, right to East Campus/Science Center and parking lot. Rain cancels. L Robert Winters (617-661-9230, Robert@rwinters.com).
Web version: 5-6-mile circuit with Wellesley College greenhouses and campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks and aqueducts. 10:30am. Bring lunch. Meet at Wellesley College Greenhouses. Route 16W from Wellesley Center to campus entrance; right into campus, right to East Campus/Science Center and parking lot. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. Related Websites: http://hike.rwinters.com, http://amcboston.org/walks, http://www.wellesley.edu/WCBG/Welcome/welcome.html. L Robert Winters (617-661-9230; Robert@rwinters.com).

Sat, May 12. Warner Trail, Sharon. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 8
Outdoors version: 15-mi. mod. hike from Edge Hill Rd. in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro. 9am-5pm. Bring lunch & water. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. We will spot cars before hike. L Jim Goyea (508-339-7671, jgoyea@hotmail.com).
Web version: 15-mi. mod. hike from Edge Hill Rd. in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro. 9am-5pm. Bring lunch & water. We will spot cars before the hike. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jim Goyea (jgoyea@hotmail.com).

Sun, May 13, 2012. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 10
Outdoors version: Brisk 7-mi.hike incl. holly grove/Oden's Den/lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am. Bring lunch/water/sturdy boots. Meet at Trustees of Res. pkg. lot on W side of Rte.3A, 2mi. S of jct. w/Rte. 228. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 5/11. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 7-9 p.m., bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Brisk 7-mi. hike incl. holly grove, Oden's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am. Bring lunch, water, sturdy boots. Meet at Trustees of Res. pkg. lot on W side of Rte. 3A, 2 mi. S of jct. w/Rte. 228. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 5/11. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

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