March-August 2020 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Tuesday, September 8, 2020 10:26 AM

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

Calendar Grid here

This page has been superceded by the Sept-Dec 2020 page

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

Sat, Mar 7, 2020. Western/Southern Middlesex Fells and Brooks Estate, Medford. - post RW
9:45am-2:15pm. Fast-paced, scenic 8-mi. hike to remote parts of the Western and Southern Fells, the Brooks Estate, and Brooks Pond. Bring lunch, water, and snacks, and hiking poles. Wear sturdy foot gear. Directions from North: Rte. 93 S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. At next stop sign go R. At first set of lights turn R onto Rte. 28. Turn R into Sheepfold entrance. Directions from South: Rte. 93 N to exit 33 (Rte. 28). Sheepfold entrance is 2 miles up on the L. Park at lot overlooking field. (GPS Coordinates: 42.4533269,-71.1067986) Snow/Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Mar 14, 2020. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
5 mile hike/snowshoe, 9:00am-noon. Bring snack/water. From Rte. 3 exit 14, take Rte. 228N 6.5 mi., L on Rte. 3A 1.0mi. to rotary, R on Summer St. 0.5 mi. to light, L on Martin's Lane to entr. $8 fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. No dogs. Leader: Beth Mosias

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

Sun, Mar 15, 2020. Explore the Lawrence Woods, Medford. - post RW
2:00pm-4:00pm. We will roam over most of this less visited part of the Middlesex Fells, including the butterfly garden, the abandoned Nike missile site and the Mustang trail. Moderate pace, no dogs, please. Bring snacks and water. Cell phone day of hike 617-571-3740. Registration Required. Leader: Thurman Smith.

Sat, Mar 21, 2020. Walden Pond, Concord. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove, once inhabited by Henry Thoreau. Enjoy sit-down break, on the shore of Walden. Bring water and snacks. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, Mar 22, 2020. Middlesex Canal, Billerica. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
Joint with the Middlesex Canal Association. Meet at 1:30pm at the Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitor Center in the Faulkner Mill in North Billerica. The walk will be over 3-4 miles of generally level wooded terrain and streets, for 2-3 hours, rain or shine. The route follows the canal for a round trip of approximately 3 miles south of the Concord River. Sites to be visited include: two guard locks; an anchor stone and the 'peninsula' at the opposite ends of the floating bridge that once carried the towpath across the Concord; the 1825 iron bolt pond-level reference; the "deep cut"; a smallpox memorial marker; and stretches of canal some of which are still watered. The Museum, Visitor Center and bookstore will be open from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org. Ls Robert Winters, Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Apr 4, 2020. Castle Island, South Boston. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
10:00am-1:30pm. Fast paced, 7 mile scenic walk along boulevard to Castle Island. Bring lunch, snacks, + water or purchase lunch at Sullivan's. Storm cancels. No dogs. L Beth Mosias.

Sun, Apr 12, 2020. J Harry Rich State Forest, Groton. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us on this relatively flat stroll along an oxbow of the Nashua River, now popular with wildlife. We will also pass thru typical New England woods, along the active channel of the Nashua River, and hike along a section of the Nashua River Rail Trail. Meet at the entrance on Nod Road across from Common St, 42.6300N 71.5794W. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Bring snacks and water. L Olin Lathrop.

Sun, Apr 12, 2020. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
10:30am-1:30pm. Moderate pace 5 mile hike around pond. Bring lunch and water. No dogs. Storm cancels. From Rte 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte 138 South 0.7 miles to Ponkapoag Golf Course 2173 Washington St Canton MA. L Beth Mosias

Sat, Apr 18, 2020. Crane Beach, Ipswich. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Bring water and snacks. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly.

Sat, May 2, 2020. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, on former estate carriage roads, with scenic views across the Merrimack River. Trail wanders through open grass meadows, then enters primeval stands of white pine. Stroll over stone built bridges, visit rhododendron and azalea gardens. Bring water and snacks. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Starboard Galley Restaurant, on the Newburyport boardwalk, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Maudslay State Park, parking lot. From Route 95, exit 57, in Newburyport, take Route 113 West for 0.7 mile. Turn right on Hoyts Lane, follow to end, see parking lot on right. L Brian Connolly.

Sat, May 16, 2020. Crane Beach, Ipswich. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Bring water and snacks. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, May 17, 2020. Rocky Hill Sanctuary, Groton. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
1:00pm-3:00pm. This is a great area for a hike, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, beaver marshes, a heron rookery, and the Forest Bells. About 2 hours, moderate pace. No Dogs. Bring snacks and water. Meet at the Rocky Hill Sanctuary parking area on Cardinal Lane in Groton, 42.5809N 71.5311W. L Olin Lathrop.

Sun, June 14, 2020. Groton Woods and Duck Pond, Groton. - post RW [cancelled (COVID-19)]
1:00pm-3:00pm. We'll hike thru a large conserved area featuring, woods, streams, wetlands, and the beautiful Duck Pond. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Bring snacks and water. Meet at the trailhead on Paugus Trail in Groton, 42.5882N 71.5085W. L Olin Lathrop.

Sun, Aug 16, 2020. Lynn Woods, Lynn. - registration required
Multi Trail: Leaders Choice. 6 mi. MODERATE. More detailed information about the meeting location, start time etc will be provided once participants are confirmed on the hike. L Nelson Caraballo; CL Liza Wyn.

Thurs, Sept 3, 2020. Beginner Weekday Morning Hike in Blue Hills. - registration required
Join us for a beginner, relaxed pace hike in the Blue Hills to start your day. We will hike the rolling hills and simply enjoy being in nature with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. There may be 1 or 2 climbs up some steep, rocky hills, at a slow side of moderate pace, to catch some scenic views. Plan to start at in the morning and end around noon. We will hike approximately 4+ miles. This is a great way to get outside locally, reinforce your hiking skills, and meet new people. Online registration is required and limited to 10 participants, including leader(s). Bring a back pack with water, rain jacket, snacks, mask, hand sanitizer, and poles, the latter if you use them. After you register, the hike leader will send you detailed information on meeting location, time and planned trails. L Cindy Crosby.

Sun, Sept 6, 2020. Explore the Burlington Landlocked Forest. - registration required
Sunday Mid-Afternoon come explore this interesting and varied patch of forest and fields between Rt 3 and the Lexington border following a loop route. Moderate pace. Two hours. No dogs, please. Covid-19 protocols observed. http://www.landlockedforest.com. Cell phone day of hike 617-571-3740. Start time and meeting location will be sent after you register. L Thurman Smith.

Tues, Sept 15, 2020. Beginner Weekday Morning Hike in Blue Hills. - registration required
Join us for a beginner, relaxed pace hike in the Blue Hills to start your day. We will hike the rolling hills and simply enjoy being in nature with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. There may be 1 or 2 climbs up some steep, rocky hills, at a slow side of moderate pace, to catch some scenic views. Plan to start at in the morning and end around noon. We will hike approximately 4+ miles. This is a great way to get outside locally, reinforce your hiking skills, and meet new people. Online registration is required and limited to 10 participants, including leader(s). Bring a back pack with water, rain jacket, snacks, mask, hand sanitizer, and poles, the latter if you use them. After you register, the hike leader will send you detailed information on meeting location, time and planned trails. L Cindy Crosby.

Tues, Sept 22, 2020. Beginner Weekday Morning Hike in Blue Hills. - registration required
Join us for a beginner, relaxed pace hike in the Blue Hills to start your day. We will hike the rolling hills and simply enjoy being in nature with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. There may be 1 or 2 climbs up some steep, rocky hills, at a slow side of moderate pace, to catch some scenic views. Plan to start at in the morning and end around noon. We will hike approximately 4+ miles. This is a great way to get outside locally, reinforce your hiking skills, and meet new people. Online registration is required and limited to 10 participants, including leader(s). Bring a back pack with water, rain jacket, snacks, mask, hand sanitizer, and poles, the latter if you use them. After you register, the hike leader will send you detailed information on meeting location, time and planned trails. L Cindy Crosby.

Tues, Sept 29, 2020. Beginner Weekday Morning Hike in Blue Hills. - registration required
Join us for a beginner, relaxed pace hike in the Blue Hills to start your day. We will hike the rolling hills and simply enjoy being in nature with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. There may be 1 or 2 climbs up some steep, rocky hills, at a slow side of moderate pace, to catch some scenic views. Plan to start at in the morning and end around noon. We will hike approximately 4+ miles. This is a great way to get outside locally, reinforce your hiking skills, and meet new people. Online registration is required and limited to 10 participants, including leader(s). Bring a back pack with water, rain jacket, snacks, mask, hand sanitizer, and poles, the latter if you use them. After you register, the hike leader will send you detailed information on meeting location, time and planned trails. L Cindy Crosby.

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