Nov/Dec 2011 AMC Local Walks/Hikes
updated Monday, November 7, 2011 11:10 AM

Hikes already approved for early November 2011 from Sept/Oct listings

Sat, Nov 5. Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. (Walks) - approved July 10
Outdoors version: Easy 4-mi. walk incl historic canal, riverside walks, and hidden rooftop garden, 10:30 AM-1:00 PM. Bring lunch. Meet at Kendall Sq. T in Cambridge (front of Marriott Hotel). Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Easy 4-mi. walk incl historic canal, riverside walks, and hidden rooftop garden, 10:30 AM-1:00 PM. Bring lunch. Meet at Kendall Sq. T in Cambridge (front of Marriott Hotel). Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 5. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved July 11
Outdoors version: 10-mi. hike incl. Mt. Misery & Walden Pond, 9:15AM to 2:45PM. Bring lunch & water. Meet at Lincoln RR sta. on Lincoln Rd. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182 to 10pm; hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: 10-mi. hike incl. Mt. Misery & Walden Pond, 9:15AM to 2:45PM. Bring lunch & water. Meet at Lincoln RR sta. on Lincoln Rd. L Mike Stadelmaier (617-282-3182 (best time to call: to 10pm)).

Sun, Nov 6. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. (Instruction (Skills), Walks) - approved July 10
Outdoors version: Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:00am-12noon. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 mi. R onto Clifton St., first L on Fletcher Rd., bear L at fork, next L on Juniper Rd. 0.2 mi. to sanctuary (10 Juniper).Steady rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:00am-12noon. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 mi. R onto Clifton St., first L on Fletcher Rd., bear L at fork, next L on Juniper Rd. 0.2 mi. to sanctuary (10 Juniper). Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Nov 12. Castle Island, South Boston, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved July 11
Outdoors version: Fast-paced 7-mi. scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am to 2:30pm. Bring lunch/water. Meet inside JFK/UMASS Red Line T-sta. at upper level gates. No nearby pkg. Storm cancels. No e-mails after 11am 11/11/11. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7:00-9:00pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced 7-mile scenic walk along the ocean to Castle Island. 10:30am to 2:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside the JFK/UMass Red Line T station at the upper level gates. No nearby parking. Storm cancels. No e-mails after 11am 11/11/11. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Nov 12. Blue Hills Hike, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved July 11
Outdoors version: Mod. strenuous 8 mi. hike, some steep hills. Meet at 9:30am at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot. I-93/Rtes.128 Exit 3, head N. to stop sign, R on Hillside St., 0.2 mi. to pkg. lot on R. Rain cancels. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472, eve 7-9 only).
Web version: Mod. strenuous 8 mi. hike, some steep hills. Meet at 9:30am at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot. I-93/Rtes.128 Exit 3, head N. to stop sign, R on Hillside St., 0.2 mi. to pkg. lot on R. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472, best time to call: eve 7-9 only).

Sun, Nov 13. Weir Hill, North Andover, MA. (Hiking, Walks) FT,NM - approved July 10
Outdoors version: 9:00am-11:00am. Bring water/snacks/boots. Rte.93, Rte.125N (7. mi.), L on Rte.114W, R on Rte.125 (0.2 mi.), R at lights (0.6 mi.) Fork R (0.2 mi.). At Center go straight (0.1 mi.), L on Stevens St. 0.8mi. Entrance on R. Storm cancels. L Richard Soo Hoo (978-470-2293; richsoohoo@aol.com).
Web version: 9:00am-11:00am. Bring water/snacks/boots. Rte. 93, Rte. 125N (7.3 mi.), L on Rte. 114W, R on Rte. 125 (0.2 mi.), R at lights (0.6 mi.) Fork R (0.2 mi.). At Center go straight (0.1 mi.), L on Stevens St. 0.8mi. Entrance on R. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Richard Soo Hoo (978-470-2293; richsoohoo@aol.com).

New hikes submitted for November/December 2011

Wed, Nov 2. Power Point Program - Weeks Act, Boston, MA. (Photography) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: The Weeks Act was passed 100 years ago empowering Congress to purchase private forests to protect and preserve watersheds. Presenters: Jim Hamilton and William Weeks (grandson of John Wingate Weeks). Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy Street, 12:00pm. Brown bag lunch 11:30am. L Local Walks Committee ((617) 786-8850, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: 100 years ago the Weeks Act was passed giving Congress the power to purchase private forests to protect watersheds and preserve them from development. The White Mountain National Forest was one of the first large areas protected­ - today 22,000,000 acres nationwide have been preserved thanks to this landmark legislation. A Massachusetts congressman, John Wingate Weeks, was responsible for crafting the bill that was named after him. Jim Hamilton and William Weeks, John Wingate Week's grandson and former Massachusetts congressman, will present a Power Point slide show at Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy Street, November 2, at 12:00pm. It will describe why the legislation was necessary, the political hurdles that had to be surmounted, the impact on the White Mountains, and a personal glimpse of the man who made it all possible. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am.

Sat, Nov 5. Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Concord, MA. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 10:00AM-12:30PM. Lookout tower/Dike/Timber/Edge Trails to wetlands, open views, Concord River. From Concord Ctr., take Rte. 62 E 1.0mi. At brown and white park sign, turn L onto Monson Rd. to parking lot. Bring lunch/water/bug spray. L Fred Hughes ((781) 891-7268, hughes.frederick@gmail.com).
Web version: 10:00AM-12:30PM. Lookout tower, Dike, Timber, and Edge Trails to wetlands, open views, Concord River. From Concord Center, take Rte. 62 E 1.0 mi. At brown and white park sign, turn L onto Monson Rd. to parking lot. Bring lunch, water, bug spray. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Fred Hughes, hughes.frederick@gmail.com.

Sun, Nov 6. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, MA. (Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo). Take Rte. 93 to exit 34. Go N on Rte. 28 to South St., right to park. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snack. L Betsy Goeke ((781) 729-8484 until 10pm, betsyg@space.mit.edu)
Web version: Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo). Take Rte. 93 to exit 34. Go N on Rte. 28 to South St., right to park. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snack. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Betsy Goeke (781) 729-8484 (best time to call: until 10pm); betsyg@space.mit.edu.

Thurs, Nov 10. Slide Program - Tunisia, Boston, MA. (Photography) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Touring archaeological sites of Northern Africa, exploring the culture, seeing the people one year before the uprising. Presented by Susan Keroes. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown Bag Lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. L Local Walks Committee ((617) 786-8850, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: Touring archaeological sites of Northern Africa, exploring the culture, seeing the people one year before the uprising. Presented by Susan Keroes. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown Bag Lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Nov 12. National Historic Park, Lincoln, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 1:00pm-4:30pm. Approx. 8mi. Meet at Minute Man National Park Visitor Center, 250 N. Great Rd., Lincoln MA. From I-95, exit 30B, take Rte.2A W 1.0mi. to Visitor Center pkg. on R. Bring snacks/water/sturdy footwear. Significant rain cancels. L Gail Zwink ((508) 460-5038, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: 1:00pm-4:30pm. Approx. 8 mi. Meet at Minute Man National Park Headquarters Visitor Center, 250 N. Great Rd., Lincoln, MA. From I-95, exit 30B, take Rte. 2A W 1.0 mile to Visitor Center pkg. on R. Bring snacks, water, and sturdy footwear. Significant rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Gail Zwink (508) 460-5038; ggzwink@gmail.com. [New members][First timers]

Sun, Nov 13. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks)- approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 7-mi. hike in Houghton section on variety of trails w/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. L Steve Olanoff ((781) 326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Hike 7 miles in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3:30pm. 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, Nov 13. Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16B, take Rte. 109 W 1.2mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3mi., R on Carby St. 0.6 mi. to Cat Rock pkg. lot. Rain cancels. L Jean Veigas ((781) 449-4324, jveigas@whitneyveigas.com).
Web version: Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16B, take Rte. 109 W 1.2 mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3 mi., R on Carby St. 0.6 mi. to Cat Rock pkg. lot. Rain cancels. Wear traction device on boots if conditions warrant. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324; jveigas@whitneyveigas.com).

Sat, Nov 19. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, MA. (Walks) - approved Sept 10
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, Nov 19. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 14
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 pavilion. From Rte.93/128 exit3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag) go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghton's Pond lot on R. L Mike Stadelmaier ((617) 282-3182 to 10pm, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: Two part L's choice hike, 9:45-11:55am and 12:15-2:30pm. Route depends on conditions. Bring lunch. Meet at pavilion. 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. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617) 282-3182 (best time to call: to 10pm).

Sun, Nov 20. Nashoba Brook Watershed (B3C), Westford, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 5-6mi. Explore Audubon/eskers/ponds/woodland trails w/lunch stop. Meet at 9:30am, Audubon trailhead immediately off Rte.225, opposite Banbury Road in Westford (extra parking on Banbury), 12mi. west of Rte.128 on Rte.225, 7mi. west of Carlisle center on Rte.225. L Gail Ferreira ((978) 314-1106, gailcferreira@gmail.com), CL Mike McIlrath ((781) 274-7881, mbm@alum.mit.edu).
Web version: 5-6 miles. Explore Audubon and other conservation lands including eskers, ponds, and woodland trails with stop for lunch overlooking a picturesque pond. Meet at 9:30am, Audubon trailhead immediately off Route 225, opposite Banbury Road in Westford (extra parking on Banbury), 12 miles west of Route 128 on Route 225, 7 miles west of Carlisle center on Route 225. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Gail Ferreira (978-314-1106; gailcferreira@gmail.com), CL Mike McIlrath (781-274-7881; mbm@alum.mit.edu). Website: http://www.westfordconservationtrust.org/wct/trails/Nashoba/trail.html

Sun, Nov 20. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Slow-paced 6-mi. rocky hike. See colonial dam, cellar holes, admonitions on boulders. 10am-4pm. Bring lunch/water/boots. Rte. 128N to exit 10, the 2nd rotary in Gloucester; R ¾ way around rotary, R at Blackburn Industrial Park sign & park along road. L Jerry Yos ((781) 935-4647 until 11pm, jerryyos@yahoo.com).
Web version: Slow-paced 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm. Bring lunch, water & sturdy boots. Take Rte. 128 N to exit 10, the 2nd rotary in Gloucester; R ¾ way around rotary, R at Blackburn Industrial Park sign & park by side of road. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jerry Yos (781) 935-4647 (best time to call: until 11pm).

Sun, Nov 20. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Mod. hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. Meet Lincoln RR Station. Rte.95/128 exit28, take Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi. to stop. L onto Lincoln Rd. 1.3mi. to Lincoln RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Heavy rain cancels. L Henry Gardner ((781) 894-4383, henryghikes@gis.net).
Web version: Moderate hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. Meet Lincoln RR Station. Rte. 95/128 exit 28, take Trapelo Rd. W 2.5mi. to stop. L onto Lincoln Rd. 1.3mi. to Lincoln RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Henry Gardner, henryghikes@gis.net.

Sun, Nov 20. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. (Instruction, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk to Long Pond focusing on evergreens/other easily recognizable plants of winter, plus fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00pm. Rte.93 to exit33 (Rte. 28, Fellsway West, Winchester). Go around rotary to S. Border Rd, Winchester. Go about 2 mi. to Long Pond Parking Lot on R (opposite #532 S. Border Rd). Parking limited, arrive early. Steady rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell ((781) 729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk to Long Pond focusing on evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter, plus fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00pm. Rte. 93 to exit 33 (Rte. 28, Fellsway West, Winchester). Go around rotary to S. Border Rd, Winchester. Go about 2 mi. to Long Pond Parking Lot on R (opposite #532 S. Border Rd). Parking limited, arrive early. Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Thurs, Nov 24. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 14
Outdoors version: 13th annual Thanksgiving walk, 4-mi., 10am-12:15pm. Bring snack. Meet at Admin. Bldg., Arborway. Forest Hills T sta. is 0.6 mi. away. Can combine with PM Forest Hills walk. L Mike Stadelmaier ((617) 282-3182 to 10pm, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: 13th annual Thanksgiving walk, 4-mi., 10am-12:15pm. Bring snack. Meet at Admin. Bldg., Arborway. Forest Hills T sta. is 0.6 mi. away. Can combine with PM Forest Hills walk. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617) 282-3182 (best time to call: to 10pm).

Thurs, Nov 24. Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 14
Outdoors version: 3-mi. walk in garden cemetery w/sculpture path, 12:30-2:30pm. Bring snack. Take Arborway SE over Forest Hills T sta. overpass, through rotary on Rte. 203, immed. R at light onto Forest Hills Ave. & park. L Mike Stadelmaier ((617) 282-3182 to 10pm, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: 3-mi. walk in garden cemetery w/sculpture path, 12:30-2:30pm. Bring snack. Take Arborway SE over Forest Hills T sta. overpass, through rotary on Rte. 203, immed. R at light onto Forest Hills Ave. & park. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617) 282-3182 (best time to call: to 10pm).

Fri, Nov 25. Ayer & Groton Hills, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 7-mi.hike w/mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm. Bring lunch/warm clothes. From Rte.95/128 exit 29, take Rte.2W 19mi. to exit 38, go N on Rte. 111 3mi. to Ayer, R on Washington St. 1.6mi. to Nashoba Hospital pkg. in rear. L Olin Lathrop ((978) 742-9014, olin@embedinc.com), CL Jed Eliades ((603) 643-4556, je2@dartmouth.edu).
Web version: 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm. Bring lunch & warm clothes. From Rte. 95/128 exit 29, take Rte. 2 W 19 mi. to exit 38, go N on Rte. 111 3 mi. to Ayer, R on Washington St. 1.6 mi. to Nashoba Hospital pkg. in rear. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com), CL Jed Eliades.

Sat, Nov 26. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am. From Rte.93S, take Ponkapoag Trail exit 3 towards Houghton's Pond. Turn R onto Blue Hill River Rd. Turn R onto Hillside St. Turn R into Houghton's Pond main parking lot. Rain cancels. L Claire Braye ((508) 857-0320, cbraye57@comcast.net).
Web version: 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am. From Rte. 93S, take Ponkapoag Trail exit 3 towards Houghton's Pond. Turn R onto Blue Hill River Rd. Turn R onto Hillside St. Turn R into Houghton's Pond main parking lot. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Claire Braye.

Sun, Nov 27. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Very challenging 6-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue/Little Blue/Wolcott Hills, 9:15am-12:45pm. Bring snack/water/sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2B, take Rte. 138 N 1.3 mi. to pkg. lot on R just past Trailside Museum. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz ((781) 864-1732, info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Very challenging 6-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue & Wolcott Hills, 9:15am-12:45pm. Bring snack, water, & sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2B, take Rte. 138 N 1.3 mi. to pkg. lot on R just past Trailside Museum. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Thurs, Dec 1. Slide program - Galapagos Islands, Boston, MA. (Photography) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Birds and Iguanas. Visit the Galapagos Islands with Corinne Waite at 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am to 12:15pm. L Local Walks Committee ((617) 786-8850, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: Birds and Iguanas. Visit the Galapagos Islands with Corinne Waite at 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am to 12:15pm. Local Walks Committee.

Sat, Dec 3. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Brisk 8-mi. hike inc. holly grove/Odin's Den/scenic lunch on Turkey Hill, 9:30am. Bring lunch/water/sturdy boots. Meet at Trustees of Res. lot on W side of Rte.3A, 2mi. S of jct. W/Rte.228. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 11am on 12/2/11. L Beth Mosias ((781) 335-5034 7-9 pm, bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Brisk 8-mi. hike inc. holly grove, Odin's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am. Bring lunch, water, sturdy boots. Meet at Trustees of Res. lot on W side of Rte. 3A, 2 mi. S of jct. W/Rte. 228. Storm cancels. No e-mail after 11am on 12/2/11. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Dec 3. Middlesex Fells, Malden, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 14
Outdoors version: 7-mi. hike w/ponds/cascade waterfall/views, 10AM-2:15PM. Meet Washington St. side Oak Grove T sta. From Rte.93 exit32 Medford, take Rte.60 E 1.2mi., L Highland Ave. 0.5mi., R Glenwood St. 0.6mi., L Wash. St. 0.1mi. to T lot or park on street. L Mike Stadelmaier ((617) 282-3182 to 10pm, hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: 7-mi. hike w/ponds, cascade waterfall & views, 10AM-2:15PM. 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., R into T sta. lot or park on street. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Stadelmaier (617) 282-3182 (best time to call: to 10pm).

Sun, Dec 4. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 7-mi. Chickatawbut section hike, 10am-3:30pm. Meet Shea Ice Rink, Willard St. From SE Expwy, Exit 8 Quincy, go S 0.6mi. on Willard. Or Rt.93/128, Exit 6 Braintree, go N 0.7mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T. L Steve Olanoff ((781) 326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation, 10am-3:30pm. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.

Sun, Dec 4, 2011. Boston's Developing Waterfront, Boston, MA. (Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel/Marine Industrial Park/Rowe's Wharf. Bring lunch/water. Storm cancels. Ltd to 12. L Sharon Marshall ((617) 542-4551 7-9 pm, smarshallmd@juno.com). [Reg. required]
Web version: 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf. Bring lunch, water. Storm cancels. Ltd to 12. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall (617) 542-4551 (best time to call: 7-9 pm), smarshallmd@juno.com. [Reg. required] [New members]

Sun, Dec 4. Noanet Woodlands, Dover, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
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. Rain cancels. L Henry Gardner ((781) 894-4383, henryghikes@gis.net).
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 1.5mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Henry Gardner, henryghikes@gis.net.

Sat, Dec 10. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 3-mi. nature walk in little-known Little Blue Hill section to look for signs of birds & animals in winter, 10am-noon. From Rte. 93/128 Exit 2B take Rte. 138 N to rear of Park-&-Ride lot on L just after Dunkin Donuts. L Steve Olanoff ((781) 326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter, 10am-noon. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 2B, take Route 138 north to rear of the Park-&-Ride lot on left just after Dunkin Donuts. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.
3-mi. nature walk in little-known Little Blue Hill section to look for signs of birds & animals in winter, 10am-noon. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2B take Rte. 138 N to rear of Park-&-Ride lot on L just after Dunkin Donuts. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Sat, Dec 10. Boston's Bright Lights and Green Boughs, Boston, MA. (Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 10:00am-12:00 noon. Admire seasonal decorations in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown. Meet at Red Line, South Station T, just inside main entrance. Bring snacks, water. Storm cancels. L Sharon Marshall ((617) 542-4551 7-9 pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).
Web version: 10:00am-12:00 noon. Admire seasonal decorations in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown. Meet at Red Line, South Station T, just inside main entrance. Bring snacks, water. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall (617) 542-4551 (best time to call: 7-9 pm) smarshallmd@juno.com.

Sat, Dec 10. Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA. (Instruction, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. Rte. 93 to exit 33. At rotary, go right onto S. Border Rd/Winchester and continue a few hundred yards to Bellevue Pond Parking Lot on R. Parking limited, arrive early. No registration. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell ((781) 729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. Rte. 93 to exit 33. At rotary, go right onto S. Border Rd/Winchester and continue a few hundred yards to Bellevue Pond Parking Lot on R. Parking limited, arrive early. No registration. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Dec 10. Noanet Woodlands, Dover, MA. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 4-mi. hike/snowshoe, 10:00am-12:30pm. Bring lunch/snack/water. Rte.95/128 exit19(Needham,HighlandAve.) 1.8mi. to NeedhamCtr., R onto Rte.135 1 block, L onto ChestnutSt. 1.5mi., R at fork onto DedhamSt. 1.5mi. to pkg lot on L(tennis courts) past Mill Farm barn. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz ((781) 864-1732, info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: 4-mi. hike/snowshoe through scenic woods w/ponds and streams, 10:00am-12:30pm. Bring lunch/snack & water. From Rte. 95/128 exit 19 in Needham, take Highland Ave. 1.8 mi. to Needham Ctr., R onto Rte. 135 for 1 block, L onto Chestnut St. S 1.5 mi., bear R at fork onto Dedham St. 1.5 mi. to pkg. lot on L at tennis courts just past Mill Farm barn. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 11. Borderland State Park, No. Easton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 5-mi. hike. 11:00am. Visitors Center. Rte.95S (towards Providence), exit 10. L at end of ramp; 2-3mi. to lights (Sharon Center), thru intersection, bear right onto Pond St. Continue 1.5mi. to rotary. Halfway around rotary onto Massapoag Ave. 3mi. to entrance. L Claire Braye ((508) 857-0320, cbraye57@comcast.net).
Web version: Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 11:00am at the Visitors Center with appropriate footwear for the conditions. Bring water and snack. Take Rte. 95 south (towards Providence), exit 10 (Sharon, Walpole and Coney Street). L at the end of the ramp; follow this road, two or three mi. to the traffic lights in Sharon Center. Go straight thru this intersection and immediately bear right onto Pond St. Follow Pond St. for 1.5 mi. until you come to a traffic rotary. Go half way around the rotary and continue onto Massapoag Ave. 3 mi. to the park entrance on L. For directions, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland/directions.htm. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Claire Braye.

Sun, Dec 11. Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land. Meet at the 1st parking lot on L. From Rte. 128 take Rte. 20 W for about 11 mi. until you see the sign for The Wayside Inn. L Gail Zwink ((508) 460-5038, ggzwink@gmail.com).
Web version: 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land. Meet at the 1st parking lot on L. From Rte. 128 take Rte. 20 W for about 11 mi. until you see the sign for The Wayside Inn. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Gail Zwink ((508) 460-5038, ggzwink@gmail.com). [New members][First timers]

Sun, Dec 18. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 8mi. hike along shore to Gurnet Light, return via road, 10:00AM-2.00PM. From Rte.3 exit11, take Rte.14 E to end, L onto Washington St. R onto Powder Point Ave. 1mi. Lot on R before Powder Point Bridge. Storm cancels. L Ann Landers ((617) 786-8850 7-9pm, lanponkapoag@aol.com).
Web version: 8 mi. hike along shore to Gurnet Light, return via road, 10:00AM-2:00PM. From Rte. 3 exit 11, take Rte. 14 E to end, L onto Washington St. R onto Powder Point Ave. 1 mi. Lot on R before Powder Point Bridge. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Ann Landers.

Sun, Dec 18. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Christmas event. 1:30-4:30pm, 6-mi. hike on trails/back roads. Afterwards Wayside Inn for hot chocolate. Rte. 95 exit 26. Rte. 20W for 11 mi. R at Wayside Inn Road. 1/4 mi. L into 72 Wayside Inn Rd. pkg. lot. Storm cancels. L Carol Leiter ((508) 962-2789, mcleiter@comcast.net).
Web version: Christmas event. 1:30-4:30pm. 6-mi. of back roads and trails ending at the Wayside Inn pub for hot chocolate. From Rte. 95 take exit 26, Rte. 20 West for 11 mi. Go right at large green sign "Wayside Inn Road." Go 1/4 mi. Turn L into 72 Wayside Inn Rd. pkg lot. Storm cancels. Waterproof boots needed. L Carol Leiter.

Sun, Dec 25. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. (Hiking, Snowshoeing, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Easy 4-5 mi. wander. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms pkg lot, 1/3 mi. west of Concord River off Rte. 225. Rte. 128 Exit 31B, follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing Rte. 225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. L Mark Levine ((781) 275-2143, trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: Easy approx. 4-5 mi. wander through a good birding area with river and pond views, pine forest and red maple swamp. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms parking lot, about 1/3 mi west of Concord River off Rte. 225. From Rte. 128 Exit 31B follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing on Rte. 225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. If weather uncertain contact Leader. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Dec 25. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (Hiking, Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: 6-mi. hike around Wolcott & Tucker Hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/ water/boots. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3, go N to stop sign at Hillside St., R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias ((781) 335-5034 7-9pm, bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: 6-mi. hike around Wolcott & Tucker Hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm. Bring lunch, water, boots. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3, go N to stop sign at Hillside St., R 0.2 mi. to lot on R. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

Thurs, Dec 29. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston, MA. (Walks) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-9:00pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St. T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Charles Station. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz ((781) 864-1732, info@hiddenboston.com).
Web version: Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-9:00pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Charles Station. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Jan 8. Blue Hills, Canton, MA. (Hiking, Skiing-XC-Nordic) - approved Sept 10
Outdoors version: X-C ski or hike if no snow 6 mi. around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-3pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rte. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rte. 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather questionable. Joint with FBH. L Steve Olanoff ((781) 326-6585, olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Cross-country ski or hike if no snow 6 miles across golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation, 10am-3pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Route 138, Canton, 0.7 miles south of I-93/Route 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather is questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.