November-December 2014 AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Saturday, January 12, 2019 11:17 AM

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

Calendar Grid here

Sat, Nov 1, 2014. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (Walks, N, F) - approved July 11 with map
Outdoors version: Moderately fast-paced walk. Explore Ft. Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Seaport District, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway. 10:00am-2:00pm. Meet at South Station (Red Line T) indoors at exit to Dewey Square. Bring lunch, water. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).
Web version: Moderately fast-paced walk. Explore Ft. Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Seaport District, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway. 10:00am-2:00pm. Meet at South Station (Red Line T) indoors at exit to Dewey Square. Bring lunch, water. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm).

Sat, Nov 1, 2014. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. (Instruction/Skills, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk through woods and fields focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. Rte.2 to Exit42 (Rte.27/Main St., Acton) Follow Rte.27 N about 1mi. through Acton Center, L on Nagog Hill Rd. Travel Nagog Hill Rd. for about 1.1mi. Parking on L just past small meadow. Parking limited, arrive early. Heavy rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk through woods and fields focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. Rte. 2 to Exit 42 (Rte. 27/Main St., Acton) Follow Rte. 27 north for about 1 mile through Acton Center and turn left on Nagog Hill Rd. Travel Nagog Hill Rd. for about 1.1 miles. Parking on left just past the small meadow. No registration. Parking limited, arrive early. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass Audubon, The New England Wild Flower Society, The Winchester Public Schools, and The Friends of the Middlesex Fells as well as the AMC. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Nov 1, 2014. Midstate Trail - Mt. Watatic. (hiking) - approved Oct 8 with map
Outdoors version: Meet 10:00am for a loop hike to Watatic summit at MST northern terminus. Park at Mount Watatic trail parking lot on north side of Route 119, opposite Pierce Road, 1.4 miles west of Route 101 junction in Ashburnham. L Tim Loftus (timloftus@msn.com; 774-200-1364).
Web version: Meet 10:00am for a loop hike to Watatic summit at MST northern terminus. Park at Mount Watatic trail parking lot on north side of Route 119, opposite Pierce Road, 1.4 miles west of Route 101 junction in Ashburnham – look for chain link fence. Hike north up cart road to Midstate Trail terminus granite marker on N.H state line, follow path east a few hundred feet to join Wapack Trail [it becomes Midstate Trail in Massachusetts, with same yellow triangle blaze] and turn right to head south, following Midstate to summit of Watatic where markers make a sharp turn to the right to merge with Blueberry Ridge Trail and back down to original cart road where you turn left to the parking lot. Moderately strenuous hike featuring gradual climb up, over and down Watatic with steady pace. Total loop about 4+ miles. L Tim Loftus (timloftus@msn.com; 774-200-1364).

Sun, Nov 2, 2014. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Hike 7-mi. on a variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-3pm. 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 (olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Hike 7 miles on a variety of trails in the Blue Hills Reservation, some steep, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10 am-3 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, Nov 8, 2014. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Outdoors version: Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm); bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Nov 8, 2014. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Outdoors version: 2-2½ hour walk in Cutler Park, Dedham and Needham. Bring water/snacks. Wear hiking/sturdy walking shoes. Trails mostly dirt, some boardwalks, flat, some gentle hills. Moderate pace. Heavy rain cancels. After walk, optional lunch at nearby restaurant for all interested. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Mary Wisbach (mwisbach@aol.com).
Web version: Meet at 9:30am. This will be a 2 to 2½ hour walk in Cutler Park, located in Dedham and Needham. Bring water and snacks. Wear hiking/sturdy walking shoes. Trails are mostly dirt, with some boardwalks, flat, with some gentle hills. Moderate pace. Heavy rain cancels. Contact a leader if uncertain. After the walk, optional lunch out at a nearby restaurant for all those interested. Driving from Route 95: Take Exit 19A off Route 95. At the first set of lights, make a right onto Second Ave. At the end of Second Ave., make a right onto Fourth Ave. At the end of Fourth Ave., make a right onto Kendrick St. Look for the reservation sign on the left side of the street, before the PTC office building. Park in the lot with the sign. By Public Transportation: Take the Needham Heights Commuter Rail form South Station. Leave the train at the Needham Heights station. Cross Highland Ave and travel down West St. Cross Hunnewell and Webster Streets. West St. becomes High St. Continue on High St. and it will become Greendale Ave. Follow Greendale Ave. to the blinking yellow light. Take the left fork onto Kendrick St. and follow over the highway. Cutler Park will be on the right, after the PTC office building. Total distance from the Needham Heights station is about 1¼ mile. Contact us if you have any questions. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Mary Wisbach (mwisbach@aol.com).
Website: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/cutler-park-reservation.html

Sun, Nov 9, 2014. Sheldrick Forest & Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Outdoors version: 6-mi. hike at 9:45am. Bring boots & prepare for snow/ice. From Nashua, NH: Rt. 101A W becomes Rte. 101W twd. Wilton. Approx. 2.1mi. after Rt. 31S, L Temple Rd., bear L across bridge, L Town Farm Rd. 0.7mi. to pkg. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: Six-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 W toward Milford, join Route 101W toward Wilton. Approximately 2.1 miles after Route 31S, left on Temple Road (just past Gary's Restaurant), bear left across bridge, left on Town Farm Road. 0.7 miles uphill to parking area. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sat, Nov 15, 2014. Midstate Trail hike in Ashburnham - Mt. Hunger. (hiking, F, N) - approved Aug 17 with map
Outdoors version: Meet 9:00am at trail crossing at Route 12 in Ashburnham [near 1 Jewell Hill Road, GPS 42.625721 - 71.881289]. Hike over Fisher Hill and Mount Hunger, 6.7 miles at moderate pace. L Verne Hebard (508-756-3669; hebardvw@yahoo.com).
Web version: Meet 9:00am at trail crossing at Route 12 in Ashburnham [at 1 Jewell Hill Road, GPS 42.625721 - 71.881289]. From Route 12 in Fitchburg, heading north toward Ashburnham for 4.9 miles, watch for corner of Jewell Hill Road on right w/ traffic island. Park some cars on Jewell Hill Road and shuttle to trail parking lot on north side of Route 119 [GPS 42.696239 - 71.903911]. Hike south over Fisher Hill and Mount Hunger with great views, 6.7 miles at moderate pace and short, steep climbs, back to Route 12. L Verne Hebard (508-756-3669; hebardvw@yahoo.com).

Sat, Nov 15, 2014. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved July 13 with map
Outdoors version: 5.5-mi. to Granite Railway/quarries, some rock scrambling & steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Meet Shea Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit8 Quincy, south 0.6mi. on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route128 Exit6 Braintree, north 0.7 miles. 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/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sat, Nov 15, 2014. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. (walks) - approved Sept 17 with map
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).

Sun, Nov 16, 2014. Hale Reservation, Powisett Farm, Westwood. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
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).

Sun, Nov 16, 2014. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: 7-mi. hike in Houghton section on variety of trails w/several views, lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3pm. 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 (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, 10 am-3 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, Nov 22, 2014. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond Hike in honor and memory of Eddie DeSantis. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Outdoors version: Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rte. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rte. 128 Exit 2A. Rain cancels. L Debbie Kee (617-739-1569; dlaukee@rcn.com).
Web version: Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. This hike is in honor and memory of our dear friend and fellow Blue Hills hiker Eddie DeSantis who recently passed away at the age of 93. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Debbie Kee (617-739-1569).

Sun, Nov 23, 2014. Burrage Pond, Hanson. (Walks, hiking) - approved Sept 15 with map (listed as Southeastern, MA)
Outdoors version: 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails, open water, marshland. From Rte.27 in Hanson, Pleasant Street for 0.2mi., sharp right to Hawks Ave. across tracks, left on dirt road at fence, past building to trailhead. Bring water/snack/appropriate footwear. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland. From Rte. 27 in Hanson, Pleasant Street for 0.2 mi., take sharp right to Hawks Ave. across the tracks, left on dirt road at fence, past building to trailhead. GeoCode N 42 01 49.1 W 70 51 32.3. Bring water and snack and wear appropriate footwear. No dogs, $1 fee for non-AMC members. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Fri, Nov 28, 2014. Annual Ayer/Groton Hills walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map, modified Nov 7
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).
Web version: Come join the longest continually running hike in the AMC. We'll explore the the natural areas between the Nashua River and the Snake Hills. Exact route determined on the fly. Some bushwhacking possible. Around 7 mi, 5 hours. Bring warm clothes and lunch. Meet at 10:00am in NW corner of parking lot behind Nashoba Hospital on Groton Road in Ayer, 42.57878N 71.57399W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com).

Fri, Nov 28, 2014. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map, date changed Nov 14
Outdoors version: 6.5-mi. hike with some steep hills, 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly Skyline Trail. Bring lunch/water/sturdy shoes. Meet 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: Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 6.5-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, bring lunch, water and sturdy hiking shoes. Traction devices and poles recommended. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8, S 0.6mi. on Willard St. From I-93/Route128 Exit 6 Braintree, N 0.7mi. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Nov 30, 2014. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (hiking, snowshoe) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Extremely challenging 5-mi. hike/snowshoe on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue, and more, 9:15am-12:45pm. Bring snack/water/sturdy footwear. From Rte.93/128 exit 2B, take Rte.138 N 1.3mi. to pkg. lot on R just past Trailside Museum. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (hiddenboston@yahoo.com).
Web version: Extremely challenging 5-mi. hike/snowshoe on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue, and more, 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. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz (hiddenboston@yahoo.com).

Tues, Dec 2, 2014. Great Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Leisurely 4-mi. walk. Historic Harvard, Porter Sq., Huron Village, 6:45-8:45pm. Bring snack. Meet outside Brattle Theatre. From Harvard Sq T Stop, 1 block W on Eliot Street; R on Brattle Street (theatre on left). Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (hiddenboston@yahoo.com).
Web version: Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, 6:45-8:45pm. Bring snack. Meet outside of Brattle Theatre (lower level). From Harvard Square T Stop, go 1 block west on Eliot Street; take right on Brattle Street (theatre is on the left). Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Wear appropriate footwear for conditions. L Marc Hurwitz (hiddenboston@yahoo.com).

Sat, Dec 6, 2014. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Outdoors version: Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rte. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rte. 128 Exit 2A. Rain cancels. L Debbie Kee (617-739-1569; dlaukee@rcn.com).
Web version: Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rte. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rte. 128 Exit 2A. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Debbie Kee (617-739-1569).

Sat, Dec 6, 2014. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. (hiking, walks) - added and approved Nov 17 with map
Outdoors version: Meet at 10am. 3½ to 4 hour walk in Cutler Park in Dedham and Needham. Bring lunch, water and snacks. Wear hiking/sturdy walking shoes. Moderate to fast pace. Depending on conditions, may want snow shoes/stabilizers. Heavy rain/snow cancels. Ls Joyce Beatty (781-444-5618), Lisa Fleishman (617-244-5747 before 9pm).
Web version: Meet at 10am. This will be a 3½ to 4 hour walk in Cutler Park, located in Dedham and Needham. Bring lunch, water and snacks. Wear hiking/sturdy walking shoes. Trails are mostly dirt, with some boardwalks, flat, with some gentle hills. Moderate to fast pace. Depending on ground conditions, you may want to have snow shoes/stabilizers. Heavy rain/snow cancels. Contact Lisa if uncertain. Driving from Route 95: Take Exit 19A off Route 95. At the first set of lights, make a right onto Second Ave. At the end of Second Ave., make a right onto Fourth Ave. At the end of Fourth Ave., make a right onto Kendrick St. Look for the reservation sign on the left side of the street, before the PTC office building. Park in the lot with the sign. By Public Transportation: Take the Needham Heights Commuter Rail form South Station. Leave the train at the Needham Heights station. Cross Highland Ave and travel down West St. Cross Hunnewell and Webster Streets. West St. becomes High St. Continue on High St. and it will become Greendale Ave. Follow Greendale Ave. to the blinking yellow light. Take the left fork onto Kendrick St. and follow over the highway. Cutler Park will be on the right, after the PTC office building. Total distance from the Needham Heights station is about 1¼ mile. Ls Joyce Beatty (781-444-5618), Lisa Fleishman (617-244-5747 before 9pm).

Sun, Dec 7, 2014. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. (Instruction/Skills, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Rte.2, Exit59 go west on Rte.60/Pleasant St. 0.6mi. Right onto Clifton St., first left on Fletcher Rd., bear left at fork, next left on Juniper Rd. 0.2mi. to Sanctuary at #10 Juniper Rd. Steady rain/heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Web version: Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 miles. Right onto Clifton St., first left on Fletcher Rd., bear left at fork, next left on Juniper Rd. 0.2 miles to Sanctuary at #10 Juniper Rd. Steady rain or heavy 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, The New England Wild Flower Society, the Winchester Public Schools, the Friends of the Middlesex Fells, the Appalachian Mountain Club and other organizations.] L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Dec 7, 2014. Blue Hills Hike. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: 7-mi. Chickatawbut section hike, 10am-3pm. 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 (olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation, 10 am-3 pm. 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 7, 2014. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead. (walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Approx 4-mi walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock/Marblehead Light followed by optional hot chocolate break. 11:00am-2:00pm. Take Rte. 114 or Rte.127 to Ocean St. or Beach St. Go E to Devereaux beach pkg lot. Storm cancels. L Sara Epstein (781-620-1014, sarahepstein51@comcast.net).
Web version: Approx 4-mi walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock and Marblehead Light followed by optional hot chocolate break. 11:00am-2:00pm. Take Rte. 114 or Rte. 127 to Ocean St. or Beach St. Go E to Devereaux beach pkg lot. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Sara Epstein (781-620-1014).

Sat, Dec 13, 2014. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike. (hiking, walks, C, F, N) - approved Sept 14 with map
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 (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, 10 am-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.

Sat, Dec 13, 2014. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: 8.5mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Rte. 3 Exit 14 to Rte. 228N toward Hingham, 4 mi. to Wompatuck sign, then R on Free St. 1.3mi. to visitor center pkg. lot. Email if severe weather. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: 8.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Rte. 3 Exit 14 to Rte. 228N toward Hingham, 4 mi. to Wompatuck sign, then R on Free St. 1.3 mi. to visitor center pkg. lot. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sat, Dec 13, 2014. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (walks) - approved Sept 17 with map
Outdoors version: 10am-2:30pm. Easy walk. Bring water/lunch. Meet Wedgmere Station, Winchester. From Rte. 93 exit 33 (Medford), take S. Border Rd. W 2.2mi. to Mystic Valley Pkwy., 0.9mi. to Bacon St., R under tracks. Lot on L. Storm cancels. L Betsy Goeke (781-729-8484 until 10pm; betsyg@space.mit.edu).
Web version: 10am-2:30pm. Moderate walk. Bring water/lunch. Meet Wedgmere Station, Winchester. From Rte. 93 exit 33 (Medford), take S. Border Rd. W 2.2mi. to Mystic Valley Pkwy., 0.9mi. to Bacon St., R under tracks. Lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Betsy Goeke (781-729-8484 until 10pm).

Sun, Dec 14, 2014. Nashua River, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map, modified Nov 7
Outdoors version: 1:00pm. Walk scenic trails on east side of Nashua River in Groton. Area features string of conservation areas providing public access to this beautiful waterway. Meet 1:00pm at fairgrounds parking area at end of Fairgrounds Rd., 42.6171N 71.5989W. About 2 hours. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).
Web version: 1:00pm. Walk the scenic trails on the east side of the Nashua River in Groton. The area features a string of conservation areas providing public access to this beautiful waterway. Meet 1:00pm at the fairgrounds parking area at the end of Fairgrounds Rd., 42.6171N 71.5989W. About 2 hours. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com).

Thurs, Dec 25, 2014. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (Hiking, walks, Snowshoeing) - approved Sept 7 with map
Outdoors version: Moderate pace 4-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:00am-12:15pm. Bring snack/water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Moderate pace 4-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:00am-12:15pm. Bring snack & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (bmosias@yahoo.com).

Thurs, Dec 25, 2014. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle. (Hiking, snowshoeing, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
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. From 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).

Sat, Dec 27, 2014. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (Hiking, snowshoeing, walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Fast-paced hilly 7-mi. hike/snowshoe mostly on Skyline and/or Reservoir Trails, 9:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch/sturdy footgear. From Rte.93, take exit33 in Medford, go west on South Border Road toward Winchester; two miles to paved Long Pond lot on the right. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; hiddenboston@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced hilly 7-mi. hike/snowshoe mostly on Skyline Trail and/or Reservoir Trail (depending on conditions), 9:30am-1:30pm. Bring snack and sturdy footgear. From Route 93, take exit 33 in Medford, go west on South Border Road toward Winchester; two miles to paved Long Pond lot on the right. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732).

Sat, Dec 27, 2014. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. (walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: 5-mile walk, 9:30am-12:15pm. Bring snack. Meet Hallet St entrance Pope John Paul II Park. From Rte.93N, take exit11(11B-Rte.93S) to Granite Ave, north over Neponset River, immediate right on Hilltop St, right under bridge into pkg.lot. severe weather->email. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).
Web version: 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm. 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. E-mail if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Tues, Dec 30, 2014. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. (walks) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Leisurely 4-mi. walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:45pm-9:15pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St. T-Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Boylston Street by Boston Common. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz (781-864-1732; hiddenboston@yahoo.com).
Web version: Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:45pm-9:15pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St. T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Boylston Street by Boston Common. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Jan 3, 2015. Blue Hills, Canton. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Snowshoe/hike if no snow mod. terrain 6-8mi. around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-3pm. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. Call if weather questionable. Joint with FBH. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585; olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Snowshoe 6 miles, or hike up to 8 miles if no snow, across golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation, 10 am-3 pm. 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 (781-326-6585).

Sun, Jan 18, 2015. Blue Hills, Quincy. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Snowshoe/hike if no snow mod. terrain 6-7mi., 10am-3pm. Shea Ice Rink, Willard St. From SE Expwy, Exit 8 Quincy, go S 0.6mi. on Willard St. Or I-93/Rt. 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: Snowshoe 6 miles in the Eastern section of the Blue Hills Reservation over moderate terrain, or hike 7 miles in hilly areas if no snow, 10 am-3 pm. 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. Call if weather questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Sun, Feb 8, 2015. Blue Hills, Quincy. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Sept 14 with map
Outdoors version: Snowshoe/hike if no snow 6-7mi. in remote Chickatawbut section, 10am-3pm. Shea Ice Rink, Willard St. From SE Expwy, Exit 8 Quincy, go S 0.6mi. on Willard. Or I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 6 Braintree, N 0.7mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585; olanoff@aol.com).
Web version: Snowshoe 6 miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Will hike 7 miles in hilly areas if no snow, 10 am-3 pm. 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. Call if weather questionable. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (781-326-6585).

Mar 7, 2015. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved with map Oct 12
Outdoors version: 7-mi. Houghton's section hike w/variety of trails, several views, lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3pm. 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, 10am-3pm. 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.

Outdoors version:
Web version:

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