November-December 2015 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Saturday, January 12, 2019 11:19 AM

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

Calendar Grid here

This list has been superceded by the Jan/Feb 2016 list.

Sun, Nov 1, 2015. Mt. Wachusett, Princeton, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Moderate-to-strenuous 8-mile hike. 10:00am-3:00pm. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. Route 2 Exit 28. Follow Route 31S for 8.5 miles to Route 62W for 0.6 miles. Turn right on Goodnow Road, at the Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary sign. Parking lot is 1 mile down on the left. $4 donation if not Audubon member. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Nov 1, 2015. Hike Goldsmith Reservation (AVIS property), Andover. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 29 with map
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk along wooded trails with scenic views. Meet at 1:30pm at the Goldsmith Reservation trailhead, 491 South Main Street (Rte. 28) just south of the intersection with Gould Road. Take I-93 to exit 41, go north on Route 125, exit at Route 28N. Goldsmith Reservation is on the left before the first intersection. Map REF: Insert N 42.61016 W 71.12366 into http://mapper.acme.com. L Judi Barthakur (barthakur@comcast.net; 603-886-8931).

Sat, Nov 7, 2015. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved July 25 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).

Sun, Nov 8, 2015. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Oct 25 with map
Halloween hike to see witches homes and moral admonitions carved on boulders. Slow-paced, 6- mi. rocky hike with some steep sections, 10am-3:30pm. Bring lunch/water/boots. By car, take Rte. 128N into Gloucester; at first traffic light, turn left onto Rte. 127N for 3.2 miles to Rockport railroad station pkg. on left; or take Rockport train from Boston North Station. Ls Jerry Yos (781-935-4647 before 11pm) and Ellen Ruggles.

Sun, Nov 8, 2015. Hike beautiful trails at Beaver Brook, NH. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Oct 25 with map
Hike beautiful trails at Beaver Brook, NH, which has 35 miles of trails. This will be a 2 to 3 mile easy hike along beaver ponds and beautiful wooded trails, depending on the group size and ability. We will meet at 1:00pm, at the Nature Center 117 Ridge Rd. in Hollis, NH, in front of the yurt. L Judy Barthakur (603-886-8931 before 9pm; barthakur@comcast.net).

Sat, Nov 14, 2015. Squantum Point Park to Pope John Paul 2 Park, Quincy/Dorchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 7 with map
5-mile walk from Squantum Point Park, along Quincy Riverwalk, across bridge to Boston Harborwalk to Pope John Paul 2 Park, 9:30am-12:30pm. Bring snack & water. Take Rte. 3 South to exit 12, Rte. 3A South. Continue over the Neponset Bridge onto Quincy Shore Drive and bear left on East Squantum Street. Turn left and take Victory Road Marina Bay, take left on Haul Rd. into the Squantum Point parking lot. GPS Coordinates (42.299721, -71.032158). Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Nov 15, 2015. Borderland State Park, N. Easton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 10:00am 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. Rain or storm cancels. L Claire Braye (508-857-0320).

Sat, Nov 21, 2015. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. (Walks, Hiking, Instruction) - approved Nov 2 with map
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in late autumn. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm. From Route 2 Exit 56 take Route 4/225 (Lexington/Bedford) to Winter St. 1 mile to its end, L on Concord Ave. 0.1 mi., R onto Mill St. 0.1 mi., R down hill into Rock Meadow parking lot. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. $1 for non-members. 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).
From the East - Take Route 2 westbound and get off at Exit 56 (Rte 4/225, Lexington/Bedford). At the fork in the ramp, bear right (Rte 4/225, Lexington/Bedford). At stop sign at end of ramp, turn left on Winter St. and follow directions From Winter St below.
From the West - Take Rte 2 Eastbound and get off at Exit 56 (Winter St/Waverly). At end of ramp, take right onto Winter St and follow directions From Winter St below.
From Winter St - Follow Winter St for about one mile to its end and take a left onto Concord Ave. In 1/10th mile bear right onto Mill St. In 1/10th mile take first right down a hill into Rock Meadow parking lot. It comes just after 295 Mill St on the opposite side of the road. It comes on you quickly and is easy to miss.

Sat, Nov 21, 2015. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
10:00am-3:00pm. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (olanoff@aol.com).
Driving Directions: 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.

Sun, Nov 22, 2015. Nagog Pond (Acton) & Sarah Doublet (Littleton). (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: 7½ mi. wander through varied woodlands, 9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at pkg. area S side of Nagog Hill Rd. From Rte.2, exit Rte.27 N toward Acton for 1.1mi., L Nagog Hill Rd. for 1.2mi to Grassy Pond pkg. area on L.L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: 9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at Grassy Hill parking lot off Nagog Hill Rd, Acton (see links below), S side of Nagog Hill Rd. From Rte.2, exit Rte.27 N toward Acton for 1.1mi., L Nagog Hill Rd. for 1.2mi to Grassy Pond pkg. area on L. This 7½ mi. route wanders through a portion of Acton's Nagog Hill area, hugs the shore of Nagog Pond, loops through the hilly Sarah Doublet area in Littleton where we plan to have lunch and offer an optional excursion to Fort Pond via a short spur trail. Our return covers the remaining portion of Nagog Pond. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Mon, Nov 23, 2015. West Side Concord River Walk, Concord, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 with map
9:00am start. Fast-paced hike thru a 3 mile trail in Concord, followed by a 1 mile Sudbury Trustees trail in Carlisle. We will make up for shortness and flatness with the fast pace. We will first park & meet on Monument Street, about 1.7 miles out from the Monument in the center of Concord. The off road parking on the left is about 200 yards beyond Hutchins Farm which is on the right. It is the access parking to Punkatasset Hill and Hutchins pond. The map in https://sites.google.com/site/concordriverwalk/ shows where we meet (& arrange simple car spotting) and then hike. If you use the link please do so on a large PC monitor, not cell. Heavy rain cancels. Non-AMC members $1. Registration not required. Please note if you are more than 5 mins late we will have probably started hiking. L. Jack Mroczkowski (781-862-1019 until 9pm).

Thurs, Nov 26, 2015. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Thanksgiving Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Nov 27, 2015. Annual Ayer & Groton Hills Walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Come join the longest continually running hike in the AMC. We'll explore 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 27, 2015. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 9 with map
Explore the Arboretum with an experienced guide, stopping at favorite trees, on and off the trail, up and down hill, 10:30am-12:15pm. Meet at Visitors Center, 125 Arborway, JP, park on Arborway or half mile walk from Forest Hills T stop. Storm cancels. No dogs, no registration. L Chris McArdle (617-480-3351).

Sat, Nov 28, 2015. Boston's Back Bay Fens. (walks) - approved Aug 11 with map
Victory Gardens, War Memorial, and neighboring schools and cultural institutions. From 10:00am-1:30pm. Meet at corner of Huntington Ave. & Museum Rd. (Museum stop on Green Line "E"). Bring lunch & water. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. New members welcome. Heavy rain cancels. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9 pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Nov 28, 2015. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 7 with map
5.5-mile.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).

Sun, Nov 29, 2015. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 23 with map
Challenging and fast-paced 7-mi. hike to Great Blue, Hemenway & Hancock hills, including little-used trails with spectacular scenery, 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.

Sat, Dec 5, 2015. Horn Pond Mountain and Rag Rock/Mount Mianomo, Woburn. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 30 with map
Moderately difficult, steep 6-mile hike including water views, two "mountains" with sweeping vistas, 11:15pm-2:15pm. Bring lunch. From Rte. 95/128 exit 33A, take Rte. 3 S 3 mi., L on Pond St. 0.8 mi. to pkg. lot on L. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz

Sun, Dec 6, 2015. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. (Walks, Hiking, Instruction) - approved Nov 2 with map
Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID of bare trees, naked shrubs and winter weeds. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 1:00-4:00pm. From Rte 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte 60/Pleasant St. 0.6miles. 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. $1 for non-members. 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).

Sun, Dec 6, 2015. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 8 with map
10:00am-3:00pm. 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.
Driving Directions: 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.

Sat, Dec 12, 2015. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton. (hiking, walks, F, N, C - listed under "Leadership Training") - approved Nov 8 with map
10:00am-12:00pm. 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.
Driving Directions: From I-93/Route 128 Exit 2B, take Route 138 north to rear of the Park-&-Ride lot on left just after Dunkin Donuts.

Sat, Dec 12, 2015. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 9 with map
5.5-mile.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, Dec 19, 2015. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs. (walks) - approved Aug 11 with map [cancelled due to health problems]
Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay & Beacon Hill. 9:30am-11:30am. Meet near Park Street T Station (Green Line) at the corner of Tremont and Park Streets. Bring snacks, water. Heavy rain/snow cancels. New members welcome. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Dec 19, 2015. Blue Hills, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 14 with map
Moderate 7-mi. hike including lesser-used trails in the Tucker Hill, Buck Hill, and Hillside Pond areas with some steeps, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, water, & sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghton's Pond lot on R. Rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 20, 2015. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map [cancelled due to surgery for detached retina]
Mod-stren. 7mi. hike. 9:00am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/snacks. From the north, take Rte. 93S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. Next stop sign go R. At first lights, R onto Rte. 28, R into Sheepfold entrance. From the south, take Rte. 93N to exit 33 (Route 28). Entrance on L (2 mi.). Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Dec 20, 2015. Beaver Brook, NH. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Nov 15 with map
Feeling stressed? Get outside and hike/snowshoe around beautiful Wildlife Pond in Hollis, NH. The hike will be about 1.5 to 2 hours. Please be sure to bring water and snacks. Rain or stormy weather will cancel. We will meet at 1:00pm. From Route 3 in New Hampshire take route 130 west to Hollis Center. At the junction of route 122 and route 130 at the stop light, stay on route 130 drive 1.7 miles toward Brookline, NH. The Wildlife Pond Parking lot is a large dirt lot on the right. L Judy Barthakur (603-886-8931 before 9pm; barthakur@comcast.net).

Sun, Dec 20, 2015. Groton Town Forest. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Dec 6 with map
1:00pm start. Explore the varied topography and habitats of this scenic woodland, including eskers, kettle holes, dry upland, marsh, the dead river, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at end of Town Forest Road off of MA 225 in W Groton, 42.5973N 71.6052W. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Fri, Dec 25, 2015. Foss Farms Annual XMAS hike, GMWMR & Greenough Land, Carlisle. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: 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).

Fri, Dec 25, 2015. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: 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).
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 (781-335-5034).

Fri, Dec 25, 2015. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map [cancelled due to surgery for detached retina]
Christmas Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sat, Dec 26, 2015. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 19 with map
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. 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, Dec 27, 2015. Fresh Pond and Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. (walks) - approved Dec 21 with map
Walk around Fresh Pond and wander through Fresh Pond Cemetery in scenic Cambridge, MA. Meet at 10:30am at the intersection of Aberdeen Avenue and Huron Avenue. On-street parking is plentiful and Resident Permit Parking is not in effect on Sundays. Total distance should be approx. 4-5 miles. L Robert Winters.

Fri, Jan 1, 2016. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map [cancelled due to surgery for detached retina]
New Years Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sat, Jan 2, 2016. Boston's South End Old and New. (walks) - approved Dec 26 with map
NY Streets, "The Stacks," Victorian brownstones, Southwest Corridor Park. 10:00am-1:30pm. Meet at Back Bay T station (orange line) indoors near exit turnstile. Bring lunch and water. No dogs. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551; s.marshall.slm@gmail.com).

Sat, Jan 2, 2016. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 28 with map and image
Fast-paced 6-mile hike including Long Pond, newly-opened scenic trail along North Reservoir, and Nanepashemet Hill, 11:15am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water. 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. (Additional parking on side streets across the road.) Rain/snow cancels. Non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Jan 3, 2016. Lincoln Conservation Area hike - Leader's Choice Ramble. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 28 with map and image
5-7 mi. We will be hiking on familiar trails in unfamiliar ways (for this leader!). Meet at 10:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot. From Rte. 95/128 take exit 28 in Waltham, follow Trapelo Rd. W 2.5 mi.., L on Lincoln Rd. 1.4 mi., R just before tracks into RR station lot. No dogs; non-AMC members, $1. L Jim Loughlin (617-923-8039).

Sun, Jan 3, 2016. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
New Year Walk with Arboretum guide on and off the trail, up and down hill, stopping at favorite trees. 10:00am-12:00pm, meet on steps of Visitors Center, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain. Park on Arborway or half-mile walk from Forest Hills T stop. Rain/ice cancels; no reg but call if weather doubtful. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Chris McArdle (617-480 3351; chrismcardles@yahoo.com).

Tues, Jan 5, 2016. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. (walks) - approved Dec 21 with map; date changed to one week later
Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-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. Rain/Snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Jan 9, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Gilson Hill. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by flag of Dutile School, 10 Biagiotti Way, Billerica. Easy two hour hike up and around Gilson Hill, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow ... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Jan 9, 2016. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Jan 3 with map and image
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).

Sun, Jan 10, 2016. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Dec 6 with map
1:00pm start. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, a beaver marsh, hills, a true bog, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. No Dogs. Meet at the Rocky Hill Sanctuary parking area off of Robin Hill Rd in Groton, 42.5811N 71.5311W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sun, Jan 10, 2016. Beaver Brook, Hollis NH. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Dec 26 with map
1:00pm meet at Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Rd. Hollis, this will be a hike/snowshoe, thru woods with beaver ponds and streams. Route will be leaders choice depending on conditions for hiking or snowshoeing. Directions: Route 3 north, exit 6 route 130 west in NH. Follow route 130 past Brookdale Farms, 130 bears right, follow to center, at lights take left on 122, go past cemetery, take a right onto Ridge Road. Maple Hill Farm is the second parking lot. Meet at red yurt. Leader: Judi Barthakur (603-440-4924; barthakur@comcast.net).

Sat, Jan 16, 2016. Wildcat Conservation Area, Boxford. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Kids and dogs are welcome. Meet at 1:00pm. It will be about 2 hours, easy terrain, moderate pace. From Rte. 95 take 133 east toward Georgetown, going past IRS, past Shawsheen, past Merrimack College and then merging with 125 in N. Andover. Shortly thereafter, at an ice cream shop, 133 bears right into west Boxford (with large white church, farm stand, and country store). Turn right at this intersection onto Main St. At the next 4 way intersection, bear left on to Ipswich Rd. At the next 4 way intersection (police station kitty corner on left) turn right on Herrick Rd. and immediately look for parking area on right. If there is enough snow bring cross country skis or snow shoes. Steve Davis (978-352-2250; sadmd1@verizon.net).

Sat, Jan 16, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Concord River Greenway. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the Hallenborg Ice rink, 10 Good street, Billerica. Easy two hour hike along the old B&M RR the Concord River, Lover's Lane and proposed Yankee Doodle Bike Path, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow ... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sun, Jan 17, 2016. Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 22 with map
Explore trails through 140-acre hilltop international sculpture garden - largest in NE, w/views, constantly changing exhibits and interesting finds. Note, some steep sections & rough terrain. 9:40am-2:00pm. Take Rte. 2 W 20 mi. past Concord, MA rotary. R on Rte. 13N 15 mi., L Andres driveway (2.5 mi. N MA/NH state line). 100 yds to pkg. lot on R. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Mon, Jan 18, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 7 with map
Outdoors version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm Bring lunch & 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 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm Bring lunch & 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 (781-335-5034, 7-9pm).

Sat, Jan 23, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Jones Forest. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at the Locke School parking lot, 110 Allan Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike through Jones Forest and the Country Club, by Shawsheen River with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow ... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Jan 23, 2016. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. (walks, hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Dec 30 with map and image
10:00am-noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. If snow on ground, will snowshoe. Heavy ran or snowstorm cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain (781-296-4487 day of hike). Charge: $4 if not a Mass Audubon member, plus $1 if not an AMC member. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Mary Wisbach (mwisbach@aol.com).
Directions: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor/directions [42.256118, -71.340345]

Sat, Jan 30, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Fields. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the tennis courts of Boys and Girls Club aka Lampson Field aka Peggy Hannon-Rizza Recreation Complex, 1 Ed Hayes Way, Billerica. Easy two hour hike along Narrow Gauge and B&M RR ad Martina Gage conservation land, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Feb 6, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Warren Manning. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the Manning Manse aka Jon Ryan's Pub parking lot, 56 Chelmsford Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike through Warren Manning State Forest, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sun, Feb 7, 2016. Powisett Farm, Dover. (snowshoeing, walks) - approved Nov 22 with map
Snowshoe/walk, thru meadows, 1-3pm. Meet at grey barn. I-95/Rte. 128 Exit 16B to Rte. 109W for 1 mi., then R on Dover Rd. becomes Powisett Road. 2.5 mi. to Powisett Farm on left. Trustees of Reservation property. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324).

Sun, Feb 14, 2016. Sheldrick Preserve and Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 22 with map
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 (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Mon, Feb 15, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Nov 7 with map
Outdoors version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch & 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 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch & 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 (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sat, Feb 20, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Vietnam Veteran Memorial Park. (hiking, N) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at the Vietnam Veteran's Park parking lot by the flag pole, Treble Cove Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, Ralph Hill, Concord River, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Feb 27, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Summit Fox Hill. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 30 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at Fox Hill Cemetery parking lot by the flag pole, 130 Andover Road, Billerica. Limited to 20 participants. Easy two hour hike, summit Fox Hill, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Mar 5, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Two Brothers Rocks. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 28 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at River View Restaurant for breakfast at 8 am, or park at lot across the bridge, Nashua Road, Billerica. Moderate three hour hike starts at 9:45 am: Great Meadows, Concord River, Governor Dudley Park, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Mar 12, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Historic Middlesex Canal. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 30 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at Faulkner Mill parking lot by the gazebo, 71 Faulkner Street, Billerica. Limited to 20 participants. Easy two hour hike, along extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Mar 19, 2016. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, snowshoe, walks) - approved Dec 28 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. $6 fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Mar 19, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Charles H. Kohlrausch Memorial Park. (hiking) - Registration required; approved Dec 30 with map and image
9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at Kohlrausch Avenue (31 Sprague Street), Billerica. Limited to 20 participants. Easy two hour hike, remember Charles H. Kohlrausch and visit an ancient American Indian burial site along the Concord River. Focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration. Snowshoeing when there is snow... Winter walking: No bugs, no poison ivy, better views! Sturdy footwear recommended, and bring snack and drink. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634; brimar_11@msn.com).

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