November-December 2016 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Monday, January 2, 2017 7:24 PM

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

Calendar Grid here

This page has been superceded by the Jan/Feb 2017 page.

Sat, Nov 5, 2016. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 29 with map and image
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 from 7 to 9pm).

Fri, Nov 11, 2016. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 24 with map and image
Moderate 4 mile hike abound Ponkapoag Pond , 9:30am-12:30pm. Bring snack. Meet in golf course parking lot. From Rte. 128/93 Exit 2A onto Rte. 138, go 0.7 mi. south to parking lot on left. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472, eves 7-9pm).

Fri, Nov 11, 2016. Historic Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Nov 7 with map and image
4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, 6:45-9:00pm. Bring snack or money for quick dinner at Asian food court. 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). Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 12, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Great Meadows and Two Brother's Rocks. (Conservation, hiking, walks) - approved Aug 27 with map and image
10:00am-12:30pm. Enjoy nature and camaraderie, laced with environmental and historical tidbits: A five mile easy walk along the Concord River, through Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Timber Creek Conservation Land, Governor Thomas Dudley Park. Start and end at Great Meadows parking by the intersection of Rte 4 and Concord River. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634 between 8am and 8pm; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Nov 12, 2016. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map and image
6-mile. hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. 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., Park on street. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sat, Nov 19, 2016. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. (Instruction, walks) - approved Aug 28 with map (no image)
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in mid-autumn as the natural world prepares for winter. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. 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. ARRIVE EARLY. PARKING LIMITED. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Nov 19, 2016. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 14 with map and image
Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 11:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch, water, and hiking boots. From Rte. 1 in Saugus take Lynn Fells Pkwy West 0.3 mi., right onto Forrest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. Rain cancels. Non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Nov 20, 2016. Walking Tour of Nahant, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 27 with map (no image)
Approx. 5 mi.leisurely walk thru resort with harbor views. Meet 1:00pm in front of Tides Restaurant on Long Beach parkway. From Boston take 1A north through Nahant rotary. Park in lot (no fee). Heavy rain cancels. L Mary Ellen Delaney (mryeldln@aol.com; 978-745-7708 before 9pm).

Sun, Nov 20, 2016. Monte Rosa (Grand Monadnock), Jaffrey, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 5 with map (no image)
Moderate 5-7 mile lollypop hike to Monte Rosa on Grand Monadnock starting on the Royce trail on Gap Mtn. just south of Monadnock. 9:20am-2:30pm. Meet at North Gap Mtn. parking, Bullard Rd. off Rte. 124, Jaffrey, NH. From Boston area take Rte. 2 W to Rte. 140 N to 202 N to Jaffrey Center. Turn L (W) Rte. 124. Pass parking lot for access to Mt. Monadnock on right and go 0.8 mi. beyond this parking area and turn L on Bullard Rd. for 0.5 mi. to Gap Mtn. North parking on left. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Fri, Nov 25, 2016. Annual Ayer & Groton Hills Walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 2 with map (no image)
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 (978-742-9014).

Sat, Nov 26, 2016. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 21 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, Nov 27, 2016. Blue Hills, Milton. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 20 with map and image
Fast-paced and very challenging 5-mi. hike 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. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 26, 2016. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (walks) - approved Sept 18 with map (no image)
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. Storm cancels. No dogs. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9 pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Dec 3, 2016. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 28 with map and image
Fast-paced 8-mi. hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:30am-1:45pm. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footwear. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16 take Rt. 109 W 3/4 mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3 mi., R on Carby St. 0.3 mi. to Hale gate then 0.3 mi. to Cat Rock lot on L. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Wed, Dec 7, 2016. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 25 with map and image
5 mile walk, 10:30am-1:00pm. 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. $6.00 parking fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Beth Mosias.

Sat, Dec 10, 2016. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 30 with map and image
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 17, 2016. Cutler State Park walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 with map and image [Cancelled due to cold weather and leaders "under the weather"]
10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Needham just off of Route 95/128), yet expansive reservation. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks/roots. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. Heavy rain/snow cancels. If snow on ground, will snowshoe. Call Lisa if uncertain. Charge: $1 if not an AMC member. Directions: Meet at Kendrick Street parking lot. Take Exit 19A off Route 95/128. 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. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm).

Sat, Dec 17, 2016. Beacon Hill Holiday Walk. (walks) - approved Dec 5 with map
10:00am-11:30am. Admire seasonal decorations on Beacon Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. Meet indoors at street level in Government Center T station (green and blue lines) near the exit to City Hall. Bring water and snack. Heavy rain/snow cancels. L Sharon Marshall (smarshallmd@juno.com; 617-542-4551).

Sat, Dec 24, 2016. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. (walks, hiking, Instruction) - approved Nov 7 with map and image
Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID of bare trees, naked shrubs and winter weeds as the natural world prepares for winter. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 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. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Dec 24, 2016. Middlesex Fells - Medford. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 19 with map and image
Fast-paced scenic 7-mile hike including Wrights Pond, Pickerel Rock, Winthrop Hill, Bear Hill, 9:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch, water and hiking boots. Meet at DCR Flynn Rink on Woodland Road. From Route 93, exit 33 in Medford, take Fellsway West (Route 28) north 0.5 miles; right on Elm Street, 0.5mi.; left at rotary; left at rink. Bus 99 from Wellington T station. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 25, 2016. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 5 with map (no image)
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 (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Dec 25, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 23 with map and image
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).

Sun, Dec 25, 2016. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 9 with map and image
Christmas Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9:00am start. 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. Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579, 11am-2pm).

Wed, Dec 28, 2016. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
10:00am-Noon. Meet at the Visitors Center. 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. Heavy rain/snow cancels, however, if snow on ground, will snowshoe. Call Lisa if uncertain. Charge: $5 if not a Mass Audubon member, plus $1 if not an AMC member. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm).

Fri, Dec 30, 2016. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 26 with map (no image)
Moderate 5-mi walk to view holiday lights in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End, with possible stop at Eataly, 6:30pm-9:15pm. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park Street T stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Boylston Street by Boston Common. Rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 31, 2016. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
Don't wait until New Years's Day to resolve to go out hiking. 6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view. 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, Jan 1, 2017. Walk off New Year's in Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. (walks, hiking, F,N) - approved Dec 5 with map and image
Explore Arboretum on and off path, up and down hill, with Arboretum guide, good pace with stops at interesting trees. 10.30am-noon. Meet at Visitor's Center, 125 Arborway, MA 02130. Park on Arborway or Orange Line to Forest Hills or ask ahead for ride from Brookline Hills. Rain/ice cancels. No strollers, no dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Chris McArdle (617-480-3351; chrismcardles@yahoo.com).

Sun, Jan 1, 2017. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 9 with map and image
New Years Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9:00am start. 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. Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579, 11am-2pm).

Sat, Jan 7, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Gilson Hill. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Meet by flag of Dutile School, 10 Biagiotti Way, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore Gilson Hill, with a focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended, and bring snack and drink. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Jan 7, 2017. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Jan 2 with map and image
Fast-paced 7-mi. hike that features 10 special "points of interest" including overlooks, streams, ponds, and cliffs, 9:30am-1:30pm. 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 Houghtons Pond lot on R. Rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Jan 14, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Concord River Greenway. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Meet by the Hallenborg Ice rink, 10 Good street, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore the old B&M RR, the Concord River, Lover's Lane and proposed Yankee Doodle Bike Path. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sun, Jan 15, 2017. Beaver Brook Assoc, Hollis, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 5 with map (no image)
8-9mi. over varied terrain w/pond & brook views, beaver lodges, waterfowl & "French meadow", 9:30am-3:00pm. Minor rock scramble & mystery cave home to a common animal. Bring lunch, boots. From Rte. 3 exit 6 in Nashua, take Rte. 130 W 5.8 mi. to light in Hollis Ctr., continue 1.8 mi. SW to dirt pkg. area on N side of Rte. 130. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Jan 15, 2017. River Romp, Groton. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 23 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. Hike thru conservation lands along the scenic Nashua River in its winter splendor. We'll meet at Hazel Grove Park (42.6172N, 71.5986W), carpool to the start location, then hike back to Hazel Grove. About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Mon, Jan 16, 2017. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking) - approved Dec 5 with map (no image)
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).

Sat, Jan 21, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Jones Forest. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Meet at the Locke School parking lot, 110 Allan Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore Jones Forest and the Country Club, by Shawsheen River. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Jan 28, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Fields. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. 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, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore Narrow Gauge and B&M RR and Martina Gage conservation land. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Feb 4, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Warren Manning. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Meet by the Manning Manse aka Jon Ryan's Pub parking lot, 56 Chelmsford Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, through Warren Manning State Forest. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sun, Feb 5, 2017. Powisett Farm, Dover. (snowshoeing, walks) - approved Dec 5 with map (no image)
Snowshoe/walk, thru meadows, 1:00-3:00pm. 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).

Sat, Feb 18, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Meet at the Vietnam Veteran's Park parking lot by the flag pole, Treble Cove Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore Ralph Hill SVT Conservation Area and Concord River. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sun, Feb 19, 2017. Nagog Pond & Sarah Doublet, Acton/Littleton. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 5 with map (no image)
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).

Sun, Feb 19, 2017. Wild Wharton, Groton. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 23 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. Come see this spectacular conservation area featuring beaver ponds, eskers, varied wetlands, upland forest, and hopefully lots of interesting animal tracks in the snow. Meet at the Dan Parker Road entrance on Martins Pond Rd / Rocky Hill Rd (42.6278N, 71.5234W). About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Mon, Feb 20, 2017. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking) - approved Dec 5 with map (no image)
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).

Sat, Feb 25, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Summit Fox Hill. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Meet at Fox Hill Cemetery parking lot by the flag pole, 130 Andover Road, Billerica. Easy two hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore Fox Hill. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Mar 4, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Two Brothers Rocks. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-12:30pm. Easy 2 ½ hour hike starts at 9:45 am. Offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club. Meet at River View Restaurant for breakfast at 8am, or park later, across the bridge, at Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge parking lot off Nashua Road, Billerica. Great Meadows, Concord River, and Governor Dudley Park. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Mar 11, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Historic Middlesex Canal. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-noon. Easy 2 ½ hour hike starts at 9:45 am. Offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club. Meet at River View Restaurant for breakfast at 8am, or park later, across the bridge, at Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge parking lot off Nashua Road, Billerica. Great Meadows, Concord River, and Governor Dudley Park. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintry conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Mar 18, 2017. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Rangeway Forest. (walks) - approved Dec 20 with map and image
9:45am-12:30pm. Easy 2 ½ hour hike, offered through Billerica Recreation Department and sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, to explore connectivity with Chelmsford Russel Mill Town Forest and a historic segment of the Middlesex Turnpike. Focus on camaraderie and local history. Depending on wintery conditions, sturdy footwear, strap-on ice-grabbers or snowshoes recommended. Registration required. L Marlies Henderson.

Sun, Mar 19, 2017. Vivid Vistas, Groton. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 23 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. Traverse the two highest points in Groton, both with open views. In between bagging 500 footers, see wild wetlands, beaver ponds, upland forests, and open meadows. Meet at Williams Barn (42.6264N, 71.5610W) on Chicopee Row. We'll carpool to the start, then hike back to Williams barn. About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

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