November-December 2017 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Thursday, January 4, 2018 9:32 AM

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

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This page has been superceded by the Jan/Feb 2018 page

Fri, Nov 3, 2017. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Oct 30 with map and image
Leisurely 5-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to two bakeries and an Italian food shop. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 4, 2017. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved July 2 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).

Sat, Nov 4, 2017. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 23 with map and image
6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 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.

Sat, Nov 4, 2017. Minute Man National Park, Concord. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 24 with map (no image)
Autumn on the Battle Road. Share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road in the Minute Man Park. Walk 7 brisk miles from the Visitor's Center to the North Bridge. Meet at 9:30am in Concord at the Old Manse parking lot on Monument Street. We will carpool to the visitor center. Walk trails to Meriam Corner for a break and on paved roads to the Old North Bridge and the parking. Directions: follow 2A to Concord Center. Follow signs to North Bridge. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Eveline Weyl (617-735-9395; eweyl@comcast.net).

Sun, Nov 5, 2017. Andres Art Institute Sculpture Garden, Brookline, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 20 with map (no image)
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. 9:45am-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.

Sat, Nov 11, 2017. Warner Trail Fall Hike, Wrentham. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 7 with map (no image)
9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond. Bring lunch & water. We will spot cars before the hike. Meet 9:00am at Crocker Pond Conservation Area on Myrtle St. (off Rte. 1; use 270 Myrtle Street, Wrentham, MA in your GPS). Heavy rain cancels. Email or text Laura if uncertain. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Laura Cerier (508-404-6353; lcerier@comcast.net), CL Jim Goyea (jgoyea@hotmail.com).

Sat, Nov 11, 2017. Coastal Walk and Historic Streets of Marblehead, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 5 with map and image
Fast-paced and somewhat hilly 6-mile hike to an island at low tide as well as beaches, waterfront parks, narrow lanes with old homes, and public alleyways, with spectacular views throughout, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water. Meet in Marblehead Center at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Commercial Street (plenty of free parking on side streets). If taking public transportation, either take commuter rail from North Station to Lynn then 441/442 bus to Pleasant Street and Essex Street in Marblehead Center and walk down Essex Street (which becomes Atlantic Avenue) to Commercial Street intersection, or take Blue Line to Wonderland, then #441/442 bus to Marblehead Center. (GPS coordinates to meeting point: 42.498572, -70.856418) Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Fri, Nov 17, 2017. Historic Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Nov 13 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares, Avon Hill, and Huron Village , 6:45-9:15pm. 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 18, 2017. Glacial Features Walks, Sudbury. (walks, hiking, Instruction) - approved Aug 30 with map (no image)
9:30am-11:30am. Join glaciologist/geophysicist Bruce Porter for a walk through Gray Reservation/Haynes Meadow Reservation/Water District protection zone to explore the many features formed by the glacier that blanketed New England 10,000 yrs. ago. Kettles pit the plane and kame terraces rise abruptly to create beautiful vistas of the wetlands below. Be able to identify eskers, erratics, kames, and more on your next hike. Flat with one steep 50 foot section. Bring water. AMC non-member: $1. Severe weather cancels. Questions: Contact Lisa. Meet at the Curtis Middle School, (-71.43282, 42.381020) 22 Pratts Mill Road, Sudbury. L Lisa Fleischman, CL Bruce Porter. Registration required. Limit 14 participants. Contact Lisa to register.

Sat, Nov 18, 2017. Rock Meadow Conservation Lands, Belmont. (walks, Instruction) - approved Oct 26 with map (no image)
Slow-paced nature walk through Belmont conservation land fields and forests to talk about nature in autumn. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. Meet at Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont, MA. ARRIVE EARLY. PARKING LIMITED. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Directions: 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 18, 2017. Parks & Greenways, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 13 with map and image
7-mile walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10:00am-2:30pm. Bring lunch & water. Take Quincy Shore Drive to Wollaston Yacht Club pier at Beach St. Or T to Wollaston, walk 1 mile. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey.

Thurs, Nov 23, 2017. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Mar 30 with map and image
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Nov 24, 2017. Annual Ayer/Groton Hills walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
10:00am-3:00pm. Get far away from shopping malls on Black Friday and 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 NW corner of the parking lot behind Nashoba Hospital on Groton Road in Ayer, 42.57878N 71.57399W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Nov 25, 2017. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 12 with map and image
4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch+water. I-93/Rte. 128 exit 2A to Rte. 138S for 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course pkg lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Nov 25, 2017. Boston's South End - New York Streets Neighborhood and other developing areas. (walks) - submitted Nov 19
10:00am-1:30pm. Meet at Broadway T station (Red Line) and return from Back Bay T station (Orange line). Bring lunch and water. No dogs. Heavy rain cancels. L: Sharon Marshall (s.marshall.slm@gmail.com; 617-515-6076).

Sun, Nov 26, 2017. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 15 with map and image [postponed from Nov 19]
Hike to cliff-top, waterfall and pond views, from 10am-2:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet on Washington Street side of Oak Grove T station. I-93 Exit 32, Medford, head east on Route 60 for 1.2 miles, then turn left on Highland Avenue and follow for 0.5 miles. Turn right on Glenwood Street and go 0.6 miles, then turn left on Washington Street and go 0.1 miles, then turn right into T station lot, or park on street. Call L if severe weather. No dogs, non-AMC members, $1. Ls Robert Winters, Mike Stadelmaier.

Sun, Nov 26, 2017. Blue Hills, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 20 with map and image
Challenging 5-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Hemenway and Hancock ledges, 9:30am-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. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 2, 2017. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map and image
10am-Noon. Join us for walk in this local gem, conveniently located directly off of Route 128. As you walk the trails, you will not believe that you are so close to the highway. Highlights include Kendrick Pond, views of the Charles River, and the boardwalk crossing a marshland. Easy trails, minor ups and downs, with some roots and rocks, moderate pace. Bring water and snacks. Heavy rain or snow cancels. If there is significant snow on the ground, we will snowshoe. $1 fee for those not AMC members. Questions? Contact Lisa. Directions: 84 Kendrick St, Needham, MA. L Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org; 617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Julia Hsia.

Sat, Dec 2, 2017. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 26 with map and image
5.5-mile walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling, bushwhacking 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.

Sat, Dec 2, 2017. Let's Hike Georgetown-Rowley State Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 26 with map and image
Meet at 1:00pm. We'll explore the southern section of this state forest that's over 1,100 acres. There will be great views from the new bridge that spans a beaver dam and the Mill River. The hike will take us along woodland trails while enjoying the autumn season. From I-95 take exit 53A (Rte. 97 east) towards Topsfield, after exiting ramp take immediate left onto Rowley Road, follow ~1.1 miles to parking area along the left-side of road. L Richard Lombard (978 394 9619; rllombard2@gmail.com).

Sun, Dec 3, 2017. Fresh Pond and Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. (walks) - approved Nov 27 with map and image
Walk around Fresh Pond and wander through Mount Auburn 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. Rain cancels. Ls Robert Winters, Mike Stadelmaier.

Thurs, Dec 7, 2017. Ponkapoag Pond Hike, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 21 with map and image (erroneously posted)
10:00am-12:30pm. Moderate to fast pace, with occasional stops. 4½ - 5-mi. hike around The Pond, Boardwalk/Bog option. Bring snack/lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 South 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course Parking Lot (2167 Washington St.). Lot on Left. Free. L Ken Cohen (508-942-1536; k-cohen@comcast.net).

Sat, Dec 9, 2017. Caryl Park, Noanet Woodlands, Hale Reservation, Dover/Westwood. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 4 with map and image, cencelled due to snow - to be rescheduled
9:45am-2:00pm. Fast-paced 8-mi. hike through three interconnected areas, including ponds, streams, hills with views. Bring lunch & water. From Needham Center take Chestnut St. for 1.5 mi. to end. Bear right on Dedham St. & go 1.5 mi. to parking lot on left at the tennis courts in Caryl Park. Steady rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 10, 2017. Groton Town Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. 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 (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sun, Dec 10, 2017. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 4 with map and image
10:00am-12:30pm. Moderate pace, mostly level trails along Saugus River, marshes, 2 large ponds and 1 rocky hill with view of Boston. Meet in front of Visitor Center (177 Forest Street, Saugus) off north side of Lynn Fells Parkway 0.2 miles west of Route 1 exit. Park on entry road or at skating rink. Rain cancels. Option for lunch at nearby Lendy's Deli to replenish our caloric balance. L Joel Snider (857-600-8295).

Sat, Dec 16, 2017. Admire holiday decorations on Beacon Hill and Back Bay, Boston. (walks) - approved Nov 26 with map (no image)
10:00am-noon. Meet indoors on street level at Government Center T station (Blue Line); return Park Street T station (Green Line). Bring water, snacks. No dogs. Heavy rain/snow cancels. L Sharon Marshall (s.marshall.slm@gmail.com; 617-515-6076).

Sun, Dec 17, 2017. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont - Celebrate the Solstice Walk. (walks, hiking, Instruction) - approved Oct 30 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. 1:00pm-4:00pm. 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).

Fri, Dec 22, 2017. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 17 with map and image [cancelled - weather, low turnout]
Moderate 5-mi walk to view holiday lights in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and (if time) the South End, with a quick dinner at Eataly, 6:30pm-9:15pm. 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, Dec 23, 2017. Neponset River Greenway/Mattapan Sq/Milton Hill. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 17 with map and image [cancelled - icy conditions]
7.5-mile walk along Neponset River to Mattapan Square on newly opened stretch of Neponset Greenway then to Hutchinson Field in Milton, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and water. 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. If snow, bring traction devices and/or snow shoes. Conditions will determine which to use. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Mon, Dec 25, 2017. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Mar 30 with map and image [Cancelled - Leader out of town]
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Mon, Dec 25, 2017. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 with map and image [cancelled - snow]
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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Mon, Dec 25, 2017. Foss Farm, Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 20 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.

Sat, Dec 30, 2017. Neponset River Greenway/Mattapan Sq/Milton Hill. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 26 with map and image
7.5-mile walk along Neponset River to Mattapan Square on newly opened stretch of Neponset Greenway then to Hutchinson Field in Milton 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and water. 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 Bring traction devices and/or snow shoes. Conditions will determine which to use. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Mon, Jan 1, 2018. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Mar 30 with map and image [cancelled due to frigid temperatures]
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Mon, Jan 1, 2018. New Year's Day Hike, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 27 with map and image [cancelled due to frigid temperatures]
10.30am - noon hike through stunning tree collection, on and off path, up and down hill. Meet at Visitor Center (closed) 125 Arborway, JP - park on Arborway or 0.8 mile walk from Forest Hills MBTA station. Hot chocolate at JP Licks afterwards. Questions call or text L Chris McArdle before 10pm. L Chris McArdle.

Sat, Jan 13, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking) - approved Dec 17 with map and 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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sun, Jan 21, 2018. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 11 with map and image
A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails. Meet by Peabody Mill Environmental Center, Brook Rd, Amherst, NH. From Nashua, NH, Rte. 3 exit 7, 101A W to junction 101 E (7.4mi) toward Amherst/Manchester. Turn left after 5.7mi on Horace Greeley Rd, left again 0.4mi on Brook Rd. Go 1.4mi to pkg at dead end. No advance reservation required. Call if weather uncertain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Jan 21, 2018. The Throne, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
1:00pm. Come hike thru one of the largest contiguous undeveloped parcels in the area, featuring mostly upland forest and a variety of wetlands. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the end of Castle Drive, 42.6260N 71.6171W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Jan 27, 2018. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton. "Bare Trees and Naked Shrubs: No Leaves? No Problem!" (walks, Instruction, hiking) - approved Dec 24 with map (no image)
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to Grassy Pond learning to identify deciduous plants in winter. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00pm-4:00pm. 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. Go 1.1 miles. Parking lot on left just past small meadow. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Feb 3, 2018. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 24 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. Severe weather cancels, if snow on the ground, we will snowshoe. Call Lisa if uncertain. Charge: $5 if not a Mass Audubon member, plus $1 if not an AMC member. Click here for: Driving directions. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm); CLs Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm), Julia Hsia.

Sun, Feb 4, 2018. Powisett Farm, Dover. (walks, snowshoeing) - approved Dec 24 with map (no image)
Gentle walk, open fields. Snowshoe/walk, thru meadows, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Meet at Trustees of Reservation Powisett Farm, at grey barn near the entrance. 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. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Snow shoes if snow. L Jean Veigas.

Sun, Feb 11, 2018. Spring Hill and Nashoba Brook conservation areas, Acton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 11, changed Jan 3,4 with map (no image)
Relatively easy hike/snowshoe loop of about 5.5mi through contiguous Spring Hill and Nashoba Brook conservation areas, Acton, MA. 9:30am-1:30pm. Spring Hill contains the longest Acton segment of the Bay Circuit Trail that passes through this pleasant, quiet and wooded area. Adjacent Nashoba Brook is a scenic area with abundant stonework, early mill sites, a ‘potato cave’ and the historic pencil factory site. Meet 9:20am at Spring Hill Rd. cul-de-sac, off Pope Rd, Acton. From the Rte 2 Concord Rotary head NW on MA 119 W/MA 2A W 0.9mi to right on Pope Rd. Continue 1.9mi to left on Spring Hill Rd. Cul-de-sac is 0.3mi. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Feb 11, 2018. Fitch's Bridge to Hayes Woods, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
1:00pm. We will cross the scenic Nashua River, hike along a old railroad bed, thru the Johnston Conservation area, around a lovely beaver pond in Hayes Woods, and back. Meet at Fitch's Bridge, 42.62549N 71.60886W. Park by either end, but note that cars can't cross. About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Feb 17, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking) - approved Dec 17 with map and 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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Mar 10, 2018. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, snowshoe, walks) - approved Dec17 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).

Sun, Mar 11, 2018. J Harry Rich State Forest, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
1:00pm. This is a flat stroll along a scenic former bend of the Nashua River no longer in the main flow and popular with wildlife, parts of the active Nashua River, and thru typical New England woods. Meet at the entrance on Nod Road across from Common St., 42.63009N 71.57936W, about 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sun, Mar 18, 2018. Wunnegan Conservation Area, Boxford. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 17 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. It is easy terrain, moderate pace, will last about 2 hours. Kids and dogs are welcome. Take exit 51 off Route 95 in Boxford and head WEST on Endicott Rd. Very soon make a right on Middleton Rd. Next take 3rd left on Moonpenny Drive and then first right on Crooked Pond Dr. There is a sign for Wunnegan with a small parking area about a mile down from your last intersection on the right. L Steve Davis.

Sun, Mar 25, 2018. Mine Falls, Nashua, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 11 with map and image
6-mile easy walk along Nashua River, canal with 1886 gatehouse, spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, from 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and water. Route 128 Exit 32, Burlington, to Route 3N toward Nashua. Stay right on Exit 5 lane and take Exit 5A (Simon Street), then left on Simon Street, left on Whipple Street to parking lot at the end. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Apr 15, 2018. Groton Traverse. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
1:00pm. This hike will feature an impressive variety of environments while traversing a large patchwork of open and conserved lands. We will see beaver ponds, eskers, drumlins, marshes, dry uplands, hemlock groves, open fields, pretty streams, and wide vistas from hilltops. We will meet at Williams Barn (42.6265N 71.5610W), leave some cars, carpool to the start, and end up back at Williams Barn. About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sun, May 20, 2018. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 31 with map and image
1:00pm. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, beaver marshes, a heron rookerie, 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).

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