November-December 2018 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Sunday, April 21, 2019 4:52 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This page has been superceded by the Jan/Feb 2019 page

Sat, Nov 3, 2018. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (walks) - approved July 28 with map and image
Moderately 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 street level at exit to Dewey Square. Bring lunch, water. Heavy rain/forecast over 90°F cancels. No dogs. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sun, Nov 4, 2018. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 12 with map and image, changed from Nov 3 to Nov 4 on Nov 1
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).

Sun, Nov 4, 2018. Flat Rock Audubon, Fitchburg, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved July 12 with map (no image), location changed Nov 1
Mod/easy 6 mile hilly ramble through varied woodlands, reservoirs & archeological dig. 9:30am-3:00pm. Directions: from Rte. 95/128 exit 29; Rte. 2W 28 mi. to exit 32, N Rte. 13 4.5mi, L Rte. 2A 1mi. to light, R John Fitch Hwy. 1.7mi., L Rte. 31 at stop sign (Burbank Hospital) 0.3mi. uphill bear R, past emerg. entr. to Helipad Pkg. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine.

Sun, Nov 4, 2018. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (walks, Instruction - Skills) - approved Oct 21 with map and image
Slow-paced nature walk past a small meadow, through forested uplands, along a pond and up to a fell . . . and what is a fell anyway? The walk will focus on late blooming flowers, fruits and winter weeds. We’ll also talk about interesting and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. Rte. 93 to Exit 33. At Rotary go right onto South Border Rd/Winchester. Two miles to Long Pond Parking Lot on right (Opposite #532 South Border Rd, Winchester). Parking limited, arrive early. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. 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. These walks are sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). They are free of charge for AMC members and cost $1 for non-members. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Fri, Nov 9, 2018. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Nov 5 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to a bakery and an Italian food shop. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 10, 2018. Lincoln Conservation Land Foliage Hike, Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 5 with map and image
Fast paced, very scenic 8-mile hike to lesser-known areas, including Chapman Pasture, Pigeon Hill, Browning Fields, and Beaver Pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water. From I-95/Route 128 Exit 28 in Waltham, take Trapelo Road west for 2.5 miles to a left on Lincoln Road. Travel 0.6 miles and turn right at the sign for Lincoln Public Schools. Take left at the tennis courts on the left and park in lot by the courts. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 10, 2018. Glacial Features Walks, Sudbury. (walks, hiking, Instruction-Skills) - approved Oct 13 with map (no image), revised Oct 21
9:30am-12:00pm. Registration Required. Limit 12 participants. Contact Lisa to register. 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-members $1. Severe weather cancels. Directions: Meet at the Curtis Middle School, 22 Pratts Mill Road, Sudbury. (lat/long is 42.380893, -71.432735) The parking lot is to the right of the school and behind it, just beyond the basketball courts. Questions: Contact Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org or 617-244-5747) or Bruce Porter (cell:508-244-9523). L Bruce Porter.

Sat, Nov 17, 2018. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 25 with map and image
Easy pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly (508-820-7786).

Thurs, Nov 22, 2018. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 21 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 23, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 8 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.

Fri, Nov 23, 2018. Annual Ayer/Groton Hills walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 11 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 24, 2018. Emerald Necklace, Jamaica Pond and Jamaica Plain. (walks) - approved Nov 6 with map and image - cancelled due to injury
10:00am-2:00pm. Meet at Longwood T (Green Line D) return Heath St. T (Green Line E). Bring lunch, water. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. L Sharon Marshall (smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Nov 24, 2018. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 16 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 Adams T Station. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If snow, bring traction spikes. L Mike Tuohey.

Sun, Nov 25, 2018. Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail Loop, Medford. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 21 with map and image [Cancelled due to expected rain]
9:00am-4:00pm (or sooner). Approx. 8 mile hike on the Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail. Meet at Bellevue Pond parking lot at 161 S Border Rd, Medford. L Nancy Cahn.

Sun, Nov 25, 2018. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 19 with map and image
Fast-paced, moderate 6-mi. hike on scenic trails to Great Blue Hill, Chestnut Run stream, and Hemenway Hill, 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. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 1, 2018. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 27 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 Adams T station. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey.

Sat, Dec 1, 2018. Webb Memorial State Park and Great Hill Park, North Weymouth. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 27 with map (no image)
Brisk pace 6 mile scenic walk with views of Grape Island, Slate Island, Quincy Bay, Fore River, Hingham Back River, Boston's Harbor and skyline. 9:30am-12:00pm. Bring snack + water. From MA- 3A in N. Weymouth take Neck St. (0.6 mi.) continue on River St.(0.7 mi.) then left into Webb Memorial State Park 371 River St. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sat, Dec 8, 2018. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs, Boston. (walks) - approved Nov 6 with map and image
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. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Fri, Dec 7, 2018. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Dec 3 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to a bakery and an Italian food shop. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Rain/snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 8, 2018. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 3 with map and image
Fast-paced, challenging 6-mile hike including rocky hills, pristine lakes, and a "new" peak with sweeping views, 9:30am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, water, and hiking boots. From Rt. 1 in Saugus take Lynn Fells Pkwy West 0.3 mi., right onto Forrest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. No reg. Rain/snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 9, 2018. Burrage Pond, Hanson. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 16 with map and image
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. Email if severe weather. No dogs, $1 fee for non-AMC members. (Bring snowshoes or traction spikes if snow.) L Mike Tuohey.

Sat, Dec 15, 2018. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks) - approved Oct 13 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove, once inhabited by Henry Thoreau. Enjoy sit-down break, on the shore of Walden. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, Dec 16, 2018. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont - Celebrate the Solstice Walk. (walks, Instruction - Skills) - approved Oct 21 with map and image
The Winter Solstice arrives in just 5 days. We’ll take a slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around a 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 about the Winter Solstice as well as about the plants we see. 1:00-4:00pm. 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. 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. These walks are sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). They are free of charge for AMC members and cost $1 for non-members. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Dec 22, 2018. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. (hiking, walks) - approved Dec 8 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. No children under 10 or dogs. Severe weather cancels. Depending on the weather conditions, bring snowshoes or traction devices, such as yak tracks or stabilizers. Call Lisa if uncertain. $1 fee for those not AMC members. Directions: 84 Kendrick St, Needham, MA. L Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org; 617-244-5747 before 9pm).

Sat, Dec 22, 2018. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 16 with map and image
Fast-paced 8-mi. hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, water, sturdy boots, hiking poles. From Rte. 95/128 take Rt. 109 W toward Westwood (exit 16B) 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/Snow cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Tues, Dec 25, 2018. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved July 12 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.

Tues, Dec 25, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 12 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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Tues, Dec 25, 2018. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 21 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).

Sat, Dec 29, 2018. Neponset River Greenway/Mattapan Sq/Milton Hill. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 23 with map and image
7.5-mile fast-paced walk along Neponset River to Mattapan Square on 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 Mike Tuohey.

Tues, Jan 1, 2019. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 28 with map and image, also (NOT) listed w/Forty-Plus
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. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Jan 13, 2019. Nagog Pond, Acton MA and Sarah Doublet, Littleton, MA. (Mark said Jan 10 which is a Thursday) - approved Nov 14 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. Snowshoes may be necessary. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine.

Mon, Jan 21, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking, walks) - approved Nov 18 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, Feb 10, 2019. Bedford, Burlington & Lexington Municipal & Conservation Lands, MA. - approved Nov 14 with map (no image)
Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm. Meet at the new Wilson Mill Park, Old Burlington Rd., Bedford, MA. From Rte. 128 exit 32 merge on Rte. 3N for 1.5 mi. to exit 26, turn L on Burlington Rd (Rte. 62) toward Bedford for 0.6 mi., turn sharp L on Old Burlington Rd. Pkg. lot is 0.3 mi. at dead end. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Conditions may require traction devices/snowshoes. L Mark Levine.

Mon, Feb 18, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoeing, hiking) - approved Nov 18 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, Mar 10, 2019. Andres Art Institute Sculpture Garden, Brookline, NH. - approved Nov 14 with map (no image), date and venue changed Dec 8
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. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Conditions may require traction devices/snowshoes. L Mark Levine.

Sat, Mar 16, 2019. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, snowshoe, walks) - approved Nov 18 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. $8 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 23, 2019. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 11 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove, once inhabited by Henry Thoreau. Enjoy sit-down break, on the shore of Walden. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. L Brian Connolly.

Sat, Apr 20, 2019. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 11 with map and image, date changed 12/20
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly.

Sat, May 4, 2019. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Jan 6 with map and image
Moderate pace 4 mile walk, around scenic Ponkapoag Pond, with visit to AMC Camp. Pleasant stroll across golf course, on maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break, on the dock at AMC Camp. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at The Lodge Bar & Grill, in nearby Randolph, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot. From Route 93/128, exit 2A, take Route 138 South for 0.7 mile. See Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot on left. L Brian Connolly.

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