November-December 2019 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Monday, December 30, 2019 4:42 PM

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This page has been superceded by the Jan/Feb 2020 page

Sat, Nov 2, 2019. Castle Island, South Boston. (walks, hiking) - 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, Nov 2, 2019. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 8 with map and image
Moderate pace 4 mile walk, on former estate carriage roads, with scenic views across the Merrimack River. Trail wanders through open grass meadows, then enters primeval stands of white pine. Stroll over stone built bridges, visit rhododendron and azalea gardens. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Starboard Galley Restaurant, on the Newburyport boardwalk, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Maudslay State Park, parking lot. From Route 95, exit 57, in Newburyport, take Route 113 West for 0.7 mile. Turn right on Hoyts Lane, follow to end, see parking lot on right. L Brian Connolly

Mon, Nov 4, 2019. Dawn Hike in the Fells. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 27 with map and image
5:50am-7:00am. Taking advantage of the return of standard time, we will explore the ponds area of the Middlesex Fells at first light on a 1-hour brisk pre-breakfast hike. The Flynn Rink parking lot is accessed from the southbound lane of Woodland Road, just north of the Highland/Elm traffic circle. We will start hiking at 6:00 sharp. Leaders cell phone day of hike 617-571-3740. L Thurman Smith.

Fri, Nov 8, 2019. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Nov 4 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to a public market and a bakery. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Rain/Snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 9, 2019. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 4 with map and image
Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike including rocky hills, pristine lakes, and a "new" peak with sweeping views, 11:45am-2:45pm. Bring lunch, water, poles, 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/Snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Nov 10, 2019. Boxford State Forest. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
Meet at 1:00pm in the parking lot on Middleton Rd. in Boxford, at the steel gate. Kids and dogs are welcome. If you come north on route 95, cross the Boxford line and take exit 51. At the end of the ramp, turn left on Endicott St. (if heading south turn right on Endicott St. Take first right on Middleton Rd and pass 3 streets on your left. Thereafter look for parking area with steel barrier fence on the left. Hike will be about 2 hours with a moderate pace and easy terrain. L Steve Davis

Sun, Nov 10, 2019. Kailey's Way to Crystal Spring, Groton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 19 with map and image
1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us for this one-way traverse thru a exceptionally scenic area featuring beaver ponds, hemlock groves, upland forest, and the beautiful Crystal Spring. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet in the Gamlin Crystal Springs parking area on Old Dunstable Road, Groton, 42.63114N, 71.51027W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Nov 16, 2019. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 8 with map and image
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, Nov 16, 2019. Glacial Features Walk, Sudbury. (walks, hiking, Instruction-Skills) - approved Sept 9 with map (no image)
9:30am-12:00pm. Registration Required via email; call only if you have questions. Limit 12 participants. 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. Severe weather postpones to rain date the following day (Sun, Nov 17). 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 Bruce Porter (cell: 508-244-9523). L Bruce Porter.

Sat, Nov 16, 2019. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 19 with map and image
9-11am. Join us for a 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. Call Lisa if you have questions. Leader: Lisa Fleischman; Co-Leader: Judith Watson

Sun, Nov 17, 2019. The Landlocked Forest, Burlington. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 with map (no image)
A slow-paced walk of two miles or so to enjoy the natural beauty Burlington offers while Boot identifies the various trees, shrubs and winter weeds. The Landlocked Forest features woodlands, wetlands, streams and meadows. The walk will focus on both plant ID and natural history. 1:00-3:00pm. Meet at the kiosk on Turning Mill Road (at the parking lot under the power lines) in Lexington or meet in the parking lot in the back of the Burlington Town Hall at 12:45pm to caravan over. The walk is co-sponsored by The Friends of the Landlocked Forest. Maps of hiking trail system provided at beginning of walk. For more info, go to the website at www.landlockedforest.com or contact the Friends of the Landlocked Forest at landlockedforest@aol.com. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. Leader: Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Nov 23, 2019. Circumnavigate 3 ponds, Lincoln. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 with map and image
9:00am-2:00pm. Explore beyond Walden: a 10 mile loop around Walden, Farrar, and Flint Ponds with great forest and water views. Modest elevation gains, but we’ll walk at a fast 2-2.5mph pace so that we can complete the loop in 4-5 hours. Rain or shine, so dress appropriately, and bring water and lunch. Meet at the Lincoln Schools, 6 Ballfield Rd, Lincoln MA - make 1st legal left in the parking lot before Smith School 42.423156,-71.316076. Questions: Jim Hutchinson (jmhutch5@hotmail.com, 508-259-9272). Leader: Gail Ferreira (gailcferreira@gmail.com); CoLeader: Jim Hutchinson (jmhutch5@hotmail.com, 508-259-9272).

Sat, Nov 23, 2019. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 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 or similar footwear required. 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. L Mike Tuohey

Thurs, Nov 28, 2019. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 9 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. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo

Fri, Nov 29, 2019. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 with map and image
5 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

Fri, Nov 29, 2019. Annual Ayer/Groton Hills walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 19 with map and 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 in in 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 30, 2019. Blue Hills, Milton. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 25 with map and image
Annual post-Thanksgiving hike up Great Blue and more. Fast-paced, moderate 7-mi. hike on scenic trails to Great Blue Hill including quick stop at observatory, plus Hemenway and Hancock Hills, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, 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/Snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 1, 2019. Middlesex Fells - Out and Back to Wright's Tower. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 3 with map and image
Join us on a 4 mile hike from the Sheepfold to Wright's Tower and back. We'll hike at a moderate pace (1-1/2 to 2 mph) and have lunch at the overlook. Winter gear and hiking experience required. (Registration Required - Limited to 12 Hikers) L Nancy Cahn

Sun, Dec 1, 2019. Farrar Pond and Mt. Misery, Lincoln. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 25 with map and image
10:00am-1:30pm. Burn off some Thanksgiving calories on this 5 mile moderate 1.5-2mph pace hike around scenic Farrar Pond and the popular Mt. Misery areas. Meet at the Mt. Misery parking lot on Rte. 117, 60 S. Great Rd, Lincoln before 10:00am. Steady rain cancels, but if by chance we have snow, bring microspikes and we'll go! Questions: Jim Hutchinson (jmhutch5@hotmail.com, 508-259-9272). L Gail Ferreira; CL Jim Hutchinson

Sat, Dec 7, 2019. Neponset River Greenway/Mattapan Sq/Milton Hill. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 1 with map and image
7.5-mile fast-paced 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 and appropriate footwear. 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. L Mike Tuohey

Sat, Dec 14, 2019. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 5 with map and image [Cancelled due to expected rain]
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, Dec 14, 2019. Whitney and Thayer Woods, Cohasset. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 4 with map (no image) [Cancelled due to expected rain]
9:30am-2:00pm. Brisk pace 8 mi. hike along rolling hills including a holly grove, Oden's Den, Weir River Farm and scenic lunch on Turkey Hill. Bring lunch, water and sturdy hiking boots. From Rte. 3 (exit 14) take Rte. 228 north for 6.5 mi. through Hingham. Turn right on Rte. 3A east and follow for 2 miles and take a right into Trustees of Reservations entrance and parking at Howes Ln. in Cohasset. If needed additional parking is available across Rte. 3A at the Cohasset Commuter Rail in designated parking spots for Whitney and Thayer Woods. No dogs. Storm Cancels. Leader Beth Mosias

Sat, Dec 14, 2019. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 with map and image
Celebrate the Solstice Walk. The Winter Solstice arrives in just one week. 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. Leader: Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Dec 14, 2019. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs, Boston. (walks) - approved Dec 2 with map and image [Cancelled - rain]
Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay & Beacon Hill. 9:30am-11:30am; moderate pace. Meet near Park Street T Station (Green Line) at the corner of Tremont and Park Streets. Bring snacks, water. Rain/snow cancels. New members welcome. No dogs. L Sharon Marshall (617-515-6076) from 7-9 pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sun, Dec 15, 2019. Groton Town Forest to Fitch's Bridge. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 19 with map and image
1:00pm-3:00pm. We will start in the scenic Town Forest, with eskers, kettle holes, unusual bogs, hemlock groves, and more. Then we will use Groton's extensive trail system thru a string of conservation lands to end at Fitch's Bridge over the beautiful Nashua River. About 2 hours, moderate pace. 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).

Sun, Dec 15, 2019. Horse Hill Nature Preserve, Merrimac, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 4 with map (no image) [Cancelled due to trail conditions]
A moderate 5 mi. forest loop hike at a comfortable pace on well maintained trails through scenic woodlands. Pond views, beaver lodges and dams.and historic sites. 9:30am-2:00pm. Lunch at unusual bench with brook views and footrest. This area is approx 14mi north of the NH/MA border. Head north on Rte. 3 toward Nashua, NH. and at the state line continue on the Everett Tpk. Take Exit 11, turn left onto Continental Blvd and then an immediate right at the first cross street onto Amherst Rd. Parking on left just under 3 mi. GPS address is 184 Amherst Rd, Merrimac, NH. L Mark Levine

Sat, Dec 21, 2019. Northern Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 16 with map and image
Challenging 6-mi. hike through rugged terrain with plenty of scenic views, including Mt. Hermon, Mt. Spickett, Bow Ridge, Weetamoo Cliff, and the "other" Walden Pond, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles, and traction devices if icy. From Rte. 95/128 in Lynnfield take exit 44B (Rt. 1/129) to rotary, then Rte. 129 SE toward Lynn 2 mi., R onto Great Woods Rd. to end by playground/ballfield. No dogs; rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Wed, Dec 25, 2019. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 9 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. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo

Wed, Dec 25, 2019. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 10 with map and image
Moderate pace 5-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. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias

Wed, Dec 25, 2019. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 7 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. L Mark Levine

Sat, Dec 28, 2019. Western Middlesex Fells, Medford. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 23 with map and image
Fast-paced hilly 7-mi. hike mostly on Skyline Trail loop with great views throughout, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, sturdy footgear, and hiking poles. Rte. 93 S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. At next stop sign go R. At first set of lights turn R onto Rte. 28. Turn R into Sheepfold entrance. Rte. 93 N to exit 33 (Rte. 28). Sheepfold entrance is 2 miles up on the L. (GPS Coordinates: 42.4533269,-71.1067986) Snow/Rain cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Dec 29, 2019. Burrage Pond, Hanson. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 23 with map and image
5-mile fast-paced 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. Bring water and snack. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Appropriate footwear required. L Mike Tuohey

Wed, Jan 1, 2020. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 9 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. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo

Sat, Jan 4, 2020. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 30 with map and image
9.5 mile fast-paced hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Rte. 3 Exit 14 to Rte. 228N toward Hingham, 4 mi. to Wompatuck sign, then R on Free St. 1.3 mi. to visitor center pkg. lot. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Appropriate footwear required. L Mike Tuohey

Sun, Jan 5, 2020. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 30 with map and image
Approx. 6-7 mi. hike featuring Alewife wetlands, Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway, Hell's Half Acre to Harvard, 10:30am-2:00pm (estimate). Easy return by T. Meet W side Alewife T station at passenger drop-off sign. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs. L Robert Winters

Mon, Jan 20, 2020. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 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. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sun, Jan 26, 2020. Horse Hill Nature Preserve, Merrimac, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Dec 27 with map (no image)
A moderate 5 mi. forest loop hike at a comfortable pace on well maintained trails through scenic woodlands. Pond views, beaver lodges and dams.and historic sites. 9:30am-2:00pm. Lunch at unusual bench with brook views and footrest. This area is approx 14mi north of the NH/MA border. Head north on Rte. 3 toward Nashua, NH. and at the state line continue on the Everett Tpk. Take Exit 11, turn left onto Continental Blvd and then an immediate right at the first cross street onto Amherst Rd. Parking on left just under 3 mi. GPS address is 184 Amherst Rd, Merrimac, NH. L Mark Levine

Mon, Feb 17, 2020. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 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. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. Storm cancels. Leader: Beth Mosias

Sat, Mar 14, 2020. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (snowshoe, walks, hiking) - approved Dec 20 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. Leader: Beth Mosias

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