EASY (mostly level terrain) MODERATE (hilly terrain) DIFFICULT (strenuous & steep)The DCR Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club meets each weekend on either a Saturday or Sunday for recreational walks. This club is open to people of 16 years of age and older, and there is no fee to join. Walks average 2 to 5 miles. New walkers are always welcome.
The terrain can vary:
EASY (mostly level terrain)
MODERATE (hilly terrain)
DIFFICULT (strenuous & steep)
Walks will be led by a park ranger or a Walking Club volunteer leader.
The Walking Club meets at various DCR sites across Southeast Massachusetts.
Some DCR sites charge a parking fee.
The rangers recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing drinking water on all hikes.
Sunday, December 2 1pm-3pm
Wompatuck State Park
Boulders Hike. A moderate hike, 3.7 miles over unpaved trails. See what the last glacier left behind so long ago. Meet in the gravel parking lot at the Doane Street Entrance in Cohasset. For info, call 781-740-1605 ext. 204.
Saturday, December 8 1pm-2:30pm
DCR Adult Walking Club Blue Hills Holiday Gathering
Join us as we celebrate the holiday season at scenic Brookwood Farm. Hot beverages will be provided. Bring a holiday treat to share, if you like. We will enjoy some indoor holiday cheer, and then take a stroll through the farm fields and woods. New walkers always welcome. Meet at Brookwood Farm Conference Center at 11 Blue Hill River Road in Canton. Parking allowed in the upper lot at the back of the property. Follow signs. For info, call 617-727-4573.
Sunday, December 16 1:00pm-3:00pm
Blue Hills Reservation
Moderate walk, rugged and rocky terrain, 3 miles. Walk the green dot loop via Wolcott, Puddle and Border Paths. Meet at the Trailside Museum NORTH parking lot at 1904 Canton Avenue in Milton. For more info, call 617-727-4573, ext. 4.
Saturday, December 22 10:00am-12:00pm
South Cape Beach State Park
Moderate walk, along sheltered trails through coastal forest, no hills, but some soft sand. Hike about 3 miles with open vistas at marsh overlooks and secluded Calles’s Beach on Waquoit Bay. Travel back along wooded fire road, wooden bridges and walkways. Park at Bayberry parking lot on right at South Cape Beach State Park, off Great Oak Road in Mashpee. For more info,508-457-0495, ext. 125.
Tuesday, January 1
First Day Hikes in the DCR Blue Hills Reservation
Meet Blue Hills Wildlife Noon – 1pm
Hot cocoa & snacks for sale
Three DCR Ranger-led Hikes start at 1pm
Join the tradition and celebrate New Year’s Day in the Blue Hills. From noon to 1 pm, visit with live wildlife from the Trailside Museum, purchase a cup of hot cocoa or a snack from the Venture Scouts, and share some holiday cheer by the warming fire. Then stretch your legs on one of three easy to challenging guided hikes which all depart at 1pm. Meet at the Houghton's Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street in Milton. For more info, call 617-727-4573, ext. 4.
Sunday, January 6 10am-12pm
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
Moderate, 4.5-mile walk through the woods passing High Rock, Goat Rock, and Lyons Falls. Some rocky and hilly sections. Meet at the main parking lot at 45 Mill Street in Foxboro. For more info, call 508-272-9376.
Saturday, January 12 1pm-3pm
Blue Hills Reservation
Moderate walk, some hills, 4 miles. Old Rte. 128 to Beech Hollow and Doe Hollow. Return via the green dot trail. Meet at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside St. in Milton. For more info, call 617-727-4573, ext. 4.
Sunday, January 20 1pm-3pm
Wompatuck State Park
Woodpecker Wander. A moderate hike, 3.5 miles over mostly unpaved trails near Woodpecker Pond. Meet at the Wompatuck State Park Visitor Center at 204 Union Street in Hingham. For info, call 781-740-1605, ext. 204.
Sunday, January 27 1pm-2:30pm
South Cape Beach State Park
Moderate, 2 mile walk along Dead Neck trail with beach, dunes and marsh and a chance to see snowy owls, loons and other winter visitors. Park at Mashpee Town Beach, within South Cape Beach State Park, Great Oak Road, Mashpee. For more info, 508-457-0495 ext.125.
Saturday, February 2 9am-11am
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
Moderate, 4 mile hike around Sunset Lake, ending with hot chocolate at the headquarters. Meet at the main parking lot at 45 Mill Street in Foxboro. For more info, call 508-238-6566.
Saturday, February 2 1pm-3pm
Nickerson State Park
Moderate Walk, 3.5 miles, around Cliff Pond, with incredible vistas of winter landscape. Meet at the end of Flax Pond Rd. From the Park entrance at 3488 Main St. in Brewster, go up the road, take your first major left on Flax Pond Rd, and follow to the end. For more info, call 508-896-3491.
Saturday, February 9 1pm-3pm
Blue Hills Reservation
Moderate walk, hilly terrain, 3+ miles. Wolcott Path to Wildcat Notch and return via Five Corners. Meet at Houghton’s Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street. For info, call 617-727-4573, ext. 4.
Sunday, February 17 1pm-3pm
Wompatuck State Park
Easy walk on 4 miles of paved trails based on the park’s popular 5K route with a few diversions for variety. Meet at the Wompatuck State Park Visitor Center, 204 Union Street in Hingham. For more info, call 781-740-1605, ext. 204.
Saturday, February 23 9am-11am
Borderland State Park
Moderate, 5 mile hike, Granite Upper and Lower trails, ending with hot chocolate in the visitor center. Meet at the visitor center at 259 Massapoag Ave. in North Easton. Parking fees apply. For more info, call 508- 238-6566.
Things to know
Park Contacts:
Blue Hills Reservation, (617) 727-4573 ext 3
Myles Standish State Forest, (508) 866-2526
Nickerson State Park, (508) 896-3491
Waquoit Bay Reserve, (508) 457-0495
Wompatuck State Park, (617) 895-8245
Fall River Heritage Park, (508) 675-5759
Borderland State Park, (508) 238-6566
Pilgrim Memorial State Park (508) 208-0675
Massasoit State Park (508) 272-9376
MA Department of Conservation and Recreation 508-866-2580, ext 165 www.mass.gov/dcr