September-December 2022 (and beyond) AMC and other Local Walks/Hikes
updated
Wednesday, January 4, 2023 9:42 PM
For further information, send e-mail to Robert Winters at Robert@rwinters.com.
This page has been superceded by the Jan-Apr 2023 page
Thurs, Sept 1, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. If folks are interested, these will continue ‘most’ Thursdays for a while. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Fri, Sept 2, 2022. Hiking the Beverly Commons. - registration required
10:00am-2:30pm. This is the last in a series of 3 hikes in the beautiful Beverly Commons. This 3rd hike will be 4+hrs depending on the pace of the group. We will be hiking over varied terrain with rocks, roots , scree, and whale backs at an easy pace. A lot of ups and downs in a beautiful forest. As always wear appropriate hiking footwear (no sneakers or sandals), bring 2 liters of water, snacks, bug spray/net, sunscreen as needed, and hiking poles if you use them (highly recommended). No dogs. Temps in the 90’s and rain will cancel. The meeting spot and driving directions will be e-mailed prior to the hike. L Margaret Griffin, CL Barbara Amoroso
Wed, Sept 3, 2022. Let’s Explore the Blue Hills. - registration required - cancelled
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore a section of the Blue Hills. We will hike approximately 6 -7 miles and should get about 500' of elevation gain. I will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. Thunderstorms or extreme winds may delay, cancel, or shorten this hike. L Joanne Newton
Wed, Sept 7, 2022. Let’s Explore the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore a section of the Blue Hills. We will hike approximately 6 -7 miles and should get about 700' of elevation gain. The Information Sheet with the details about where to park will be emailed out several days before the hike. Thunderstorms or extreme winds may delay, cancel, or shorten this hike. L John Schepis
Thurs, Sept 8, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required - cancelled
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. If folks are interested, these will continue ‘most’ Thursdays for a while. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Sept 10, 2022. Explore the Blue Hills Skyline North-South Loop & Buck Hill. - registration required
9:45am-2:00pm. A strenuous hike on the Skyline trail is a good opportunity to test your legs for those fall backpacks. Approximately 6.5 miles and 1600' of elevation gain. Depending on the appetite of the group, may add on the spur from Great Blue Hill to Rte. 138. L Nicholas Georgantas
Sun, Sept 11, 2022. Hiking BCT-HP to Mary French with car spotting, North Andover and Andover. - registration required
9:00am-2:30pm. Join us for a beautiful hike on the BCT from Harold Parker, thru Skug Reservation and finishing at Mary French Reservation. We will be spotting cars at Skug and Harold Parker and will begin the hike promptly at 9:30am. There is a $5 parking fee at HP if you do not have a DCR parking pass, $20 if out of state. We will start on the Bay Circuit Trail and then get on the Blue Trail to do a loop, then get back on BCT to finish at Mary French. We will hike at an easy pace to end the hike between 2:00pm and 2:30pm, depending on pace of group. Meeting spot and directions will be e-mailed to participants prior to the hike. Ls Margaret Griffin, Barbara Amoroso
Wed, Sept 14, 2022. Let’s Explore the Blue Hills and Trail Trace. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Looking for some mileage and elevation gain? Then, come with us to explore a section of the Blue Hills. We will hike approximately 7 miles and should get about 750' of elevation gain. I will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. Ls John Schepis, Joanne Newton
Wed, Sept 14, 2022. Wednesday Evening Hike to Wildcat Hill in Ashland. - registration required
4:45pm-7:00pm. This hike is designed to help people who WFH (work from home), and others looking for a hilly and scenic hike, get out into the woods for a mid-week break. Join us for a 4.5 mile moderately paced hike up Wildcat Hill and to a nearby water tower along part of the Bay Circuit Trail in Ashland. The trailhead is a short 10-minute drive south from I-90, and easily accessed from Rte 9 and Rte 30 in Metro-West Boston. If you are interested, some of us will be going to Stone’s Public House in Ashland after the hike for some social time. Ls Joanne Newton, Marie Sorensen
Thurs, Sept 15, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. If folks are interested, these will continue ‘most’ Thursdays for a while. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Sept 17, 2022. Ramble through the Eastern Side of the Middlesex Fells, Medford. - registration required
10:00am-1:00pm. Join us as we explore the east side of the Middlesex Fells (Medford and Melrose). We will hike 4-5 miles at a moderate pace, roughly following the Rock Circuit Trail with some possible side exploration. There are a good amount of ups and downs and many scenic ledges looking towards Boston and Malden. More detailed information, e.g. start time, meeting location will be provided to confirmed participants. L Joanne Newton
Sun, Sept 18, 2022. Hiking Ravenswood Park, Gloucester. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Hike beautiful Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. You will be expected to hike approx. 3+ hrs. over varied terrain with rocks, roots, and whalebacks with ups and downs. You will be hiking through the beautiful Magnolia Swamp, experience a beautiful view of Gloucester Harbor, plus many glacial erratics. We will hike at an easy pace to end the hike between 1:30 and 2:00pm, depending on the pace of the group. Bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch, snacks, bug spray/net, sunscreen , and poles if you use them (highly recommended). Appropriate hiking footwear is expected (no sneakers or sandals). Meeting spot and driving directions will be e-mailed to participants prior to the hike. Any questions regarding the hike please call the leader prior to the hike. L Margaret Griffin
Sun, Sept 18, 2022. October Farm, Concord MA.
10:00am-12:00pm. This will be an easy to moderately paced 2 hr walk with many water views of Concord River, ponds, marshes and remains of Brewster’s stone boathouse and summer refuge. There are several short hills but no rocks or roots. Take Monument Road, Concord north about 1 mile north of Hutchin’s Farm and turn Right on Ball’s Hill Road (shortly after Buttrick’s Hill Road). We will meet and park at the end of the road. There is an overflow Audubon lot 100 yds before the end on the Left. Rain cancels. L Joel Snider
Wed, Sept 21, 2022. Let’s Explore - The Blue Hills, CCC Camp and Domes. - registration required
9:45am-2:00pm. Moderate to fast pace with occasional stops. An approximately 7 mile, 4 hour hike with minimal elevation. This is a mostly wooded hike. Some trails are “in and outs” for those doing “trail tracing”. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, lunch/snacks, and rain jacket (just in case). Heavy rains/thunderstorms will cancel. Group size is limited to 9 hikers plus leader. Trail location will be emailed to confirmed hikers. L William Doherty
Thurs, Sept 22, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. If folks are interested, these will continue ‘most’ Thursdays for a while. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Sept 24, 2022. Let’s Explore - Whitney & Thayer Woods. - registration required
For vaccinated hikers, or w/negative test. (Bring card) Whitney & Thayer Woods, plus Weir River Farm and Turkey Hill, Cohasset. 7+ miles, mostly woods with one ascent of Turkey Hill. About 450' elevation gain. 10:00 - about 2:00 with a lunch break. Trails vary from ‘dirt roads’ to narrow, winding, rocky trails... and we will try to stick to the quieter, narrower, less used ones when we can. We will hike through Whitney and Thayer Woods, a property that is a “The Trustees of Reservations” property in Hingham & Cohasset. This 824-acre property includes: Glacial erratics, including a grouping called Ode’s Den, named after Theodore “Ode” Pritchard, a hermit who lived under one of the boulders after losing his home in 1830. We will then pass into Turkey Hill, a 62-acre property co-managed by The Trustees of Reservations with the Towns of Cohasset and Hingham. This property has a 187-foot summit with a spectacular view. Finally, we will hike around Weir River Farm, another property of The Trustees of Reservations. This is a 75-acre working farm comprising fields and pastures. Group limited to 10. Ls Bob Vogel, Sumie Nair
Sun, Sept 25, 2022. Let’s Explore Nobscot Reservation and Henry’s Hill, Sudbury. - registration required
9:00am. Join us for this moderately paced hike in beautiful Sudbury. Following the Ellis Land, Tower and Bay Circuit Trails we will hike approximately 7 miles and get an elevation gain of about 1000 feet. This is a mostly wooded hike with some ups and downs but there will also be opportunity for scenic views looking towards Boston, Blue Hills and Mount Wachusett. We will also explore Ford’s Folly - the remains of Henry Ford’s abandoned plan to build a colonial village in Sudbury - and visit Henry’s Hill - a popular place for bird watchers. More detailed information about start time, meeting location etc. will be provided to confirmed participants. Ls Joanne Newton, Connie Sanchez Morillo
Sun, Sept 25, 2022. Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Sudbury. - registration required
9:00am-11:30am. Join us for an approximately 5-mile, flat hike in Maynard and Sudbury. We’ll walk at a moderate pace on trails along streams and ponds shaped by beavers in an area rich with local history. Bring water, snack, bug spray, hiking boots or good sneakers, and rain gear. Heavy rain will cancel. Transportation can possibly be arranged from West Concord commuter rail station. Trail location will be emailed to participants. L Lisa Fleischman
Wed, Sept 28, 2022. Come Explore Callahan State Park, Framingham. - registration required
9:30am-1:00pm. Meet at the parking lot at 1031 Edmands Road, Framingham, MA. Our hike will include two loops covering the northern and southern portions of Callahan State Park, for a total of approximately 7.2 miles. The route will include the meadows and the Sudbury Valley Trustees Conservation land in the southern half, and Gibbs Mountain and private Springhill Farm in the northern half. L Lawrence Petrone
Thurs, Sept 29, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. If folks are interested, these will continue ‘most’ Thursdays for a while. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Oct 1, 2022. Let’s Explore - Wachusett Mountain Reservation. - registration required
9:45am-2:00pm. Let's explore the Wachusett Mountain Reservation in Boylston, MA! Rising above the surrounding forest to a height of 2006 feet, Mount Wachusett stands as a unique landmark within the central New England landscape. From the summit, a clear day reveals views of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east. The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation surrounds the summit and offers a wealth of natural and recreational resources. The route is approximately 6.5 miles at moderate pace (2 miles per hour) with about 1500 feet of elevation gain. This is not a beginner hike but a moderate one. Participants must be in good physical form with current hiking experience and should be comfortable with elevation gain. The last section of the trail has steep inclines with rocky ledges and can be difficult. Be prepared to keep at a moderate pace for most of the hike and extra time will be added for the last part of the hike depending on the group pace. Thunderstorms or heavy rain will result in cancellation of the hike. NOTE: Good hiking shoes, well broken into and hiking poles, appropriate hiking clothing (no cotton stuff) and rain gear are required. This will be included in the information sheet which will be emailed before the hike date. L Barbara Lightizer, CL Mala Krishnamurthy
Sat, Oct 1, 2022. Let's Explore - F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, Foxboro. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. F. Gilbert Hills is a 1000 acre state forest located in Foxboro with approximately 23 miles of trails for us to choose from. The hike will be 6 to 7 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain. The duration will be about 3-4 hours, depending on the speed of our group. There are 2 parking lots and the headquarters has restrooms. Thunderstorms will delay, cancel, or shorten trips. Ditto for extreme winds. Ls Abi Natarajan, Michelle Devivo
Sun, Oct 2, 2022. Hiking Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust (MECT) on the North Shore. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will be doing a loop hike in the beautiful MECT with its bountiful glacier made erratics. We will begin our hike by passing through the beautiful wetlands of Cedar Swamp and Heron Pond. As we continue our loop we will pass Baby Rock, Bishops Grave, Pulpit Rock and hike up beautiful Millstone Hill and then conclude our loop by again walking the boardwalk through Cedar Swamp and Heron Pond. As you will be walking over varied terrain: roots, rocks, slabs/whale backs with some steep ups and downs; appropriate hiking footwear is required (no sneakers or sandals) and hiking poles are highly recommended. Bring lunch, snacks, 2 liters of water, bug spray and sunscreen. We will be hiking for 3+hrs at an easy pace. The hike should end by 1:30pm, but could go until 2pm depending on pace of group. No dogs. Rain will cancel. Meeting spot and directions will be e-mailed to participants prior to hike on Sat. Ls Margaret Griffin, Barbara Amoroso
Sun, Oct 2, 2022. Barton Park & Sunset Lake Loop Hike in F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, Foxboro. - registration required
9:00am-2:00pm. Come explore “The Park Inside the Forest” - Barton Park within F. Gilbert Hills State Forest. A moderate-paced trek with occasional stops. Approx. 7 miles. Footing of exposed rocks and tree roots. A combination of wide, gravel roads and narrow trails. Highlights include scenic views, Sunset Lake, a unique geologic feature, and a historic ruin. Bring snack/lunch and water; wear appropriate footwear. No dogs. Heavy rain cancels. Ls Laura Cerier, Roy Wolfe
Wed, Oct 5, 2022. Let’s Explore “The Quarries” In The Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Hike the Quincy Quarries... We will “Trail Trace” (hike every inch of every trail) in the quarries area. (From 4223 north past 4229) Some of these trails are a bit difficult to find... so if you are trying to Trail Trace (or the Friends of the Blue Hills equivalent - 125 Mile Club) the Blue Hills here’s your opportunity to complete the quarries portion. Hike will probably run 3.5 to 4 hours (depending of course on group speed), and will be 5 miles with about 600' of elevation. Note that some of this is over granite blocks with ‘interesting’ footing, it will be slippery if wet. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton
Thurs, Oct 6, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork and plant identification too). - registration required
As an “Extra Bonus” for the next 2 weeks, in addition to doing trailwork as we hike, we are also going to be helping Friends of the Blue Hills identify what’s growing in the main section of Great Blue Hill. So, bottom line, we won’t hike far, as we will be stopping, very frequently, to use iNaturalist to record everything we see (except super common things like white pines, etc.) Not much ‘exercise’, but we should learn a lot. The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Fri, Oct 7, 2022. Fall Friday Walk - Nahant Bay & Lynn Shore Reservation. - registration required
10:00am-12:30pm. Join us for our first Friday Fall walk around Nahant Bay on the North Shore. This will be an “out and back” walk along the Nahant Beach Reservation and onto the esplanade at Lynn Shore Drive. We will walk around 5 miles, at a moderate pace. Heavy rain cancels. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Oct 8, 2022. Borderland 50th Anniversary/Family Fun Day Hike!. - registration required
As part of a day of festivities at Borderland AMC will be offering a couple of hikes. This one, and one hosted by the SEM Chapter. Details are still a bit TBD, but if you want to get an introduction to the ‘back’ part of Borderland, away from the ponds, this is your chance. Email leader for details as they become available. This will probably be a 2 hour hike, and a good opportunity to meet others who want to hike at Borderland. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Oct 8, 2022. Walk & Wheel: Fall at Rest-Stop-Ranch Accessible Gardens, Topsfield. - registration required
2:00pm-5:00pm. This Columbus Day Weekend ~ Join our small group for an everyone-welcome, all-accessible, fall trails exploration (up to 0.25 mile). Perfect for folks appreciating a small group (10 participants max), a go-at-your-own-pace short distance, and easy slopes through part-wild, part-manicured gardens. Trails are paved. Rain or Shine. 2-3pm at the Cottage: small group meet & greet, educational slideshow; 3-4pm in the Garden: 0.25 mile wheelchair-accessible trails; 4-5pm at the Picnic Area: enjoy snacks & friendly connections. L Mary MacDonald
Sat, Oct 8, 2022. Winnekenni Park - Kenoza Lake, Haverhill, MA.
10:45am-12:15pm. Join us for a “wike” hike/walk around picturesque Kenoza Lake in Haverhill, MA. The trails are well maintained and good for all levels of walkers and hikers. We'll use the shoreline loop, a 4.2 mile trek. We walk at a moderate pace. Leashed dogs are welcome, and know that Winnekenni is a busy park and, there will be other dogs around. There are facilities and plenty of parking at the park. Park near tennis courts or the playground. L Robin Doyle
Sat, Oct 8, 2022. Borderland State Park 50th Anniversary Family Fun Day.
9:00am-5:00pm. Come visit with AMC at our booth, as well as enjoy the rest of the festivities. In addition to our displays and clinics on hiking, there will be there will everything from Storytellers to ukulele players to a Classic Car show to an archeology tour. Truly something for everyone. And the weather looks like a great fall day. Come on out! We will also be showing off a TrailRider Wheelchair, which allows anyone to get out into the woods (with the help of their friends!). You can register at our Booth if you want to go on our hikes. L Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton
Sun, Oct 9, 2022. Let’s Explore 6 of the Blue Hills!. - registration required
10:00am-3:00pm. Join us for a longer moderately paced hike of the Blue Hills! We will hike 10.5 to 11 miles and have about 1500 feet of elevation gain. We will be climbing 6 different hills from Breeze Hill to Chickatawbut Hill during our tour of the reservation. Heavy rains/thunderstorms will cancel the hike. We won’t cancel because of rain. More detailed information including start time, meeting location etc. will be provided to confirmed participants. Ls Joanne Newton, Michelle DeVivo
Sun, Oct 9, 2022. Crisp Autumn Hike in Gilbert State Forest, Foxborough. - registration required
9:00am-11:30am. Location: 45 Mill St, MA 02035. Join us on a crisp autumn morning walking through some of the trails in Gilbert State Forest. The distance is about 5 miles and the pace will be slow to moderate, good for walking and chatting at the same time. Depending on the day and group interest, we can add an extra loop to the route. The goal is to get a nice walk in the woods with good company. We will be stepping over rocks and roots. Please wear sturdy hiking boots (no open toed shoes). Dress for the weather. Please bring about 2 litres of water, trail snacks and pack to carry them. Heavy rain will cancel. As with all AMC hikes, we start as a group and end as a group; nobody is left behind. No pets. L Sujatha Srinivasan
Wed, Oct 12, 2022. Let’s Explore the Blue Hills and Trail Trace. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Looking for some mileage and elevation gain? Then, come with us to explore a section of the Blue Hills. We will hike approximately 7 miles and should get about 750' of elevation gain. I will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. L John Schepis
Thurs, Oct 13, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Oct 15, 2022. Let's Explore - Moose Hill. - registration required
9:45am-2:00pm. Moose Hill, established in 1916, is Mass Audubon's oldest wildlife sanctuary, encompassing protected forests, fields, and wetlands. This will be an approximate 6-7 mile moderate hike on trails with 600 feet elevation gain. The route includes trails in Moose Hill Farm (Trustees) and Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon). Be prepared to keep at a moderate pace. Thunderstorms or heavy rain will result in cancellation of the hike. NOTE: Good hiking shoes, hiking poles, appropriate hiking clothing (no cotton stuff) and rain gear are required. Ls Bob Vogel, Mala Krishnamurthy
Sat, Oct 15, 2022. Goldsmith Woodlands, Andover.
10:00am-12:00pm. Park at 491 South Main Street, Andover. Plan to hike between 3 & 5 miles at a moderate pace. It should be a beautiful day with pretty colors along the trail, and on the shoreline of Foster’s Pond. The marshes adjacent to the pond are home to cattails, pitcher plants, sundew, snapping turtles and Great Blue Herons. The uplands provide habitat for resident deer, fisher, fox and wild turkey while owls patrol the margins. Overflow parking: next to the trailhead lot, at the Primrose school - 503 S Main St. Andover. L Robin Doyle
Sun, Oct 16, 2022. Middlesex Canal Walk, North Billerica. [Boston Walking Meetup Group] - This is NOT an AMC walk.
Meet at 1:30pm. Level, 3 mile round trip starting and ending at the Middlesex Canal Museum in North Billerica and going south along a section of the canal to smallpox cemetery. Meet at the gazebo in Billerica Falls Park of the Concord River, 71 Faulkner Street, Billerica MA 01862 - across the street from the museum and two blocks from train station. L Robert Winters (robert@middlesexcanal.org, 617-661-9230)
Sun, Oct 16, 2022. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [Boston Walking Meetup Group]
Meet at 4:30pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.
Sun, Oct 16, 2022. "Walk & Roll" at Pope John Paul II Park, Dorchester. - registration required
10:00am-1:00pm. Come visit Pope John Paul II Park Reservation, part of the Neponset River Greenway, alongside the Expressway in Dorchester. Come walk, or roll along in your wheelchair, as we explore this scenic park. Once a landfill, Pope John Paul II Park now offers picnicking, trails, athletic fields, and more. This is also a good place to look for birds and wildlife which have also benefited from the restoration. Bring your lunch, and we will take a short break and eat while enjoying the views. These hikes are open to all, so if a physical or cognitive disability has made you hesitate to take part in AMC hikes… talk to us! We want to help you get out and enjoy nature with us! Ls Bob Vogel, Chao Xie; CL Karen Foley
Wed, Oct 19, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills and Trail Trace the Ponkapoag Area. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. During this hike we will be exploring and trail tracing the Ponkapoag area of the Blue Hills. Specifically, the north and northeast sections. The hike will be approximately 7 miles with no more than 500 feet of elevation. I will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. Ls John Schepis, Joanne Newton
Thurs, Oct 20, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Fri, Oct 21, 2022. Fall Friday Walk - Quincy Bay & Wollaston Beach. - registration required
11:00am-1:30pm. Join us for our third Fall Friday walk, along Quincy Bay on the South Shore. This will be an “out and back” trip along walking the promenade near Wollaston Beach. We will walk around 4-5 miles, at a moderate pace. This trip can be reached via the MBTA Red Line T service. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Oct 22, 2022. Let's Explore - Wheaton Farm, Easton. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s Explore Wheaton Farm, in Easton. Group limited to 10. About 6-7 miles. Wheaton Farm is conservation land in Easton. It started with an original purchase of 250 acres, but now has grown to over 1000 acres. Our hike is mostly through wooded areas, with a couple fields thrown in. We will also come out the far side of Wheaton Farm and pass a large solar farm. Certain areas can be wet, so if it has rained a lot before our trip, wear waterproof boots if you have them. L Joanne Newton, CL Ellen Wolfson
Sat, Oct 22, 2022. Lincoln Conservation Land Foliage Hike.
9:30am-1:00pm. Moderate 6-mi. fall foliage hike to such beautiful places as Lindentree Farm, Andromeda Ponds, and Heywood’s Meadow, including possible horse and alpaca sightings, 9:30am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footwear. Meet in rear of Lincoln Station commuter parking lot on Lincoln Road (free parking on weekends). L Marc Hurwitz
Sat, Oct 22, 2022. Phillips Andover - Moncrieff Cochran Sanctuary Loop.
10:00am-12:00pm. Park at the end of Chapel Avenue, Andover, on the corner of Rt. 28/Main Street. Join us as we loop around the woodlands and ponds at Phillips Academy, we’ll walk at a moderate pace up to 5 miles. If time permits, we may walk around the cemetery and the campus. L Robin Doyle
Sun, Oct 23, 2022. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [Boston Walking Meetup Group]
Meet at 4:30pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.
Sun, Oct 23, 2022. Cutler State Park, Needham.
9:00am-11:00am. 84 Kendrick Street, Needham - the parking lot for Cutler Reservation. Get started early on Sunday morning with a 2 hour moderate paced walk in Cutler Park and still have time for other Sunday activities. Trails are generally flat, with some gentle inclines, rocks, and tree roots. L Lisa Fleischman
Wed, Oct 26, 2022. Let's Explore The Blue Hills - Near Trailside Museum. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore a section of the Blue Hills beyond the Trailside Museum. We will hike approximately 7 miles and should get about 1000' of elevation gain. We will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. Ls Joanne Newton, John Schepis
Thurs, Oct 27, 2022. Blue Hills Hike (with some trailwork too). - registration required
The plan is to hike different sections of the Blue Hills, looking for areas that need brushing and small trees cut. “Most” weeks we will mostly be hiking, with occasional short stops to clip or saw a small tree. Some weeks we might find an overgrown area and hike less distance, while doing more trailwork. If we find LARGE trees, we will record them for future trailwork events, we won’t be bringing the larger 2 man saw on these trips! We will also be recording drainage structures and issues into the DCR database. Each week will be a different section, so trailhead locations will be sent to those registered. No tools required, I will have a couple saws and clippers. Hikes will generally be about 3 hours, including a short lunch stop. L Bob Vogel
Fri, Oct 28, 2022. Fall Friday Walk - Dorchester Bay & Castle Island. - registration required (postponed from Oct 14)
11:00am-1:30pm. Join us for our second Fall Friday walks around Dorchester Bay in South Boston. This will be an “out and back” walk from Carson Beach to Castle Island. We will walk around 5 miles, at a moderate pace. This trip can be reached using the MBTA Red Line T service. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Oct 29, 2022. Let's Explore - The Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-1:30pm. Moderately paced 3-3½ hour hike traversing the entire White Triangle Trail in the Houghton’s Pond section of the reservation. Hike is approximately 6 miles in length and 600 feet of elevation gain and mostly woodland. Group size is limited to 9 hikers plus the leader. Trail head location will be emailed to confirmed hikers. L William Doherty
Sat, Oct 29, 2022. Ward Reservation & Boston Hill, Andover.
10:00am-12:00pm. Plan on hiking between 3 & 5 miles. The trails feature rolling hills and offer great views. At the top of Elephant Rock we’ll see the Boston Skyline and Blue Hills. Park at 64 Prospect Street (Trustees & trailhead parking lot). Drive to very end of Prospect St, past homes, and the parking lot is on the right. Free parking for Trustees members. Otherwise the fee is $6. You can pay by cash (there is a little metal box) or use your credit card at the kiosk. L Robin Doyle
Sun, Oct 30, 2022. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [Boston Walking Meetup Group]
Meet at 4:30pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.
Wed, Nov 2, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills - Hawk Hill and Beyond. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will be trail tracing a 7 mile section with about 900 feet of elevation around and up Hawk Hill in the Blue Hills. We will be start out on the Bouncing Brook Path, going up and down, making circles and triangles and when we finish, you will be able to mark another section “trail traced” on your Blue Hills trail map. Ls Joanne Newton, Madelyn Atwood
Wed, Nov 2, 2022. Wednesday Morning Walk at Great Brook Farm, Carlisle. - registration required
9:00am. Join us as we wind our way through Great Brook Farm State Park around ponds, through pine tree forests, over and around rocky hills, and through fields. This will be a moderate/fast walk of 4-5 miles along mixed terrain with minimal elevation gain (<500ft). We’ll spend part of our time on single-track hiking trails with lots of roots and rocks and part of the time on wider forest trails with good footing. Plan to be out for 2-3 hours. Wear hiking boots, trail shoes, or sneakers with good treads. Bring layers appropriate for the weather that morning and a bottle of water. Meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Ls Judith Watson, Amy Kelliher
Fri, Nov 4, 2022. Fall Friday Walk - Arnold Arboretum & Peters Hill. - registration required
11:00am-1:30pm. Join us for another Friday Fall walk exploring Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum and nearby Peter’s Hill. We are hoping there will still be some foliage left to enjoy as we walk through the wide variety of trees and shrubs. Time permitting, we will also stop by the Hunnewell Visitor Center and its plant museum. We will walk 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Heavy rain cancels. This walk can be joined using the MBTA orange line. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Nov 5, 2022. Let's Explore - The Blue Hills - Donovan School Area. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore the section of the Blue Hills that we refer to as “The Donovan School area”. We will hike approximately 6-7 miles and should get about 500' of elevation gain. The Information Sheet with the details about where to park will be emailed out several days before the hike. L Joanne Newton
Sun, Nov 6, 2022. Autumn Hike in Gilbert State Forest. - registration required
9:00am-1:00pm. 45 Mill Street, Foxboro, MA 02035. Let’s take advantage of Daylight savings fallback on Sunday, Nov 6. We will be walking through some of the trails in Gilbert State Forest. The distance is about 6-8 miles and the pace will be slow to moderate, good for walking and chatting at the same time. We will be stepping over rocks and roots. Please wear sturdy hiking boots (no open-toed shoes). Dress for the weather. Please bring about 2 liters of water, trail snacks, lunch, and a pack to carry them. Heavy rain will cancel. L Sujatha Srinivasan
Sun, Nov 6, 2022. Let's Explore - Whitehall Reservoir in Hopkinton. - registration required
10:00am-3:00pm. Limited to a group size of 10. Join us as we hike Whitehall Reservoir which is a 620 acre great pond located about a quarter mile south of Route 135 and a mile west of Route 495 in Hopkinton. We will hike the approx. 8 mile perimeter and enjoy beautiful views of the reservoir throughout our entire hike. The pace will be moderate with minimal elevation (less than 300 ft). Please note: this is a loop hike so there is no short option. Ls Barbara Lightizer, Abi Natarajan
Sun, Nov 6, 2022. Traditional Fall Warner Trail Hike. - registration required
9:00am-4:00pm. Diamond Hill State Park, Cumberland, RI. Join us for an approximately 10 mile point-to-point hike. Promptly at 9am we will meet in Cumberland, RI and car pool to the start in Wrentham, MA. Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch and proper hiking footwear. Treking poles/hiking sticks maybe useful but not required. We will take several breaks and lunch at about 1/2 way point. After lunch there are some scenic views of Diamond Hill Reservoir and from top of former ski site. We recommend wearing orange hat or vest even though hunting on Sunday is not allowed (some extra vests will be available). Driving directions sent to confirmed participants on Saturday afternoon, Nov 5th. Questions? Contact leaders by text/phone/email. Ls Roy Wolfe, Laura Cerier
Sun, Nov 6, 2022. Broadmoor Mass. Audubon, Natick.
2:00pm-4:00pm. 280 Eliot St, Natick. Sleep late on Sunday and still get a hike in before the weekend comes to a close. Trails are generally flat, with one gradual low hill trail, some rocks and tree roots. Arrive by 1:45pm for a prompt 2:00pm departure. L Lisa Fleischman
Wed, Nov 9, 2022. Blue Hills White Triangle Trail. - registration required
10:00am-1:00pm. Join us for a morning hike at the Blue Hills. The White Triangle Trail is approximately a 6 mile loop trail in Blue Hills. We will hike at a moderate pace for around 3 hours depending on the group pace. The total elevation gain would be about 550 ft. This is a very popular trail for hiking and biking. If we are lucky we could see some Fall colors too. The trail will include small elevations with rocks and roots. Ls Srinivasa Iyengar, Joanne Newton
Thurs, Nov 10, 2022. Fall Hike at Noon Hill - Shattuck Reservation. - registration required
9:45am-1:30pm. We plan to hike at a moderate pace for approximately 4 hours across both Noon Hill and neighboring Shattuck Reservation. Our hike will take us on a roughly 7-mile trip with a combined elevation of approximately 400 ft., that includes Noon Hill, Holt Pond and the Stop River. L Lawrence Petrone
Sat, Nov 12, 2022. Saturday Morning - Blue Hills Lowland Hike. - registration required
10:00am-1:15pm. This hike will be at a moderate pace with occasional stops along the way. The total distance is approximately 5-miles as we circumvent Ponkapoag Pond. This scenic trek provides the opportunity to explore a part of the Blue Hills, and to be out in nature, for seasoned hikers as well as those who aren’t up to the more difficult terrains in the Blue Hills. Space is limited to 14 plus the leader. The exact meeting point and other details will be sent 24-48 hours prior the hike to those who register in advance. L Ken Cohen
Sat, Nov 12, 2022. Weir Hill Reservation, N. Andover.
12:15pm-2:45pm. Join us for a 4-6 mile walk/hike; we may hike the Cochichewick Loop or the Edgewood trail, both are scenic and easy to moderate routes. This is a Trustees Park and is free to all. Park at 65 Stevens Street, N. Andover and, if the lot is full, parking is allowed on the street. What to pack: a snack, water, a rain jacket and, hiking poles if you want them. We may see some sun post-rain storm. L Robin Doyle
Sun, Nov 13, 2022. Come Hike the Blue Hills!. - registration required
Come enjoy a late fall hike in the Blue Hills. We’ll hike a moderate route around the Breakneck Ledge section starting in the morning and be done in time for a late lunch. Expect to hike around 6 miles with some elevation gain. Exact details will be sent to participants the week before our hike. Ls Benjamin Kenawell, Joanne Newton
Sun, Nov 13, 2022. Let's Explore Memorial Forest and Hopbrook Marsh and Desert Lands in Sudbury and Marlborough. - registration required
9:00am. Join us for this moderately paced, fairly flat 8-miles hike in Sudbury and Marlborough. This hike takes us through parts of the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Hopbrook Marsh and Desert Conservation Lands, and SVT and GFWCM Memorial Forest. It offers a great diversity of terrains including wide sandy parts, pitch pine-scrub oak barrens, majestic pine forests, cold water streams, and beaver wetlands. The conservation area is the habitat for several endangered species, including the box and wood turtle and the blue-spotted salamander. Many bird species are commonly sighted here, including great blue heron, red shouldered hawk, ovenbird, common yellow throat, song sparrow, pine warbler, and wood thrush. More detailed information about start time, meeting location etc. will be provided to confirmed participants. L Connie Sanchez Morillo
Wed, Nov 16, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills - Around Hemenway Hill. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore a section of the Blue Hills around Hemenway Hill. We will hike approximately 7 miles and should get about 1000' of elevation gain. We will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. L Joanne Newton
Sat, Nov 19, 2022. "Walk & Roll" at Borderland State Park. - registration required
10:00am-1:00pm. Overview Hikes for Everyone! - A New Series “Walk & Roll” - Come walk, or roll along in your wheelchair, as we explore this scenic park, once the home of Oakes & Blanche Ames. Concerned you can’t propel yourself this far in a wheelchair? Let us know, we have participants who will be willing to help. Bring lunch. Rain date 11/20. Hike time may be shifted depending on weather. $5 parking fee. Ls Bob Vogel, Chao Xie; CL Karen Foley
Sat, Nov 19, 2022. Hike the Whole Skyline Trail in the Fells!. - registration required
Let’s hike the Skyline Trail circuit in the Middlesex Fells! Nearly 8 miles of rocky up and down with about 1200' of elevation gain, the white blaze Skyline Trail is a classic. We plan to hike at moderately fast pace (2 mph) and will take breaks for the best views! Be prepared for lots of rocky hiking and slippery fall leaves underfoot. We will meet and leave mid-morning. Directions to the start point and exact time will be sent after you register. Bring layers, water, and snacks. Be prepared for the weather. We will cancel for heavy rain and can easily shorten the hike if the weather is making it no fun. But let’s plan to gear up and get out for this great local hike. No dogs on this hike. L Phillip Baraona, CL Meighan Matthews
Sat, Nov 19, 2022. Haggett's Pond.
10:15am-12:15pm. http://www.andovertrails.org/haggetts-pond--rail-trail.html. Haggetts Pond is the local reservoir. Built on part of the former line of the historic Lowell and Lawrence Railroad, the trail offers a great, quiet place to go for a run or walk through the lovely wooded landscape. We’ll plan to walk between 2 & 4 miles at a moderate pace. Parking: There is a small lot is located right next to the southern trailhead off of Haggetts Pond Rd. If it is full, parking along the street across (a neighborhood) from the parking lot is permitted. To reach the southern trailhead from Boston, take I-93 north to exit 39/Rt 133. Turn left onto State Route 133 (Lowell Street) and continue for about a mile. Turn right onto Haggetts Pond Road - the trailhead will be on the right. L Robin Doyle
Sun, Nov 20, 2022. Crow Hills & Ledges Hike & Forest Walk - Families Welcome!, Westminster, MA. - registration required
9:30am-1:00pm. Check out one of the most scenic sections of the Midstate Trail along the Crow Hills and ledges and through scenic pristine forest in Westminster and Princeton on this “out and back” 7-mi round-trip. We may see wild turkeys and birds of prey along our way. Pack snacks for the way out and a picnic lunch to enjoy on the ledges along the way back. We will be moving at a moderate pace and participants should be ready for a few scrambles up and down the ledges and an overall 1500 feet of elevation gain. Expect approximately 2.5-3 hours of moving time. Families who are regular hikers are welcome! Meet at 9:30am at Midstate Trail Parking Lot, Narrows Road at Stone Hill Road, for a prompt departure and expect to finish by 1pm. Trailhead parking is less than 1/2 mi from Route 2. Temperatures are forecast in the high 30s so please dress in layers and consider bringing a warm beverage. Hunting is not allowed in Massachusetts on Sundays. A friendly red setter pup will be joining us on this trip. Confirmed participants will be sent an e-mail update 36 hours in advance of departure time. L Marie Sorensen
Wed, Nov 23, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills and Trail Trace the Trails off Rte 28. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. During this hike we will be exploring and trail tracing some of the trails off Rte. 28 area of the Blue Hills. The hike will be approximately 6.5 to7 miles with about 700 feet of elevation. It will be a moderate hike both in elevation and pace. But as always, we will stick together and moderate the pace to the group speed. I will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. L John Schepis
Fri, Nov 25, 2022. Explore Blue Hills Skyline End to End. - registration required
9:00am-3:30pm. Work off that Thanksgiving meal with a one-way end to end Skyline Trail hike. Plenty of ups and downs amounting to about 2000' elevation gain over 8.5 miles. Participants should have a very good fitness level with recent hikes of like. We will spot cars at the end point, the skating rink in Quincy. L Nicholas Georgantas
Sat, Nov 26, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills - Near the Great Cedar Swamp. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore a section of the Blue Hills around The Great Cedar Swamp. This is always an interesting area to see what condition the Swamp is in. We will hike approximately 7-8 miles and should get about 1000' of elevation gain. We will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. L Joanne Newton, John Schepis
Wed, Nov 30, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills and Trail Trace by Chickatawbut. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Looking for some mileage and elevation gain? Then, come with us to explore this section of the Blue Hills. We will hike approximately 7 miles and should get about 900 feet of elevation gain. This is a moderate hike and we will hike at a moderate pace with shorts breaks as needed. I will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. Ls John Schepis, Joanne Newton
Fri, Dec 2, 2022. Fall Friday Walk - Arnold Arboretum & Franklin Park. - registration required
10:00am-12:30pm. Join us for a Fall walk along the final section of Boston’s Emerald Necklace. We will walk through the Arnold Arboretum and then along a short section of the Arborway to Franklin Park where we will complete a loop around the golf course. This is an 5.5 mile walk on mainly paved trails. Heavy rain cancels. This walk can be joined using the MBTA orange line. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Dec 3, 2022. Winter Workshop & Hike - Nobscot Hill, Sudbury, MA. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Are you jealous that winter is coming and some of us are all excited, while you are dreading staying indoors until Spring? Come find out how we stay warm, tromp through all that deep snow, and across that slippery ice and much more. We will cover everything you need to know to become a Local Winter Hiker. It’s free and you get the added bonus of joining us on a 5 mile hike through the woodland trails of Nobscot Hill and Tippling Rock. The ‘rain date’ for this event will be Sun, Dec 4. Ls Judith Watson, Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton, John Schepis
Sat, Dec 3, 2022. Let's Hike Boxford State Forest and Bald Hill Conservation Area/North Andover. - registration required, cancelled
11:00am-2:30pm. Meet at 11:00am at the Boxford State Forest parking area (1470 Forest St, North Andover). The hike will begin on a section of the Bay Circuit Trail and also take us along other woodland trails as we explore this wonderful conservation area and learn about the conservation partners that helped protect this large area. Our hike will take us to Towne Pond that provides habitat for wildlife including beavers, otters, muskrats and many water fowl. We will enjoy great views of Towne Pond where we will stop for lunch/snacks. Expect to hike about 5 miles, sometimes over hilly-forested terrain. Bring sufficient water and snacks/lunch. Remember weather is getting colder so dress in layers and avoid cotton clothing. It’s hunting season so wear some orange. L Richard Lombard
Sun, Dec 4, 2022. Winter Workshop & Hike - Nobscot Hill, Sudbury, MA. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Are you jealous that winter is coming and some of us are all excited, while you are dreading staying indoors until Spring? Come find out how we stay warm, tromp through all that deep snow, and across that slippery ice and much more. We will cover everything you need to know to become a Local Winter Hiker. It’s free and you get the added bonus of joining us on a 5 mile hike through the woodland trails of Nobscot Hill and Tippling Rock. Ls Judith Watson, Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton, John Schepis
Wed, Dec 7, 2022. Let's Explore the Blue Hills - near Tucker Hill. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Let’s explore a section of the Blue Hills around Tucker Hill. We will hike approximately 7 miles and should get about 800' of elevation gain. We will send out the Information Sheet with the meet up location and route several days before the hike. Ls John Schepis, Joanne Newton
Fri, Dec 9, 2022. Fall Friday Walk - Boston Harbor Walk at Dorchester Shores. - registration required
11:00am-1:30pm. Join us for one of our final Fall Friday walks of 2022 along the Boston Harbor Walk at Dorchester Shores. This will be an “out and back” walk from Carson Beach to Savin Hill, via Malibu Beach. We will walk around 6 miles, at a moderate pace. This trip can be joined using the MBTA Red Line “T” service. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Dec 10, 2022. Walk & Wheel: Holiday at Rest-Stop-Ranch Accessible Gardens. - registration required
2:00pm-5:00pm. Explore wheelchair-accessible holiday gardens at your own pace. Notice and appreciate the early winter landscape. Interact with outdoor holiday decorations. Watch birds. Small group limit: 10 participants. Trip will happen rain, snow, or shine! Ls Mary MacDonald, Joanne Newton
Sat, Dec 10, 2022. Urban Hike - Boston's New Walking City Trail!. - registration required
10:00am-1:00pm. Walk 6 miles on Boston’s new Walking City Trail, from Jamaica Pond Boathouse to the Esplanade Park entrance on Mass. Ave! “Connecting 14 Boston neighborhoods from the Neponset River to Bunker Hill, the 25-mile Walking City Trail is a hiking path through Boston’s most immersive parks, urban wilds, community gardens, and greenways.” [www.bostontrails.org] Join us for Section 3! We will walk through the woods of Olmsted Park, climb Parker Hill for beautiful views of Boston, stroll along the Emerald Necklace past Fenway Park and the Victory Gardens, before finishing on the Charles River Esplanade entrance. Expect 2-3 hours of walking at a moderate pace. Be prepared for any weather with warm layers, raincoat, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Heavy rain will cancel. Bring trail snacks, water, and money for transportation. This walk is intended to be accessed by public transportation and there is very limited parking at either end. You are responsible for your transportation to and from the hike. Jamaica Pond boathouse (start): Bus lines 39, 41. Orange Line subway at Green Street station. Note: this station is ~1 mile from the start point. Esplanade Park entrance on Mass. Ave (end): Bus lines 1, 57, Green Line subway at Hynes Convention Center station. Note: this station is 0.3 miles from the end point. There are a few public restrooms along the way. No dogs please. Ls Judith Watson, Meighan Matthews
Sat, Dec 10, 2022. Let's Hike Boxford State Forest and Bald Hill Conservation Area/North Andover. - registration required
11:00am-2:30pm. Meet at 11:00am at the Boxford State Forest parking area (1470 Forest St, North Andover). The hike will begin on a section of the Bay Circuit Trail and also take us along other woodland trails as we explore this wonderful conservation area and learn about the conservation partners that helped protect this large area. Our hike will take us to Towne Pond that provides habitat for wildlife including beavers, otters, muskrats and many water fowl. We will enjoy great views of Towne Pond where we will stop for lunch/snacks. Expect to hike about 5 miles, sometimes over hilly-forested terrain. Bring sufficient water and snacks/lunch. Remember weather is getting colder so dress in layers and avoid cotton clothing. It’s hunting season so wear some orange. L Richard Lombard
Sat, Dec 10, 2022. Let's Explore Wheaton Farms in Easton. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Group limited to 15. About 6-7 miles. Wheaton Farm is conservation land in Easton. It started with an original purchase of 250 acres, but now has grown to over 1000 acres. Our hike is mostly through wooded areas, with a couple fields thrown in. We will also come out the far side of Wheaton Farm and pass a large solar farm. Certain areas can be wet, so if it has rained a lot before our trip, wear waterproof boots if you have them. L John Schepis, CL Madelyn Atwood
Sun, Dec 11, 2022. Early Winter Hike at Callahan State Park, Framingham. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Come enjoy the end of fall/beginning of winter with a hike at Callahan State Park! Located in the “metro-west” area of Boston, we will be hiking 7-8 miles and have about 700 feet of elevation gain. We will be hiking for about four hours at an easy-moderate pace. Ls Judith Watson, Michelle Devivo
Wed, Dec 14, 2022. Explore F. Gilbert Hills before the Snow. - registration required
9:00am-1:15pm. 45 Mill Street, Foxboro. Also known as High Rock Woods, our 6.7-mile hike at F. Gilbert Hills will include trails past Sunset Lake, High Rock, the woods surrounding Acorn Trail, and the lower meadows in the eastern portion of the property. We will also pass a number of standing and alignment stones, and stone beehives in the area. We will be hiking a moderate pace. L Lawrence Petrone
Wed, Dec 14, 2022. Let's Explore The Blue Hills - Two For One Special!. - registration required
10:00am-2:30pm. Blue Hills, Braintree. So, what is a Blue Hills Two for One Special? We will hike 2 sections which are less traveled than some: The Braintree Triangle and the Boardwalk and some surrounding trails. We will meet at one parking area and then drive to the second. We will describe all that in the Information Sheet which will be emailed to registrants several days before the hike. This hike will be about 7 miles in total with minimal elevation gain. We are estimating about 4.5 hours but may be longer to include driving time between the two areas. Hiking the Boardwalk requires walking on wood planks which may be wet, depending on much rain we’ve had before the hike. Ls Joanne Newton, Bob Vogel
Sat, Dec 17, 2022. Let's Explore - Adams Farm in Walpole. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Join us as we explore the properties of Adams Farm and the abutting lands owned by the Norfolk County Agricultural School. We will plan to hike about 7 miles at a moderate pace with minimal elevation gain. L Joanne Newton
Sun, Dec 18, 2022. Glacial Features Walks at Gray Reservation, Sudbury. - registration required
9:00am-12:00pm. Join us for a local walk exploring glacial formation in Sudbury. Gray Reservation has some of the finest examples of the features formed as the continental glacier receded at the end of the last ice age. You should expect a casual out-and-back hike through the woods of around 1 mile in 3 hours. Despite the relaxed pace, please bring appropriate footwear along with plenty of layers for the many stops along the way. Details of the meeting location will be sent to confirmed participants. If you are interested in exploring the geologic history of New England, I look forward to seeing you! Ls Judith Watson, Jason Porter
Sun, Dec 18, 2022. Winter Solstice Walk - Noanet Woods to Hale Reservation.
1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us for an easy walk through the Noanet Woodlands to the Hale Reservation. Meet at Noanet Woodlands parking lot on Powisset Street, Dover. Caution: there is another Trustees property, Powisset Farm, on the opposite side of the road. You will need to pay ($6) for parking at a self service kiosk if you are not a member of the Trustees of Reservations. Homemade Christmas cookies provided. Rain cancels. Please RSVP so we know if we should wait for you in the parking lot or not. L Jean Veigas
Sun, Dec 18, 2022. Let's Hike Boxford State Forest and Bald Hill Conservation Area/Boxford. - registration required
11:00am-2:30pm. Meet at 11:00am at the Crooked Pond Trailhead parking area and kiosk (Near 196 Middleton Rd). Plan to hike about 6-miles along a section of the Bay Circuit Trail and other, sometimes hilly, woodland trails that meander through this extensive conservation area, while we explore its wonderful ecology and wildlife. We will enjoy great views of Crooked Pond along a re-routing of the Bay Circuit Trail over Eleanor Hill. L Richard Lombard
Wed, Dec 21, 2022. Hiking & History - Borderland Edition. - registration required
It will be interesting, if history interests you. And a quiz. :-) Not hard, but yes, a quiz. Open to those of all ages able to walk 6-7 miles at a normal adult pace. The hike itself will be about 6 or 7 miles, mid-morning to mid-afternoon, (mostly over small winding trails) and we will hike to the far end of Borderland to see Moyle’s Quarry, as well as many other things along the way. Microspikes or equal may be required, depending on the weather between now and then! Sign up quickly.. it may fill. L Bob Vogel
Sat, Dec 24, 2022. Trail Trace the Blue Hills - in the Winter. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Joanne Newton
Sat, Dec 24, 2022. Trail Trace the Blue Hills - in the Winter. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Sat, Dec 24, 2022. Millers River & Bearsden Forest Pre-Holiday Hike. - registration required
9:30am-2:30pm. Enjoy some fresh air on a scenic local hike before the holidays. This 9.5-mi loop along Millers River in Athol, MA has 1700 ft of elevation gain and is planned for hikers who can manage a moderate to moderately fast pace (2.5-2.75 mph) for about 4 hours of moving time, plus breaks. We will be summiting three small hills on the route and should see waterfowl and other wildlife. Pack snacks and/or a light picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. We will meet at 9:30am for a prompt departure and expect to finish by 2:30pm. Meet at Newton Reservoir Parking Lot, S Royalston Road, Athol. Trailhead parking is less than a mile from Route 2. A friendly red setter pup will be joining us on this trip. Confirmed participants will be sent an e-mail update 36 hours in advance of departure time. L Marie Sorenson
Wed, Dec 28, 2022. Trail Trace the Blue Hills - in the Winter. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Fri, Dec 30, 2022. Final Friday Walk - Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond & Olmstead Park. - registration required
10:00am-12:30pm. Join us for the last Friday walk of 2022. We will complete a short loop in the Arnold Arboretum and then walk along the Arborway to Jamaica Pond and onto Olmstead Park, both part of Boston's Emerald Necklace. This is a 5.5 to 6 mile walk on mainly paved trails. Heavy rain cancels. This walk can be joined using the MBTA orange line. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Fri, Dec 30, 2022. Let's Hike Musquash Conservation Area / Londonderry NH. - registration required
11:00am-2:45pm. Musquash Conservation Area is Londonderry’s largest conservation holding. The area includes over 1,500 acres of land with more than 20+ miles of managed trails. Musquash is adjacent to the Litchfield State Forest, as well as, conservation land owned by the the Town of Litchfield. NH Fish and Game also owns adjacent land, which is managed as habitat for the endangered New England Cottontail. The hike will begin from the parking area/trailhead at 30 Tanager Way, Londonderry NH at 11:00am. From here we will begin our hike on the Heron Trail looping back to our starting point. Expect to hike over hilly forested terrain for a distance of about 6 miles. Our hike will take us through the middle of Musquash Conservation Area where we will have views of its extensive red maple swamp. The word Musquash refers to the aquatic rodent, the muskrat, which finds good habitat in the swamp. We will stop for snacks/lunch at the junction of the Landing and Betty Mack trails, known as the Landing. Remember weather is getting colder so dress in layers and avoid cotton clothing. It’s hunting season so wear some orange. Weather and trail conditions could change at any time so bring have a pair of MICROspikes, or equivalent stabilizer for traction on snow, ice, and frozen terrain. And gaiters are helpful to keep ice/snow from falling inside your winter footwear. Bring sufficient water and snacks/lunch. The weather forecast for the hike looks good, with partly cloudy skies, winds light and a high of 47°F. Directions: Take exit 4 on Rte. 93 toward Londonderry and merge onto NH 102 South. In 3.9-miles take right on Parmenter Rd which merges with High Range Rd. Continue for 0.9-miles and take left onto Wiley Hill Rd. Continue for 2.5-miles then take right onto Tanager Way. Trailhead and parking is 30 Tanager Way Londonderry, NH. L Richard Lombard
Sat, Dec 31, 2022. Trail Trace the Blue Hills - in the Winter. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Joanne Newton
Sat, Dec 31, 2022. Trail Trace the Blue Hills - in the Winter. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Sat, Dec 31, 2022. Winter Blue Hills Hike Moderate Dog-Friendly. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Join us for a beautiful hike at the Blue Hills Reservation. Be prepared to hike about 4 hours (about 6 miles and 1200 feet of elevation gain) through some rugged, hilly terrain. Bring a backpack with water, extra layers, snacks, lunch, mask, hand sanitizer. L Chao Xie
Sun, Jan 1, 2023. Goldsmith Woodlands, Andover.
12:15pm-2:15pm. Happy new year hike! Plan on walking/hiking somewhere between 3 & 5 miles at a moderate pace. Pack/wear: layers as it may be chilly and wet/muddy. Bring water, a snack, hiking poles & binoculars if you use them. The marshes adjacent to the pond are home to cattails, pitcher plants, sundew, snapping turtles and Great Blue Herons. The uplands provide habitat for resident deer, fisher, fox and wild turkey while owls patrol the margins. Park at 491 South Main Street, Andover. Overflow parking: next to the trailhead lot, at the Primrose School - 503 S Main St. Andover. L Robin Doyle
Wed, Jan 4, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Wed, Jan 4, 2023. North Acton Conservation Land Mid-Week. - registration required
9:00am. Ring in the New Year and join us as we explore three separate, but adjacent conservation lands in the town of Acton, MA. This will be a moderate-moderate/fast walk of 5-6 miles with minimal elevation gain (<500 ft). The terrain is mixed and typical of a walk through the woods: roots, rocks, and some soft forest floor. Plan to be out for 2.5-3 hours. Bring layers appropriate for the weather that morning and a bottle of water. You will need some combination of hiking boots, sneakers, snowshoes, and microspikes, depending on the snow and/or ice conditions! Both the meeting location and footwear/traction requirements will be emailed to registered participants 2-3 days prior to the walk. The leader’s 4.5 year old golden retriever dog will be joining us on-leash for the walk. L Amy Kelliher
Sat, Jan 7, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton
Sun, Jan 8, 2023. Let's Explore Callahan State Park in Winter. - registration required
8:30am-11:00am. Join us as we explore Callahan State Park in Winter (Framingham/Marlborough). This will be a moderately graded 5 mile loop hike on woodland trails and open meadows. We expect to be hiking for 2 to 2.5 hours. Snowshoes and/or traction devices e.g. micro spikes may be required depending on the trail conditions. Heavy rain cancels. More detailed information on the hike route and meeting location will be provided once participants are confirmed on the hike. L Judith Watson
Wed, Jan 11, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Fri, Jan 13, 2023. Friday Winter Walk - Boston Harbor Walk from Downtown to Charlestown. - registration required
11:00am-1:30pm. Join us for our first Friday excursion of the Winter, exploring the Harbor Walk from Downtown Boston to Charlestown. This will be a 2-2.5 hour “out and back” walk on paved walkways, at a moderate pace. This trip can be joined using the MBTA Red Line “T” service. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Further details will be provided to those participants confirmed on the walk. L Judith Watson
Sat, Jan 14, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton
Sat, Jan 14, 2023. Morning Walk in Noanet Woods. - registration required
10:00am-1:00pm. Join us as we explore one of the Trustees of the Reservations most popular properties in Dover, MA. This moderately paced, 5.5 mile loop hike will follow mostly flat trails, with some exposed roots and includes a short uphill section to take in the views from Noanet Peak (361ft). We expect to be hiking for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Heavy rain/snow cancels. Winter boots and traction (snowshoes or micro-spikes) my be required, depending on weather and trail conditions. More detailed information on the hike route and meeting location, will be provided once participants are confirmed on the hike. L Judith Watson
Wed, Jan 18, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Sat, Jan 21, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton
Sun, Jan 22, 2023. Let's Explore 'The Quarries' in the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. Hike the Quincy Quarries... We will “Trail Trace” (hike every inch of every trail) in the quarries area. Some of these trails are a bit difficult to find... so if you are trying to Trail Trace the Blue Hills, here’s your opportunity to complete the quarries portion. Hike will probably run 3.5 to 4 hours (depending on group speed), and will be 5 miles with about 600' of elevation. Note that some of this is over granite blocks with ‘interesting’ footing, it will be slippery if wet. There is also one steep boulder climb that we will do. Ls Joanne Newton, Barbara Lightizer
Wed, Jan 25, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton, Judith Watson
Sat, Jan 28, 2023. Winter Trail Trace the Blue Hills. - registration required
10:00am-2:00pm. We will hike about 8 miles each trip, depending of course on the elevation gain that day. Ls Bob Vogel, Joanne Newton
Special designations:
C = Conservation program
F = Great for first timers in activity area
N = New members especially welcome
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