September-October 2015 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Saturday, January 12, 2019 11:19 AM

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

Calendar Grid here

Sat, Sept 5, 2015. Parks & Greenways, Cambridge to Malden. (Hiking, walks) - approved Aug 25 with map
Outdoors version: Mostly wooded, somewhat hilly 9-mi. hike w/8 ponds and incl. Middlesex Fells & ending at Oak Grove T sta., 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch & water. Meet on W side of Alewife T sta. at passenger drop-off. L Robert Winters (617-661-9230; Robert@rwinters.com), CL Mike Stadelmaier (770-377-8896; hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: Mostly wooded, somewhat hilly 9-mi. hike w/8 ponds and incl. Middlesex Fells & ending at Oak Grove T sta., 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch & water. Meet on W side of Alewife T sta. at passenger drop-off. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Robert Winters (Robert@rwinters.com), CL Mike Stadelmaier (770-377-8896; hikeinfo@yahoo.com).

Mon, Sept 7, 2015. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (hiking, walks) - approved June 7 with map
Outdoors version: 5-mi. walk, 8:30am-11:30am. Bring snack/water. From Rte.3 exit 14, take Rte.228N 6.5mi., L on Rte.3A 1.0mi. to rotary, R on Summer St. 0.5mi. to light, L on Martin's Lane to entr. $6.00 parking fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; Bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: 5 mile walk, 8:30am-11:30am. Bring snack/water. From Rte. 3 exit 14, take Rte. 228N 6.5 mi., L on Rte. 3A 1.0mi. to rotary, R on Summer St. 0.5 mi. to light, L on Martin's Lane to entr. $6.00 parking fee for non-members of the Trustees of Reservations. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm).

Mon, Sept 7, 2015. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 25 with map
Outdoors version: 4-mi. walk among 5000 kinds of trees & shrubs, 12:30-2:45pm. Bring snack & water. Meet at Admin. Bldg., Arborway. Take T to Forest Hills sta., walk 0.6 mi. L Robert Winters (617-661-9230; Robert@rwinters.com), CL Mike Stadelmaier (770-377-8896; hikeinfo@yahoo.com).
Web version: 4-mi. walk among 5000 kinds of trees & shrubs, 12:30-2:45pm. Bring snack & water. Meet at Admin. Bldg., Arborway. Take T to Forest Hills sta., walk 0.6 mi. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Robert Winters (Robert@rwinters.com), CL Mike Stadelmaier (770-377-8896; hikeinfo@yahoo.com).

Sat, Sept 12, 2015. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 9:30am-1:00pm. Bring lunch/snacks, water & 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. Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Sept 13, 2015. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn, MA. (Instruction, walks) - approved June 7 with map
Slow paced nature walk looking for late summer wildflowers and fruits. Focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 12:30pm-3:30pm. From Rte. 95/128 Exit 33A take Rte. 3 South for 3 miles. Left on Pond St. 0.8 miles to parking lot on left. Parking limited, arrive early. Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Sept 13, 2015. N. Pack Monadnock (Ted's & Carolyn's loop), NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: Rugged, scenic 6.5mi. loop via Ted's & Carolyn's trails. 9:30am-2:30pm. From Nashua, Rte. 101A W to Rte.101 W, north on Rte. 31, L ~8mi. on Russell Station Rd., to Mountain Rd., turn R ~0.5mi. to parking on R opposite trailhead. Storm cancels. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: A rugged, scenic loop of 6.5mi. via Ted's & Carolyn's trails. 9:30am-2:30pm. From Nashua, NH, take Rte. 101A west toward Milford, NH. Blend onto Rte. 101 west toward Wilton, NH. Head north toward Lyndeboro on Rte. 31 and turn left ~8mi. on Russell Station Rd. (look for the Trebuchet Adventure Park on the right and Trojan Horse on the left by this intersection). Continue to Mountain Rd. and turn right ~0.5mi. to parking in a small alcove on the right opposite trailhead. Storm cancels. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Tues, Sept 15, 2015. Temple Mountain Ridgeline, Sharon, NH. (hiking) - Registration required, approved Aug 26 with map
Trailhead start at intersection of Greenleaf and Temple Roads in Sharon, NH. Brisk 8 mile very scenic hike. 9:00am start. First 5 miles almost to Miller State Park. Then descend down mountain for 3 miles finishing along Nichols Brook waterfalls and pools. Link to hike & driving maps, description & sign up instruction at https://sites.google.com/site/templeloophike. Distance from Lexington ~ 50 miles (car pool option available from Dunkin on Great Road in Littleton). Do not use route 123/124 due to bridge reconstruction in New Ipswich. Storm cancels. No dogs. Bring lunch. L Jack Mroczkowski (781-862-1019; JM705@verizon.net).

Sat, Sept 19, 2015. Explore East Boston. (walks) - approved Aug 11 with map
Moderately fast-paced walk along the Greenway, Condor Urban Wild, Piers Park and more. 10:00am-1:30pm. Meet inside Airport T (Blue Line). Bring lunch and water. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. New members welcome. Heavy rain cancels. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Sept 19, 2015. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 13 with map
Fast-paced hike around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:45am-noon. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course, Rt. 138, Canton, 0.7 mi. S of I-93/Rt. 128 Exit 2A. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Debbie Kee.

Sun, Sept 20, 2015. Fitch's Bridge to Hayes Woods, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 28 with map
Meet at 1:00pm. We will start at the newly replaced Fitch's Bridge over the Nashua River, along a old railroad bed, through the Johnston Conservation area, around a lovely beaver pond in Hayes Woods, and back. Meet at Fitch's Bridge, 42.62549N 71.60886W. Park by either end, but note that cars can't cross. About 2 hours. L Olin Lathrop, (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Sun, Sept 20, 2015. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Mod-stren. 7mi. hike. 9:00am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/snacks. From the north, take Rte. 93S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. Next stop sign go R. At first lights, R onto Rte. 28, R into Sheepfold entrance. From the south, take Rte. 93N to exit 33 (Route 28). Entrance on L (2 mi.). Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Sept 25, 2015. Castle Island , South Boston. (walks) - approved Sept 21 with map
Leisurely 4-mi. walk along harbor, 6:30-8:15pm. From SE Expressway take JFK Exit, follow beach along Day Boulevard to end. Meet in front of Sullivan's. Bus: Red Line to Broadway Station, then City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk E toward water, L on Day Boulevard. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Sept 27, 2015. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Mod-stren. approx. 5-mi. hike, hills/rough terrain, 9:00am-2:00pm. Bring snacks/lunch/water. Meet at Northeast Metro School . From 95/128 exit 39 (Wakefield), take North Ave. E 2.5 mi. (becomes Nahant St.), R on Farm St., L on Hemlock St. to end. Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579, Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Sept 27, 2015. Mts. Major & Straightback, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Leisurely/scenic 5mi. hike. Steep climb to rocky summit with panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Bring lunch/water/raingear/sturdy footwear. Meet 8:00am for carpool. I-95/Rte.128 Exit 35 (Woburn) to Rte. 38S for 0.1mi., then R (Middlesex Canal Drive) past Holiday Inn to SW corner of pkg. lot behind Woburn Cinemas. L Jerry Yos (781-935-4647 to 11pm).

Sat, Oct 3, 2015. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 24 with map [CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN]
5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Oct 4, 2015. Hale Reservation/Powisett Farm, Westwood. (walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16B, take Rte. 109 W 1.2mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3mi., R on Carby St. 0.6 mi. to Cat Rock pkg. lot. Rain cancels. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324; jveigas@whitneyveigas.com).
Web version: Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm. From Rte. 95/128 exit 16B, take Rte. 109 W 1.2 mi., R on Dover Rd. 0.3 mi., R on Carby St. 0.6 mi. to Cat Rock pkg. lot. Rain cancels. Wear traction device on boots if conditions warrant. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324).

Sun, Oct 4, 2015. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Oct 9, 2015. Estabrook Woods, Concord. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 29 with map
Fast paced 6 mile hike thru the Estabrook woods. Relatively easy flat trails, but with occasional root and rock obstacles. Park on the left hand side at the end of Estabrook Road in Concord between designated parking signs. Parking/trailhead location relative to Concord center is shown on map at https://sites.google.com/site/estabrookwalk/ (display map on monitor, not cell). Hiking route is also marked. Bring snack, water. 9:00am start. Lunch option at Trails End Café 1 mile from parking. Heavy rain cancels. Non-AMC members $1. L Jack Mroczkowski (781-862-1019 until 9pm).

Sat, Oct 10, 2015. Boxford State Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Meet at 1:00pm in the parking lot on Middleton Rd. in Boxford, at the steel gate. Take Rte. 95 and use exit 51 on the Topsfield-Boxford line. Go west (left if heading north, right if heading south on 95) and then an immediate right on Middleton Rd. Go about 1 mile to parking area on left. Easy terrain. moderate pace, kids and dogs welcome, time about 2 hours. L Steve Davis.

Sat, Oct 10, 2015. Eastern Blue Hills, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 5 with map
Fast-paced 7-mi. hike to remote scenic areas including Fox Hill, Slide Notch, and the Kitchamakin ledges, 9:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch, water. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expwy exit 8 in Quincy, go S 0.6 mi. on Willard St. Or from Rte. 93/128 exit 6 in Braintree, go N 0.7 mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T sta. No reg. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Oct 11, 2015. Emerald Necklace, Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: 6mi. mod. pace w/stops 9:30am-12:30pm. Meet at Arlington T stop, in front of Hermes (corner of Boylston/Arlington). End at Forest Hills T on Orange Line. We cross 2-3 roads but otherwise off road. L Eveline Weyl.
Web version: Enjoy our historical heritage, appreciate the wonder which is the Back Bay and learn more about Frederick Olmsted. We will walk about 6 miles at a moderate pace with stops to enjoy major sights but we should be done by 12:30pm. We will meet at the Arlington T stop, in front of Hermes at the corner of Boylston and Arlington at 9:30am. From the Commonwealth Mall to Park Drive to the Muddy River to Jamaica Pond and on to the Arboretum. Most of the Necklace will be covered. End at Forest Hills T on the Orange Line. We will cross 2 or 3 roads but otherwise be off the roads. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Eveline Weyl.

Sun, Oct 11, 2015. J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 28 with map
Meet at 1:00pm. This is a flat stroll along a scenic former bend of the Nashua River no longer in the main flow and popular with wildlife, parts of the active Nashua River, and through New England forest in fall splendor. Meet at the entrance on Nod Road across from Common St, 42.63009N 71.57936W, about 2 hours. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Mon, Oct 12, 2015. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 20 with map
5 mile morning hike around Ponkapoag and side trails, 9:30-noon. Bring snack. From I-93, Exit 2. Go south on Rte. 138 1/4 mile to Ponkapoag parking lot on left. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; $1 non-AMC members. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472 eves 7-9pm).

Sat, Oct 17, 2015. Duxbury Beach walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 5 with map, date changed to Oct 17 on Sept 24 due to road closures
10:00am-Noon, moderate pace. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. Lunch afterwards at a local restaurant for anyone interested. Heavy rain cancels. Call if uncertain. Directions: From North or South: Take Rte. 3 to Exit 11. Exit roundabout at 2nd turn from either direction which is Congress/West Street for 1.8 miles. (stay right at fork,continuing on West St.). Straight at traffic light onto St. George Street 1.1 miles to Washington Street, Left for 30 yards and then immediate right onto Powder Point Road. 1.0 mile to the Powder Point Bridge Parking lot before bridge. Call Mary (781-771-3680) if needed. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm; day of hike 781-296-4487), CL Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm; mwisbach@aol.com).

Sat, Oct 17, 2015. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 24 with map
6-mile hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet on Washington St. side of Oak Grove T sta. From Rte. 93 exit 32 in Medford take Rte. 60 E 1.2 mi., L on Highland Ave. 0.5 mi., R on Glenwood St. 0.6 mi., L on Wash. St. 0.1 mi., R into T sta. lot (fee) or park on street. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Oct 18, 2015. Middlesex Canal, Wilmington. (walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: 3-mi. leisurely walk along scenic section of historic canal to Patch's Pond, 1:30pm. From Rte. 95/128 exit 35 in Woburn, take Rte. 38N 2.4mi. to Wilmington Town Park lot on L. Joint w/Middlesex Canal Assn. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org or contact Roger Hagopian. L Robert Winters (617-661-9230; Robert@rwinters.com), CL Roger Hagopian (781-861-7868).
Web version: Three-mile leisurely walk along a scenic section of historic canal to Patch's Pond, 1:30pm. See oxbow, grooves in rocks from tow lines, and stone aqueduct. I-95/Route 128 Exit 35 (Woburn), Route 38N for 2.4 miles to the Wilmington Town Park lot on the left. Joint trip with Middlesex Canal Association. For more info, see http://www.middlesexcanal.org, or contact Roger Hagopian at 781-861-7868 (until 10:00pm). L Robert Winters (617-661-9230; Robert@rwinters.com), CL Roger Hagopian (781-861-7868).

Sat, Oct 24, 2015. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved July 25 with map
Outdoors version: Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon. Bring snack/water. From SE Expwy, exit 8(Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy. 2.8mi, L onto Quincy Shore Dr. L at first light into lot. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; Bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon. Bring snack/water. From SE Expwy, exit 8(Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy. 2.8mi, L onto Quincy Shore Dr. L at first light into lot. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm).

Sat, Oct 24, 2015. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. (Instruction, walks, hiking) - approved Aug 24 with map
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to Grassy Pond looking for autumn wildflowers and fruits. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm. Rte. 2 to Exit 42 (Rte 27/Main St, Acton). Follow Rte. 27 north for about 1 mile through Acton Center and turn left on Nagog Hill Rd. Go 1.1 miles. Parking lot on left just past small meadow. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass Audubon, the New England Wild Flower Society, the Winchester Public Schools, and the Friends of the Middlesex Fells as well as the AMC. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Oct 24, 2015. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 19 with map
Fast-paced 6-mile foliage hike to lesser-known areas, including DeCordova Fields, Chapman Pasture, Pigeon Hill, Beaver Pond, 9:30am-1:15pm. Bring lunch/water. From I-95/Route128 Exit 28 in Waltham, take Trapelo Road west for 2.5 miles to a left on Lincoln Road. Travel 0.6 miles and turn right at the sign for Lincoln Public Schools. Take left at the tennis courts and park in lot by the courts. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Oct 25, 2015. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Mod-stren. 7mi. hike. 9:00am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/snacks. From the north, take Rte. 93S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. Next stop sign go R. At first lights, R onto Rte. 28, R into Sheepfold entrance. From the south, take Rte. 93N to exit 33 (Route 28). Entrance on L (2 mi.). Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Oct 25, 2015. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Woodlands. (hiking, walks)
Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm. Meet at the new Wilson Mill Park, Old Burlington Rd., Bedford, MA. From Rte. 128 exit 32 merge on Rte. 3N for 1.5 mi. to exit 26, turn L on Burlington Rd (Rte. 62) toward Bedford for 0.6 mi., turn sharp L on Old Burlington Rd. Pkg. lot is 0.3 mi. at dead end. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Oct 25, 2015. Burrage Pond, Hanson. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 16 with map
5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland. From Rte. 27 in Hanson, Pleasant Street for 0.2 mi., take sharp right to Hawks Ave. across the tracks, left on dirt road at fence, past building to trailhead. GeoCode N 42 01 49.1 W 70 51 32.3. Bring water and snack. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Fri, Oct 30, 2015. Great Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Oct 26 with map
Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, including stops at Asian food court and Julia Child's home, 6:45-9:00pm. Meet outside of Brattle Theatre (lower level). From Harvard Square T Stop, go 1 block west on Eliot Street; take right on Brattle Street (theatre is on the left). Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Oct 31, 2015. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (walks) - approved Aug 11 with map
Moderately fast-paced walk. Explore Ft. Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Seaport District, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway. 10:00am-2:00pm. Meet at South Station (Red Line T) indoors at exit to Dewey Square. Bring lunch, water. Storm cancels. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Oct 31, 2015. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 24 with map
8.5 mile. 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; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sat, Oct 31, 2015. Warner Trail, Wrentham. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 16 with map
9:30am-3pm. Moderately paced 7-mi. hike through the Wrentham State Forest and Wrentham Conservation land. Most of the hike is on the Warner Trail and will include the Pinnacles and Knuckup Hill. Bring lunch & water. Potluck after the hike in Sharon. Meet at the DCR parking lot at 700 Taunton St, Wrentham MA. From Rte. 495, take exit 14 onto Rte. 1 S. Go 0.5 mi. and bear right on Taunton St. Lot is on the left immediately after you pass over Rte. 495. Rain cancels. L Jim Goyea (jgoyea@hotmail.com), CL Laura Cerier (508-404-6353; lcerier@comcast.net).

Sun, Nov 1, 2015. Mt. Wachusett, Princeton, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Moderate-to-strenuous 8-mile hike. 10:00am-3:00pm. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. Route 2 Exit 28. Follow Route 31S for 8.5 miles to Route 62W for 0.6 miles. Turn right on Goodnow Road, at the Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary sign. Parking lot is 1 mile down on the left. $4 donation if not Audubon member. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sun, Nov 1, 2015. Hike Goldsmith Reservation (AVIS property), Andover. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 29 with map
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk along wooded trails with scenic views. Meet at 1:30pm at the Goldsmith Reservation trailhead, 491 South Main Street (Rte. 28) just south of the intersection with Gould Road. Take I-93 to exit 41, go north on Route 125, exit at Route 28N. Goldsmith Reservation is on the left before the first intersection. Map REF: Insert N 42.61016 W 71.12366 into http://mapper.acme.com. L Judi Barthakur (barthakur@comcast.net; 603-886-8931).

Sat, Nov 7, 2015. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved July 25 with map
Outdoors version: 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. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm); bmosias@yahoo.com).

Sun, Nov 8, 2015. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Oct 25 with map
Halloween hike to see witches homes and moral admonitions carved on boulders. Slow-paced, 6- mi. rocky hike with some steep sections, 10am-3:30pm. Bring lunch/water/boots. By car, take Rte. 128N into Gloucester; at first traffic light, turn left onto Rte. 127N for 3.2 miles to Rockport railroad station pkg. on left; or take Rockport train from Boston North Station. Ls Jerry Yos (781-935-4647 before 11pm) and Ellen Ruggles.

Sun, Nov 8, 2015. Hike beautiful trails at Beaver Brook, NH. (Walks, Hiking) - approved Oct 25 with map
Hike beautiful trails at Beaver Brook, NH, which has 35 miles of trails. This will be a 2 to 3 mile easy hike along beaver ponds and beautiful wooded trails, depending on the group size and ability. We will meet at 1:00pm, at the Nature Center 117 Ridge Rd. in Hollis, NH, in front of the yurt. L Judy Barthakur (603-886-8931 before 9pm; barthakur@comcast.net).

Sat, Nov 14, 2015. Squantum Point Park to Pope John Paul 2 Park, Quincy/Dorchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 7 with map
5-mile walk from Squantum Point Park, along Quincy Riverwalk, across bridge to Boston Harborwalk to Pope John Paul 2 Park, 9:30am-12:30pm. Bring snack & water. Take Rte. 3 South to exit 12, Rte. 3A South. Continue over the Neponset Bridge onto Quincy Shore Drive and bear left on East Squantum Street. Turn left and take Victory Road Marina Bay, take left on Haul Rd. into the Squantum Point parking lot. GPS Coordinates (42.299721, -71.032158). Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Nov 15, 2015. Borderland State Park, N. Easton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 10:00am at the Visitors Center with appropriate footwear for the conditions. Bring water and snack. Take Rte. 95 south (towards Providence), exit 10 (Sharon, Walpole and Coney Street). L at the end of the ramp; follow this road, two or three mi. to the traffic lights in Sharon Center. Go straight thru this intersection and immediately bear right onto Pond St. Follow Pond St. for 1.5 mi. until you come to a traffic rotary. Go half way around the rotary and continue onto Massapoag Ave. 3 mi. to the park entrance on L. For directions, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland/directions.htm. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Rain or storm cancels. L Claire Braye (508-857-0320).

Sat, Nov 21, 2015. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. (Walks, Hiking, Instruction) - approved Nov 2 with map
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in late autumn. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm. From Route 2 Exit 56 take Route 4/225 (Lexington/Bedford) to Winter St. 1 mile to its end, L on Concord Ave. 0.1 mi., R onto Mill St. 0.1 mi., R down hill into Rock Meadow parking lot. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. $1 for non-members. Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass. Audubon - Habitat, The New England Wild Flower Society, the Winchester Public Schools, the Friends of the Middlesex Fells, the AMC and other organizations. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
From the East - Take Route 2 westbound and get off at Exit 56 (Rte 4/225, Lexington/Bedford). At the fork in the ramp, bear right (Rte 4/225, Lexington/Bedford). At stop sign at end of ramp, turn left on Winter St. and follow directions From Winter St below.
From the West - Take Rte 2 Eastbound and get off at Exit 56 (Winter St/Waverly). At end of ramp, take right onto Winter St and follow directions From Winter St below.
From Winter St - Follow Winter St for about one mile to its end and take a left onto Concord Ave. In 1/10th mile bear right onto Mill St. In 1/10th mile take first right down a hill into Rock Meadow parking lot. It comes just after 295 Mill St on the opposite side of the road. It comes on you quickly and is easy to miss.

Sat, Nov 21, 2015. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
10:00am-3:00pm. Hike 7 miles in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff (olanoff@aol.com).
Driving Directions: Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From I-93/Route 128 Exit 3, go north to the stop sign at Hillside Street and turn right. Go 0.2 miles to the lot on the right.

Sun, Nov 22, 2015. Nagog Pond (Acton) & Sarah Doublet (Littleton). (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: 7½ mi. wander through varied woodlands, 9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at pkg. area S side of Nagog Hill Rd. From Rte.2, exit Rte.27 N toward Acton for 1.1mi., L Nagog Hill Rd. for 1.2mi to Grassy Pond pkg. area on L.L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: 9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at Grassy Hill parking lot off Nagog Hill Rd, Acton (see links below), S side of Nagog Hill Rd. From Rte.2, exit Rte.27 N toward Acton for 1.1mi., L Nagog Hill Rd. for 1.2mi to Grassy Pond pkg. area on L. This 7½ mi. route wanders through a portion of Acton's Nagog Hill area, hugs the shore of Nagog Pond, loops through the hilly Sarah Doublet area in Littleton where we plan to have lunch and offer an optional excursion to Fort Pond via a short spur trail. Our return covers the remaining portion of Nagog Pond. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Thurs, Nov 26, 2015. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Thanksgiving Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Nov 27, 2015. Annual Ayer & Groton Hills Walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Come join the longest continually running hike in the AMC. We'll explore the natural areas between the Nashua River and the Snake Hills. Exact route determined on the fly. Some bushwhacking possible. Around 7 mi, 5 hours. Bring warm clothes and lunch. Meet at 10:00am in NW corner of parking lot behind Nashoba Hospital on Groton Road in Ayer, 42.57878N 71.57399W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com).

Sat, Nov 28, 2015. Boston's Back Bay Fens. (walks) - approved Aug 11 with map
Victory Gardens, War Memorial, and neighboring schools and cultural institutions. From 10:00am-1:30pm. Meet at corner of Huntington Ave. & Museum Rd. (Museum stop on Green Line "E"). Bring lunch & water. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. New members welcome. Heavy rain cancels. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9 pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Nov 28, 2015. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 7 with map
5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Dec 6, 2015. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. (Walks, Hiking, Instruction) - approved Nov 2 with map
Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID of bare trees, naked shrubs and winter weeds. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 1:00-4:00pm. From Rte 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte 60/Pleasant St. 0.6miles. 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. $1 for non-members. Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass. Audubon - Habitat, The New England Wild Flower Society, the Winchester Public Schools, the Friends of the Middlesex Fells, the AMC and other organizations. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Dec 6, 2015. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 8 with map
10:00am-3:00pm. 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.
Driving Directions: Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit, take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T station.

Sat, Dec 12, 2015. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton. (hiking, walks, F, N, C - listed under "Leadership Training") - approved Nov 8 with map
10:00am-12:00pm. 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Steve Olanoff.
Driving Directions: From I-93/Route 128 Exit 2B, take Route 138 north to rear of the Park-&-Ride lot on left just after Dunkin Donuts.

Sat, Dec 19, 2015. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs. (walks) - approved Aug 11 with map
Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay & Beacon Hill. 9:30am-11:30am. Meet near Park Street T Station (Green Line) at the corner of Tremont and Park Streets. Bring snacks, water. Heavy rain/snow cancels. New members welcome. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm; smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sun, Dec 20, 2015. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Mod-stren. 7mi. hike. 9:00am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water/snacks. From the north, take Rte. 93S to exit 35. At stop sign, go L under highway. Next stop sign go R. At first lights, R onto Rte. 28, R into Sheepfold entrance. From the south, take Rte. 93N to exit 33 (Route 28). Entrance on L (2 mi.). Rain cancels. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Dec 25, 2015. Foss Farms Annual XMAS hike, GMWMR & Greenough Land, Carlisle. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: Easy 4-5 mi. wander. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms pkg lot, 1/3 mi. west of Concord River off Rte.225. From Rte.128 Exit 31B, follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing Rte.225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).
Web version: Easy approx. 4-5 mi. wander through a good birding area with river and pond views, pine forest and red maple swamp. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms parking lot, about 1/3 mi west of Concord River off Rte. 225. From Rte. 128 Exit 31B follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing on Rte. 225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. If weather uncertain contact Leader. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Fri, Dec 25, 2015. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 23 with map
Advance Notice: Moderate pace 4-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:00am-12:15pm. Bring snack/water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).
Web version: Moderate pace 4-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:00am-12:15pm. Bring snack & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Fri, Dec 25, 2015. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
Christmas Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Jan 1, 2016. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 7 with map
New Years Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/H2O/snacks. From Rte. 95/128 take Walnut St. exit, 4 mi. From Rte. 1, take Walnut St. exit, 2 mi. Make L on Pennybrook Rd to Western Gate pkg. lot. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Sat, Jan 16, 2016. Wildcat Conservation Area, Boxford. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map
Kids and dogs are welcome. Meet at 1:00pm. It will be about 2 hours, easy terrain, moderate pace. From Rte. 95 take 133 east toward Georgetown, going past IRS, past Shawsheen, past Merrimack College and then merging with 125 in N. Andover. Shortly thereafter, at an ice cream shop, 133 bears right into west Boxford (with large white church, farm stand, and country store). Turn right at this intersection onto Main St. At the next 4 way intersection, bear left on to Ipswich Rd. At the next 4 way intersection (police station kitty corner on left) turn right on Herrick Rd. and immediately look for parking area on right. If there is enough snow bring cross country skis or snow shoes. Steve Davis (978-352-2250; sadmd1@verizon.net).

Mon, Jan 18, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (Hiking, Snowshoeing) - approved Nov 7 with map
Outdoors version: 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. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm).

Mon, Feb 15, 2015. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, snowshoeing) - approved Nov 7 with map
Outdoors version: 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. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).
Web version: Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034, 7-9pm; bmosias@yahoo.com).

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