September-October 2016 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Wednesday, November 9, 2016 8:35 PM

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

Calendar Grid here

This page has been superceded by the Nov/Dec 2016 page.

Fri, Sept 2, 2016. Harborwalk, Haymarket, and North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Aug 29 with map (no image)
Moderate-paced 4-mi. walk along Boston waterfront, Haymarket area, and streets and alleyways of North End, including possible stops at Boston Public Market and/or Bova's Bakery, 6:30-9:00pm. Meet just inside the main doors at entrance to South Station T Stop and Train Station on Summer Street. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Sept 3, 2016. Pope John Paul 2 Park to Squantum Point Park Dorchester/Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 29 with map and image
7-mile walk from Pope John Paul II Park, along Boston Harborwalk, across bridge to Quincy Riverwalk to Squantum Point Park and back, 9:30am-12:45pm. Bring snack & water. Meet at Hallet Street entrance to Pope John Paul II Park. From Route 93N, take exit 11 (11B from Route 93S) to Granite Avenue, north over Neponset River, immediate right on Hilltop Street, right under bridge into parking lot. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Mon, Sept 5, 2016. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved June 20 with map and image
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).

Sat, Sept 10, 2016. 3rd Annual Duxbury Beach Walk. (walks, hiking) - approved July 31 with map
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), CL Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm; mwisbach@aol.com).

Sat, Sept 10, 2016. Squantum to Thompson Island Walk, Quincy/Boston. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 5 with map and image
Unusual 6-mile walk with spectacular views along sandbar at low tide to one of the Boston Harbor Islands, 10:15am-2:15pm. Bring hiking boots, lunch & water. From Boston, take Rte. 3 South to exit 12, Rte. 3A South. Once under the Rte. 3 bridge and through Neponset Circle, continue over the Neponset Bridge onto Quincy Shore Drive and take a left on East Squantum Road 1.3 miles from Neponset Circle. Continue on E Squantum Road--which becomes Dorchester Street--for 1.4 miles. Park along right side of street just before gate to Moon Island or in dirt lot on left before American Legion Post. Meet across the street by entrance to Legion Post. (GPS Coordinates 42.3027669,-71.0111489) Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Sept 11, 2016. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. (walks, hiking,F,N) - approved Aug 27 with map (no image)
1:30pm-4:00pm. Easy 4 miles on mostly flat terrain, through woods, fields, gardens. Meet at 1:30PM at parking lot. Small parking fee or DCR parking pass required. Rain cancels, no dogs please. L Ted Harney (978-764-1272; 4hikes@gmail.com), CL Sheila Pendleton (4hikes@gmail.com).
Driving Directions: I-95N to Exit 57, Left onto Route 113W, over I-95 and through the lights, 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Hoyt's Lane and follow to the end. Turn right into parking lot. [http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/maudslay-state-park.html]

Fri, Sept 16, 2016. Waterfront, Historic Streets of Charlestown. (walks) - approved Sept 12 with map and image
Moderate 5-mi walk through Charlestown including water views and old homes. 6:15-8:45pm. Meet by park across from Blackmoor restaurant in City Square. (Bus #82 or 83 from downtown Boston. Closest T stops--Community College or North Station on Orange Line.) Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Sept 17, 2016. Boxford State Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 8 with map (no image)
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, Sept 17, 2016. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 12 with map and image
10 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).

Sun, Sept 18, 2016. Purgatory Falls, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved May 16 with map (no image)
6-mi. lollipop route along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9:30am-3:30pm. From Nashua NH go W on Rte. 101A toward Milford 7 mi., L onto Rte. 101 W ramp toward Wilton, NH 5 mi., continue N thru light (cross Rte. 101A) over bridge onto North River Rd., 0.8 mi. cross Center Rd. 0.5 mi. to McClellan Tr. lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Sept 18, 2016. Acton Arboretum. (Instruction, walks) - approved Aug 28 with map (no image)
Autumn approaches! Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of late season wild flowers and fruits. The walk will focus on plant ID and natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. From Concord rotary, take Rte. 2 West 2.2 miles, right on Taylor Road 0.7 miles to Arboretum on right. The Acton Arboretum is opposite #7 Taylor Rd in Acton. Arrive early, parking limited. Steady rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Sept 18, 2016. The Throne, Groton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Come hike thru one of the largest contiguous undeveloped parcels in the area, featuring mostly upland forest and a variety of wet lands. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the end of Castle Drive, 42.6260N 71.6171W. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Wed, Sept 21, 2016. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 8 with map and image
Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 10:30am-1:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. Bring lunch and water. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sat, Sep 24, 2016. Nahant Hike. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 18 with map (no image)
Moderate-paced 6-mi. hike including spectacular views from trails, cliffs, beaches, and oceanside lanes in one of the most scenic towns in the Boston area, 9:45am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet by entrance to Nahant Beach parking lot next to The Tides restaurant ($5 fee). From Lynnway (Rt. 1A)/Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn, go to Nahant Rotary and head down Nahant Causeway approximately 2 mi. to end, take left at The Tides Restaurant and head into beach parking lot to the left of restaurant (do not park at The Tides). From Central Square via bus or commuter rail, walk south down Market Street for two blocks to Lynnway, take left for 1/2 mile to Nahant Rotary, walk along Nahant Causeway approximately 2 mi to end. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Sept 25, 2016. Minute Man National Park, Concord. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 5 with map (no image)
Autumn on the Battle Road. Share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road in the Minute Man Park. Walk 7 brisk miles from the Visitor's Center to the North Bridge. Meet at 9:30am in Concord at the Old Manse parking lot on Monument Street. We will carpool to the visitor center. Walk trails to Meriam Corner for a break and on paved roads to the Old North Bridge and the parking. Directions: follow 2A to Concord Center. Follow signs to North Bridge. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Eveline Weyl (617-735-9395; eweyl@comcast.net).

Sat, Oct 1, 2016. Explore East Boston. (walks) - approved Sept 18 with map (no image) [This walk was cancelled due to threat of rain and lack of shelter along the route.]
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. New members welcome. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Heavy rain cancels. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551).

Sat, Oct 1, 2016. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 26 with map and image
6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views, Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 9:30am-2:30 pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T Station. Email if severe weather. No dogs;.non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Oct 2, 2016. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 19 with map and image
10:00am-Noon. Meet at the Visitors Center. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks, including the trail along the Charles River. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. Heavy rain cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain. Charge: $5 if not a Mass Audubon member, plus $1 if not an AMC member. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm).
Driving directions: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor/directions

Wed, Oct 5, 2016. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 23 with map and image
5 mile walk, 10:30am-1:30am. 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).

Sat, Oct 8, 2016. Hough's Neck, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 3 with map (no image)
Unusual, fast-paced 9-mile hike mostly along proposed Sea to Summit Greenway, including salt marshes, a long path along the top of a dike, hidden ocean beaches, and a former Boston Harbor island, all with spectacular views, 9:30pm-1:30pm. Bring hiking boots/sturdy sneakers, lunch/snack & water. From SE Expwy, exit 8 (Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy. 2.8 mi., L onto Quincy Shore Dr. L at first light into lot. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Oct 9, 2016. Groton Fall Spectacular. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
1:00pm. This hike will feature an impressive variety of environments while traversing a large patchwork of open land, all at peak foliage time. We will see beaver ponds, eskers, drumlins, marshes, dry uplands, hemlock groves, open fields, pretty streams, and wide vistas from hilltops. We will meet at Williams Barn (42.6265N 71.5610W), leave some cars, carpool to the start, and end up back at Williams Barn. About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Sun, Oct 9, 2016. Burrage Pond, Hanson. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 26 with map and image
Celebrate the return of TB12 with a pre-game 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland. From Rte. 27 in Hanson, Pleasant Street for 0.2 mi., take sharp right to Hawks Ave. across the tracks, left on dirt road at fence, past building to trailhead. GeoCode N 42 01 49.1 W 70 51 32.3. Bring water and snack. Email if severe weather. No dogs, $1 fee for non-AMC members. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Oct 9, 2016. Parks & Greenways, Cambridge to Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 3 with map (no image)
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).

Mon, Oct 10, 2016. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 8 with map and image
4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch+water. I-93/Rte 128 exit 2A to Rte.138S for 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course pkg lot on L. Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Sat, Oct 15, 2016. Middlesex Fells, Medford. (Instruction, walks) - approved Aug 28 with map (no image)
Autumn is here. Slow-paced nature walk looking for late season flowers and fruits as well as winter weeds in the Bellevue Pond area. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. Rte. 93 to Exit 33. At rotary, go right onto South Border Rd./Winchester and continue a couple of hundred yards to Bellevue Pond parking lot on right (opposite #68 South Border Rd., Medford). Parking limited/arrive early. Steady rain cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sat, Oct 15, 2016. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 9 with map and image
6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views, Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-3:00 pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, 651 Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expressway Exit 8 in Quincy, go south 0.6 miles on Willard St. Or from I-93/Route 128 Exit 6 in Braintree, go north 0.7 miles. Or for public transit take Bus 238 from Quincy Center T Station. Email if severe weather. No dogs;.non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sun, Oct 16, 2016. Hale Reservation, Westwood. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 8 with map and image
Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1:00-3:00pm. 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. No dogs, non-AMC members $1. L Jean Veigas (781-449-4324).

Sun, Oct 16, 2016. Middlesex Canal, Winchester/Medford. (walks) - approved Sept 5 with map and image
3-mi. level history walk will follow the route of the Middlesex Canal through parts of Medford and Winchester. Sites along the way include the aqueduct and mooring basin, those segments of the canal bed and berm visible off the parkway, and the stone wall of the Governor Brooks estate, in Medford. Meet 1:30pm at Sandy (Shannon) Beach lot at Upper Mystic Lake on Mystic Valley Pkwy., 1.3 mi. N of Rte. 60. Joint w/M'sex Canal Assoc. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org. L Robert Winters (robert@middlesexcanal.org), CL Roger Hagopian (781-861-7868).

Fri, Oct 21, 2016. Historic Streets of Boston. (walks) - approved Oct 17 with map and image [CANCELLED DUE TO THREAT OF RAIN - TO BE RESCHEDULED]
Leisurely 4-mi walk along historic streets in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End, Bay Village, 6:30pm-9:15pm. Bring dinner/snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Boylston Street by Boston Common. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Oct 22, 2016. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 29 with map and image
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 from 7 to 9pm).

Sun, Oct 23, 2016. Hike North Pack Monadnock, Greenfield, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 5 with map (no image)
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 (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Oct 23, 2016. Crow Hill, Leominster, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 14 with map (no image)
5 mi. scenic hike on the Mid-State trail from Redemption Rock to Crow Hill and back. Easy pace with good views along the way. Mostly easy woods walk, but with a few steep sections. May also see rock-climbers at Crow Hill. 9:30am-4pm (approx). Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. Carpool from Lincoln. From Rte. 95/128 exit 28, take Trapelo Rd. W (2.5 mi.) to end. L onto Lincoln Rd. (1.3 mi.) to RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Heavy rain cancels. Non-AMC members $1. Ls Jerry Yos (781-935-4647 before 11pm) & Gail Zwink (508-460-5038).

Wed, Oct 26, 2016. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 9 with map and image
Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 10:30am-1:30pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. Bring lunch and water. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sat, Oct 29, 2016. Cutler State Park walk, Needham. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 17 with map and image
10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Needham just off of Route 95/128), yet expansive reservation. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks/roots. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. Heavy rain cancels. Call Lisa if uncertain. Charge: $1 if not an AMC member. Ls Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9 pm), Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm).
Directions: Meet at Kendrick Street parking lot. Take Exit 19A off Route 95/128. At the first set of lights, make a right onto Second Ave. At the end of Second Ave., make a right onto Fourth Ave. At the end of Fourth Ave., make a right onto Kendrick St. Look for the reservation sign on the left side of the street, before the PTC office building. Park in the lot with the sign.

Sat, Oct 29, 2016. Concord Conservation, National Park/Wildlife Refuge Lands. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 24 with map and image
Brisk, beautiful 9-mile hike including Old North Bridge, Reformatory Branch Trail, Great Meadows, and more. 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water, hiking boots. From Monument Square in Concord Center, take right on Monument Street at Colonial Inn one mile (driving past North Bridge lot) then left on Liberty Street to North Bridge Visitor Center lot on left. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Oct 30, 2016. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 23 with map and image
10:00am-12:30pm. Moderate pace, mostly level trails along Saugus River, marshes, 2 large ponds and 1 rocky hill with view of Boston. Meet in front of Visitor Center (177 Forest Street, Saugus) off north side of Lynn Fells Parkway 0.2 miles west of Route 1 exit. Park on entry road or at skating rink. Rain cancels. Option for lunch at nearby Lendy's Deli to replenish our caloric balance. L Joel Snider (857-600-8295).

Sat, Nov 5, 2016. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 29 with map and image
Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 from 7 to 9pm).

Fri, Nov 11, 2016. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 24 with map and image
Moderate 4 mile hike abound Ponkapoag Pond , 9:30am-12:30pm. Bring snack. Meet in golf course parking lot. From Rte. 128/93 Exit 2A onto Rte. 138, go 0.7 mi. south to parking lot on left. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Corinne Waite (781-331-8472, eves 7-9pm).

Fri, Nov 11, 2016. Historic Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Nov 7 with map and image
4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, 6:45-9:00pm. Bring snack or money for quick dinner at Asian food court. 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). Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 12, 2016. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Great Meadows and Two Brother's Rocks. (Conservation, hiking, walks) - approved Aug 27 with map and image
10:00am-12:30pm. Enjoy nature and camaraderie, laced with environmental and historical tidbits: A five mile easy walk along the Concord River, through Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Timber Creek Conservation Land, Governor Thomas Dudley Park. Start and end at Great Meadows parking by the intersection of Rte 4 and Concord River. L Marlies Henderson (978-808-6634 between 8am and 8pm; brimar_11@msn.com).

Sat, Nov 12, 2016. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map and image
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., Park on street. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey (breadcrumbs60@gmail.com).

Sat, Nov 19, 2016. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. (Instruction, walks) - approved Aug 28 with map (no image)
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in mid-autumn as the natural world prepares for winter. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. 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. ARRIVE EARLY. PARKING LIMITED. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Nov 20, 2016. Walking Tour of Nahant, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 27 with map (no image)
Approx. 5 mi.leisurely walk thru resort with harbor views. Meet 1:00pm in front of Tides Restaurant on Long Beach parkway. From Boston take 1A north through Nahant rotary. Park in lot (no fee). Heavy rain cancels. L Mary Ellen Delaney (mryeldln@aol.com; 978-745-7708 before 9pm).

Sun, Nov 20, 2016. Monte Rosa (Grand Monadnock), Jaffrey, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 5 with map (no image)
Moderate 5-7 mile lollypop hike to Monte Rosa on Grand Monadnock starting on the Royce trail on Gap Mtn. just south of Monadnock. 9:20am-2:30pm. Meet at North Gap Mtn. parking, Bullard Rd. off Rte. 124, Jaffrey, NH. From Boston area take Rte. 2 W to Rte. 140 N to 202 N to Jaffrey Center. Turn L (W) Rte. 124. Pass parking lot for access to Mt. Monadnock on right and go 0.8 mi. beyond this parking area and turn L on Bullard Rd. for 0.5 mi. to Gap Mtn. North parking on left. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Fri, Nov 25, 2016. Annual Ayer & Groton Hills Walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 2 with map (no image)
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 (978-742-9014).

Sat, Nov 26, 2016. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (walks) - approved Sept 18 with map (no image)
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. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9 pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sat, Dec 17, 2016. Cutler State Park walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Nov 9 with map and image
10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Needham just off of Route 95/128), yet expansive reservation. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks/roots. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. Heavy rain/snow cancels. If snow on ground, will snowshoe. Call Lisa if uncertain. Charge: $1 if not an AMC member. Directions: Meet at Kendrick Street parking lot. Take Exit 19A off Route 95/128. At the first set of lights, make a right onto Second Ave. At the end of Second Ave., make a right onto Fourth Ave. At the end of Fourth Ave., make a right onto Kendrick St. Look for the reservation sign on the left side of the street, before the PTC office building. Park in the lot with the sign. L Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm).

Sat, Dec 24, 2016. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. (walks, hiking, Instruction) - approved Nov 7 with map and image
Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID of bare trees, naked shrubs and winter weeds as the natural world prepares for winter. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 9:30am-12:30pm. From Rte. 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 miles. Right onto Clifton St., first left on Fletcher Rd., bear left at fork, next left on Juniper Rd. 0.2 miles to Sanctuary at #10 Juniper Rd. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Dec 25, 2016. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 5 with map (no image)
Easy approx. 4-5 mi. wander through a good birding area with river and pond views, pine forest and red maple swamp. Snowshoe if sufficient snow cover. Meet 10am. Foss Farms parking lot, about 1/3 mi west of Concord River off Rte. 225. From Rte. 128 Exit 31B follow Rtes. 4/225 through Bedford, continuing on Rte. 225 toward Carlisle. Storm cancels. If weather uncertain contact Leader. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine (781-275-2143; trailmark@verizon.net).

Sun, Dec 25, 2016. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 23 with map and image
Moderate pace 4-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:00am-12:15pm. Bring snack & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

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