September-October 2017 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:09 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This page has been superceded by the Nov/Dec 2017 page

Fri, Sept 1, 2017. Historic Streets of Boston. (walks) - approved Aug 28 with map and image
Moderate 5-mi walk along some of the most charming streets in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the South End, with possible stop at Eataly, 6:30pm-9:15pm. 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, Sept 2, 2017. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 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. 10:00am-3:00pm, 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.

Mon, Sept 4, 2017. Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 30 with map and image
[Resched from 9/3 to 9/4 due to weather] 5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo.

Mon, Sept 4, 2017. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved May 3 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).

Fri, Sept 8, 2017. National Park Service Offers Evening Walk at World's End Reservation.
5:00pm. National Park Service rangers from Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, in partnership with the Trustees of Reservations, are presenting a guided walk of the World's End Reservation in Hingham. This walk is free and open to the public, and no advance registration is required. The meeting place is the ranger station at the World's End parking lot, located at the end of Martin's Lane in Hingham. The normal parking fee is being waived for this evening walk, courtesy of the Trustees. This walk will explore the natural and cultural history of World's End in Hingham, Massachusetts. The route will traverse several drumlins, a geological formation of the Boston Harbor. Rangers will discuss the natural and cultural history of this landscape, including the presence of invasive plants and the origin of this park as a Frederick Law Olmsted design for a residential community. The host of the evening's walk is the Trustees of Reservations, which manages World's End Reservation. For further information, please visit www.thetrustees.org. For further information on Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, please visit www.nps.gov/boha, or call 617-223-8666. For more information about World's End or directions to World's End, please visit www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/south-shore/worlds-end.html or call 781-740-7233.

Sat, Sept 9, 2017. Nahant hike. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map and image
Moderate-paced 7-mi. hike including spectacular views from trails, cliffs, and beaches in one of the most scenic towns in the Boston area, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet in Johnson School parking lot. From Lynnway (Rte. 1A)/Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn, go to Nahant Rotary and head down Nahant Causeway/Nahant Road approximately 2 mi. to end, continue straight at turnoff to The Tides Restaurant and continue 1/2 mi. on Nahant Road, then turn right on Castle Road. Go 1/2 mi. down Castle Road; after Nahant Convenience Store/Market on right, take next left into school parking lot and drive behind school, parking as far away from school as possible. 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 and follow directions above. (Note - try to carpool if possible as we are trying to keep the number of cars to a minimum; Nahant Police allowing us to park at school.) Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Fri, Sept 15, 2017. Historic Streets of Charlestown. (walks) - approved Sept 11 with map and image
Moderate 5-mi walk including scenic water views, new parts of the Harborwalk, and historic old homes and row houses. 6:30-9:00pm. Meet by park across from Blackmoor restaurant in City Square. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Sept 16, 2017. 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.

Sun, Sept 17, 2017. Bedford, Burlington, Lexington Municipal Lands. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 20 with map (no image)
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.

Sun, Sept 17, 2017. Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery & North Bridge, Concord. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 25 with map (no image)
See wild flowers and perhaps also other wild creatures, authors' graves, and other Concord wonders on slow-paced, 5 mile ramble. Meet 10:00am. From Concord center take Monument Street 0.5 miles to North Bridge parking area on right. Bring lunch, water and sturdy rambling shoes. No dogs; non-AMC members, $1. Ls Jerry Yos (781-935-4647, before 11pm) & Gail Zwink (508-460-5038).

Wed, Sept 20, 2017. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 25 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.

Wed, Sept 27, 2017. Walden Pond/Lincoln Woods. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 9 with map and image (Registration required) - postponed from Sept 20
Meeting at 10:30am at Walden Pond Reservation Visitor Center. Distance is 4 miles or 3 hours. Apres hike lunch in Concord is optional. Reg. required. Limited to 12. L Barbara Fay (bfamc@verizon.net; 617-694-5612).

Sat, Sept 23, 2017. Wildcat Conservation Area, Boxford. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 21 with map (no image)
Kids and dogs are welcome. Meet at 1:00pm. It will be about 2 hours, easy terrain, moderate pace. From Rte. 95 take Rte. 133 into West Boxford center, head east on Main St. to a 4 way intersection with grassy patch in center. Go left on Ipswich Rd. to another 4 way, then right onto Hemlock Rd. (at the 4 way Spofford Rd. comes in from the left) Very soon find a parking on on the right. L Steve Davis.

Sat, Sept 23, 2017. 4th Annual Duxbury Beach Walk. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 25 with map (no image)
10:00am-2:00pm. This year we will extend the walk to the end of Duxbury Beach and have lunch at the Gurnet Point Lighthouse. Moderate pace. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. No children or dogs. $1 fee for those not AMC members. Heavy rain cancels. If uncertain, contact Lisa or Mary. Ls Lisa Fleischman (617-244-5747 before 9pm), Mary Wisbach (781-771-3680 before 9pm).
Directions:
From North or South: Take Route 3 to Exit 11, Turn R going East, Exit roundabout at 2nd turn from either direction which is Congress/West Street 1.8 miles, then bear R onto Church St, which turns into George St. 1.1 miles, then L at the flagpole onto Powder Point Rd (no street sign), Powder Point Rd to end, Parking in small lot to the right. No street parking. Call Mary (781-771-3680) if needed.

Sat, Sept 23, 2017. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 17 with map and image
Fast-paced, very challenging 6-mile hike with steep scrambles and lots of views, 9:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch, water, and hiking boots. From Rt. 1 in Saugus take Lynn Fells Pkwy West 0.3 mi., right onto Forrest Street. Park at end. Meet at Visitors Center. Rain cancels. Non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Sept 24, 2017. Powisset Farm to Noanet Woodlands and back, Dover. (hiking, walks) - approved July 8 with map and image
1:00pm to 3:00pm. Easy loop walk from Powisset Farm (Trustees of Reservations) to Hale Reservation to Noanet Woodlands and back. Level walking. Meet at Trustees of Reservations parking lot on Powisset Street in Dover. L Jean Veigas.

Sun, Sept 24, 2017. Gamlin Crystal Spring, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. Explore this large and pretty area of various conservation lands, including a number of beaver ponds, meadows, and upland forest. Meet at the Crystal Spring parking area on the west side of Old Dunstable Road at 42.63118N 71.51023W. About 2 hours, moderate pace. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Sept 30, 2017. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 19 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).

Sun, Oct 1, 2017. Burrage Pond, Hanson. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 26 with map and image
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. Bring water and snack. Email if severe weather. No dogs, $1 fee for non-AMC members. L Mike Tuohey.

Sat, Oct 7, 2017. JFK/UMass to Rowes Wharf walk. (walks) - approved Aug 30 with map (no image)
9:00am-2:30pm. Meet at the JFK/UMass Red Line T Station at the outdoor plaza located between the T Station and Morrissey Boulevard, and join us for a moderate-paced 10 mile walk, with stops at points of interest along the way. 10 miles. There will be opportunities to leave by public transportation during the walk. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Rain date: Oct 8 (Sun). AMC non-members $1 fee. Questions? Contact Lisa or Fran. Ls Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org; 617-244-5747 before 9am), Fran Price (francine.j.price@gmail.com; 617-875-5232).

Sun, Oct 8, 2017. Stony Brook South, Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 2 with map (no image)
2 hr. hike through woods and along a chain of ponds and streams. Starts 10:00am. Rain cancels. Park in lot on north side of Rte. 117 (just west of 563 North Ave. - Weston's name for Rte. 117 - and 0.5 miles west of Lincoln Street, Weston). Rte. 117 changes name and enters Lincoln just west of turn-off. L Joel Snider (857-600-8295).

Mon, Oct 9, 2017. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 2 with map and image
5 mi. moderate hike around pond including campsite, duck pool, and bog boardwalk, 9:30am-12:30pm. Bring snack and water. I-93/Rte. 128 exit 2A to Rte. 138S for 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course pkg lot on L. Rain cancels. No dogs. Non-AMC members, $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Oct 14, 2017. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 9 with map and image - cancelled, rain
6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view. Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. 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.

Sun, Oct 15, 2017. Middlesex Canal, Billerica. (walks) - approved Sept 24 with map and image
Joint with the Middlesex Canal Association. Meet at 1:30pm at the Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitor Center in the Faulkner Mill in North Billerica. The walk will be over 3-4 miles of generally level wooded terrain and streets, for 2-3 hours, rain or shine. The route follows the canal for a round trip of approximately 3 miles south of the Concord River. Sites to be visited include: two guard locks; an anchor stone and the 'peninsula' at the opposite ends of the floating bridge that once carried the towpath across the Concord; the 1825 iron bolt pond-level reference; the "deep cut"; a smallpox memorial marker; and stretches of canal some of which are still watered. The Museum, Visitor Center and bookstore will be open from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Ls Robert Winters, Marlies Henderson.

Sat, Oct 21, 2017. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved July 2 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).

Sat, Oct 21, 2017. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 16 with map and image
Fast paced, very scenic 8-mile foliage hike to lesser-known areas, including Chapman Pasture, Pigeon Hill, Browning Fields, and Beaver Pond, 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water. From I-95/Route 128 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 on the left and park in lot by the courts. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Oct 22, 2017. Flat Rock Audubon, Fitchburg, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 20 with map (no image) - date changed Oct 15 to Oct 22 (Aug 30)
Mod/easy 6 mile hilly ramble through varied woodlands and by four reservoirs. 9:30am-3:00pm. Directions: from Rte. 95/128 exit 29; Rte. 2W 28 mi. to exit 32, N Rte. 13 4.5mi, L Rte. 2A 1mi. to light, R John Fitch Hwy. 1.7mi., L Rte. 31 at stop sign (Burbank Hospital) 0.3mi. uphill bear R, past emerg. entr. to Helipad Pkg. Heavy rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine.

Sun, Oct 22, 2017. Groton Hills, Groton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. This walk has it all, including deep woods, open fields, beaver ponds, and even bagging a 500 footer with good views. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at the end of Kaileys Way, 42.62245N 71.54062W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Oct 28, 2017. Stony Brook South, Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 22 with map (no image)
2 hr. hike through woods and along a chain of ponds and streams. Starts 10:00am. Rain cancels. Park in lot on north side of Rte. 117 (just west of 563 North Ave. - Weston's name for Rte. 117 - and 0.5 miles west of Lincoln Street, Weston). Rte. 117 changes name and enters Lincoln just west of turn-off. L Joel Snider (857-600-8295).

Sat, Oct 28, 2017. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 25 with map and image
Approx. 7mi. hike with ponds and views. 9:30am-1:30pm. Bring lunch/water. From Needham center take Chestnut St. for 1.5mi. to end. Bear right on Dedham St. & go 1.5mi. to parking lot on left at the tennis courts in Caryl Park. Rain cancels. L Henry Gardner (henryghikes@aol.com).

Sun, Oct 29, 2017. Gowing's Swamp, Concord, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 24 with map (no image)
1:00-4:00pm. This walk is co-sponsored by the AMC Boston Chapter Conservation and Local Walks and Hikes Committees. Celebrate the bicentennial year of Henry David Thoreau's birth with naturalist Boot Boutwell and a walk on the trails of Gowing's Swamp, Concord, MA. Gowing's Swamp, named by Thoreau for its landowner in the mid-1850s, is an 8.9-area acidic wetland complex located in a protected, glaciated hollow on the eastern side of a glacial kame known as Revolutionary Ridge. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. Free parking is available at the Ripley School on Meriam Rd, which is off of Old Bedford Rd. Slow pace. Bring water and snacks. No children or dogs. Heavy rain cancels. Non-AMC members: $1. Questions? Contact Joan or Lisa. L Boot Boutwell, CLs Joan Entwistle (joan.entwistle@gmail.com; 978-549-4864 before 9pm), Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org; 617-244-5747 before 9:00pm).

Fri, Nov 3, 2017. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Oct 30 with map and image
Leisurely 5-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to two bakeries and an Italian food shop. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Steady rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 4, 2017. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved July 2 with map and image
Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside JFK/UMass Red Line T station, upper level gates (no nearby parking). Storm cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034 from 7 to 9pm).

Sat, Nov 4, 2017. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 23 with map and image
6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, Bring lunch/water/hiking shoes. 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.

Sat, Nov 4, 2017. Minute Man National Park, Concord. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 24 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).

Sun, Nov 5, 2017. Andres Art Institute Sculpture Garden, Brookline, NH. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 20 with map (no image)
Explore trails through 140-acre hilltop international sculpture garden - largest in NE, w/views, constantly changing exhibits and interesting finds. Note, some steep sections & rough terrain. 9:45am-2:00pm. Take Rte. 2 W 20 mi. past Concord, MA rotary. R on Rte. 13N 15 mi., L Andres driveway (2.5 mi. N MA/NH state line). 100 yds to pkg. lot on R. L Mark Levine.

Sat, Nov 18, 2017. Glacial Features Walks, Sudbury. (walks, hiking, Instruction) - approved Aug 30 with map (no image)
9:30am-11:30am. Join glaciologist/geophysicist Bruce Porter for a walk through Gray Reservation/Haynes Meadow Reservation/Water District protection zone to explore the many features formed by the glacier that blanketed New England 10,000 yrs. ago. Kettles pit the plane and kame terraces rise abruptly to create beautiful vistas of the wetlands below. Be able to identify eskers, erratics, kames, and more on your next hike. Flat with one steep 50 foot section. Bring water. AMC non-member: $1. Severe weather cancels. Questions: Contact Lisa. Meet at the Curtis Middle School, (-71.43282, 42.381020) 22 Pratts Mill Road, Sudbury. L Lisa Fleischman, CL Bruce Porter. Registration required. Limit 14 participants. Contact Lisa to register.

Sat, Nov 18, 2017. Rock Meadow Conservation Lands, Belmont. (walks, Instruction) - approved Oct 26 with map (no image)
Slow-paced nature walk through Belmont conservation land fields and forests to talk about nature in autumn. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm. Meet at Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont, MA. ARRIVE EARLY. PARKING LIMITED. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).
Directions: 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 11, 2017. Warner Trail Fall Hike, Wrentham. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 7 with map (no image)
9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond. Bring lunch & water. We will spot cars before the hike. Meet 9:00am at Crocker Pond Conservation Area on Myrtle St. (off Rte. 1; use 270 Myrtle Street, Wrentham, MA in your GPS). Heavy rain cancels. Email or text Laura if uncertain. No dogs; non-AMC $1. L Laura Cerier (508-404-6353; lcerier@comcast.net), CL Jim Goyea (jgoyea@hotmail.com).

Thurs, Nov 23, 2017. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Mar 30 with map and image
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Fri, Nov 24, 2017. Annual Ayer/Groton Hills walk. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
10:00am-3:00pm. Get far away from shopping malls on Black Friday and join the longest continually running hike in the AMC. We'll explore the natural areas between the Nashua River and the Snake Hills. Exact route determined on the fly. Some bushwhacking possible. Around 7 mi., 5 hours. Bring warm clothes and lunch. Meet at NW corner of the parking lot behind Nashoba Hospital on Groton Road in Ayer, 42.57878N 71.57399W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sat, Dec 2, 2017. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 2 with map and image
10am-Noon. Join us for walk in this local gem, conveniently located directly off of Route 128. As you walk the trails, you will not believe that you are so close to the highway. Highlights include Kendrick Pond, views of the Charles River, and the boardwalk crossing a marshland. Easy trails, minor ups and downs, with some roots and rocks, moderate pace. Bring water and snacks. Heavy rain or snow cancels. If there is significant snow on the ground, we will snowshoe. $1 fee for those not AMC members. Questions? Contact Lisa. Directions: 84 Kendrick St, Needham, MA. L Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org; 617-244-5747 before 9pm), CL Julia Hsia.

Thurs, Dec 7, 2017. Ponkapoag Pond Hike, Canton. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 21 with map and image (erroneously posted)
10:00am-12:30pm. Moderate to fast pace, with occasional stops. 4½ - 5-mi. hike around The Pond, Boardwalk/Bog option. Bring snack/lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 South 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course Parking Lot (2167 Washington St.). Lot on Left. Free. L Ken Cohen (508-942-1536; k-cohen@comcast.net).

Sun, Dec 10, 2017. Groton Town Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 4 with map (no image)
1:00pm-3:00pm. Explore the varied topography and habitats of this scenic woodland, including eskers, kettle holes, dry upland, marsh, the dead river, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace. Meet at end of Town Forest Road off of MA 225 in W Groton, 42.5973N 71.6052W. L Olin Lathrop (olin@embedinc.com; 978-742-9014).

Sun, Dec 17, 2017. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont - Celebrate the Solstice Walk. (walks, hiking, Instruction) - approved Oct 30 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. 1:00pm-4:00pm. From Rte 2, Exit 59 go west on Rte 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 miles. Right onto Clifton St, first left on Fletcher Rd, bear left at fork, next left on Juniper Rd. 0.2 miles to Sanctuary at #10 Juniper Rd. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Mon, Dec 25, 2017. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Mar 30 with map and image
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

Mon, Dec 25, 2017. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved July 2 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).

Mon, Dec 25, 2017. Foss Farm, Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 20 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.

Mon. Jan 1. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Mar 30 with map and image
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. Cancel if rain. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonnec1@aol.com).

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