September-October 2018 (and beyond) AMC Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes
updated Tuesday, November 6, 2018 0:25 AM

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

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This page has been superceded by the Nov/Dec 2018 page

Sat, Sept 1, 2018. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. (walks, hiking) - 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 Adams T Station. Email if severe weather. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey.

Mon, Sept 3, 2018. World's End Reservation, Hingham. (walks, hiking) - approved May 23 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 7, 2018. Historic Streets of Boston. (walks) - approved Sept 3 with map and image
Moderate 5-mi walk to view historic streets of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the South End, with a quick food break at the Pru, 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. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Sept 8, 2018. Fairyland Pond, Walden Pond, Fairhaven Bay, Concord/Lincoln. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 3 with map and image
Fast-paced 8-mile hike including multiple bodies of water, old-growth forests, and scenic views. 9:45am-2:00pm. Bring lunch/water. From Rte. 2, take 126 North 0.6 mile. Park on R behind Concord Courthouse. Rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Sept 8, 2018. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 4 with map and image
Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Bring lunch and water. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sun, Sept 9, 2018. Arlington’s Great Meadows, Lexington MA. (hiking, walks, Instruction (Skills)) - approved June 3 with map (no image)
1:00pm-4:00pm. September is a wonderful season in New England: plants are weighed down with fruits; leaves are ablaze with colors; days are warm and nights are cool. Come celebrate the season with a nature walk in Arlington’s Great Meadows. We’ll explore several different habitats during our journey: a pond, the pond edge, an upland forest, a field edge and a wet meadow. We will focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history about the plants we see, and learn why Arlington’s Great Meadows is in Lexington. Meeting Place: Meet at the Playground behind and to the right of The Waldorf School, 739 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA. NOTE WELL - PARKING: Please park along Mass Ave in Lexington in the vicinity of the Waldorf School (739 Mass Ave). PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE WALDORF SCHOOL PARKING LOT OR THE FOLLEN CHURCH PARKING LOT. BOTH ORGANIZATIONS OFTEN HAVE EVENTS ON SUNDAYS. After you park, walk down the driveway on the right side of Waldorf to the playing fields and turn right. We will meet near the playground and basketball court. $1 for non-members. L Boot Boutwell.

Sun, Sept 9, 2018. Breakheart Reservation, Wakefield Entrance. (walks, hiking) - approved June 17 with map and image
Moderate to Strenuous hike. 6 mi. 9am-1pm. Bring lunch/water/snacks. From Rte. 1, take Main St. toward Wakefield. Continue on Farm St. Make RIGHT turn at Hemlock Rd/Northeast Metro Tech High parking lot. Cancel if rain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Nelson Caraballo (617-548-8579; Nelsonhikes@gmail.com).

Sun, Sept 9, 2018. Joe English Reservation (Peabody Mill Environmental Center), Amherst, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved July 12 with map and image
A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails. Meet by Peabody Mill Environmental Center, Brook Rd, Amherst, NH. From Nashua, NH, Rte. 3 exit 7, 101A W to junction 101 E (7.4mi) toward Amherst/Manchester. Turn left after 5.7mi on Horace Greeley Rd, left again 0.4mi on Brook Rd. Go 1.4mi to pkg at dead end. No advance reservation required. Call if weather uncertain. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Mark Levine.

Sat, Sept 15, 2018. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (hiking, walks) - approved July 1 with map and image
Easy pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly (508-820-7786).

Sat, Sept 15, 2018. Middlesex Fells, Malden. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 10 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.

Sat, Sept 22, 2018. Fabulous Fall in Groton, part 1, Sorhaug Woods. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 5 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Experience the exceptionally rich ecological diversity of this area by hiking thru pretty woods, past beaver ponds, and over scenic vistas. Meet in the Williams Barn parking lot on Chicopee Row, 42.62632N 71.56104W. Moderate pace, about 2 hours. This hike is jointly sponsored by the Groton Trails Committee and the AMC. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Sat, Sept 22, 2018. Union Point/Rockland Town Forest. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 17 with map and image
6-mile hike in newly opened trails at former South Weymouth Naval Air Station continuing across the road to the Rockland Town Forest 9:30am-1:00pm. Bring lunch & water. Meet at Spruce Street parking area in Rockland. From Route 3S, take exit 16B to Route 18(Main Street-Weymouth) for 2.8 miles, take left on Pond Street (Route 58) for 1.4 miles, take left on Pine Street, right on East Street, left on Spruce Street for about 0.25 miles to parking lot. Email if severe weather. No dogs. Non-AMC members $1. L Mike Tuohey, CL Beth Mosias.

Sun, Sept 23, 2018. Wildcat Conservation Area, Boxford. (hiking, walks) - approved June 3 with map (no image)
1:30pm. It will be about 2 hours with easy terrain and moderate pace. Kids and dogs are welcome. From Route 133 in the center of west Boxford (church and village store) go east on Main St. Go past the first 4 way intersection, keeping to the left. You are now on Ipswich Rd. Go to the next 4 way and turn right on Herrick Rd. Parking area is on Herrick Rd. near intersection with Ipswich Rd. which is across from police station. L Steve Davis.

Sun, Sept 23, 2018. 5th Annual Duxbury Beach Walk. (hiking, walks) - approved July 1 with map and image
10:00am-2:00pm. Fall has begun and the crowds are gone. It is a perfect time to join us for a walk to the end of Duxbury Beach and have lunch at the Gurnet Point Lighthouse. Moderate pace. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. No children under 10 or dogs. $1 fee for those not AMC members. Heavy rain cancels. If uncertain, contact Lisa or Mary. 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. L Lisa Fleischman, Mary Wisbach.

Sat, Sept 29, 2018. Fabulous Fall in Groton, part 2, J H Rich Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 5 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Come hike along the edge of an old channel of the Nashua River, with its abundant wildlife. Along the way, enjoy the scenic woods and be introduced to the Nashua River Rail Trail. Meet at the Rail Trail parking lot on Sand Hill Road, 42.63244N 71.57577W. Moderate pace, about 2 hours. This hike is jointly sponsored by the Groton Trails Committee and the AMC. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Sat, Sept 29, 2018. Hough's Neck, Quincy. (hiking, walks) - approved Sept 23 with map and image
Unusual, fast-paced 6-mile hike partly along proposed Sea to Summit Greenway, including salt marshes, a long path along a dike, hidden ocean beaches, and a former Boston Harbor island, all with spectacular views, 9:45am-1:00pm. Bring hiking boots/sturdy sneakers, snack & water. From SE Expwy, exit 8 (Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy. east 2.8 mi., R onto Quincy Shore Dr. for 0.4 mi., L on Sea Street for 2.7 mi. to municipal lot across from Louis restaurant at corner of Bay View Avenue. GPS Coordinates (42.2714856N, 70.9515028W). Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Oct 6, 2018. Fabulous Fall in Groton, part 3, Town Forest. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 5 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Come explore this local gem with varied woods, the Nashua and Squannacook rivers, and its high concentration of glacial topography, including eskers and kettle holes. This area also features several bogs, which are unusual at this latitude. Meet at the end of Town Forest Road, 42.59741N 71.60508W. Moderate pace, about 2 hours. This hike is jointly sponsored by the Groton Trails Committee and the AMC. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Mon, Oct 8, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Sept 9 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.

Fri, Oct 12, 2018. Historic Streets of Cambridge. (walks) - approved Oct 9 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares, Avon Hill, and Huron Village, 6:45-9:15pm. 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, Oct 13, 2018. Fabulous Fall in Groton, part 4, The Esker Trail. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 5 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Come see New England woods at their best. This hike features beaver ponds, the scenic Cow Pond Brook, glacial topography, and all around pretty woods and beautiful settings. Meet at the end of Cow Pond Brook Road, 42.62493N 71.50263W. Moderate pace, about 2 hours. This hike is jointly sponsored by the Groton Trails Committee and the AMC. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Sat, Oct 13, 2018. Warner Trail Fall Hike, Wrentham. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 26 with map (no image)
9:00am-4:00pm. 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).

Sat, Oct 13, 2018. Northern Lynn Woods, Lynn. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 9 with map and image
[CANCELLED] Challenging 6-mi. hike through rugged terrain including cliffs and ledges with scenic views throughout, 9:45am-1:30pm. Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 95/128 in Lynnfield take exit 44B (Rt. 1/129) to rotary, then Rte. 129 SE toward Lynn 2 mi., R onto Great Woods Rd. to end. No dogs; rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, Oct 14, 2018. North Pack Monadnock (Ted’s & Carolyn’s loop), Greenfield, NH. (walks, hiking) - approved July 12 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.

Sun, Oct 14, 2018. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. (hiking, walks, Instruction-Skills) - approved Sept 23 with map (no images)
Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to Grassy Pond looking for autumn wildflowers and fruits as well as winter weeds. We may also see some witches and skeletons preparing for Halloween. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00pm-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. Leader: Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Sun, Oct 14, 2018. Historic Middlesex Canal, Woburn. (walks) - approved Oct 1 with map and image
Meet at 1:30pm at the SE corner of the parking lot behind the Woburn Cinemas, along Rte. 128. Level, 3-mi., joint w/Middlesex Canal Association along 2 sections of the historic canal. From Rte. 95/128 exit 35 in Woburn, take Rte. 38 S 0.1 mi., R onto Middlesex Canal Dr. past Crowne Plaza to meeting place. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org. L Robert Winters.

Sat, Oct 20, 2018. Fabulous Fall in Groton, part 5, Sabine Woods. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 5 with map (no image)
1:00pm. Don't miss the season finale of our Fabulous Fall series. We will hike along the banks of a protected stretch of the Nashua River, and loop back thru New England woods in their fall splendor. Meet at the Groton Place parking area on the south side of Rt 225, just east of the Nashua River, 42.60489N 71.59599W. Moderate pace, about 2 hours. This hike is jointly sponsored by the Groton Trails Committee and the AMC. L Olin Lathrop (978-742-9014; olin@embedinc.com).

Sat, Oct 20, 2018. Plymouth Harbor. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 12 with map (no image)
Brisk pace 7 mile walk 9:30am-2:00pm along Plymouth Harbor including Jennie's Grist Mill and Historic Monuments. Lunch stop on the walk back at Lobster Hut (counter service). From Route 3 South take exit 9 towards Kingston/N Plymouth then left on MA-3A S/ Main St. for 1.7 miles, turn left onto Cordage Park Circle then first right into parking area by the brick tower. We will meet at the Gazebo. Bring snack and water. Storm cancels. L. Beth Mosias.

Sun, Oct 21, 2018. Stony Brook South, Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Oct 15 with map (no image)
2 hr. hike through woods and along a chain of ponds and streams. Starts 10:00am. Rain cancels. Should be great tree colors along the ponds. 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 27, 2018. Walden Pond, Concord. (hiking, walks) - approved July 1 with map and image
Easy pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove inhabited by Henry Thoreau, during the mid-1800’s. We will walk upon the woodland footpaths, where the transcendentalist contemplated life, on his early morning wanderings. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. L Brian Connolly (508-820-7786).

Sat, Nov 3, 2018. Boston's Developing Waterfront. (walks) - approved July 28 with map and image
Moderately 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 street level at exit to Dewey Square. Bring lunch, water. Heavy rain/forecast over 90°F cancels. No dogs. New members welcome. L Sharon Marshall (617-542-4551 from 7-9pm, smarshallmd@juno.com).

Sun, Nov 4, 2018. Castle Island, South Boston. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 12 with map and image, changed from Nov 3 to Nov 4 on Nov 1
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).

Sun, Nov 4, 2018. Flat Rock Audubon, Fitchburg, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved July 12 with map (no image), location changed Nov 1
Mod/easy 6 mile hilly ramble through varied woodlands, reservoirs & archeological dig. 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, Nov 4, 2018. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. (walks, Instruction - Skills) - approved Oct 21 with map and image
Slow-paced nature walk past a small meadow, through forested uplands, along a pond and up to a fell . . . and what is a fell anyway? The walk will focus on late blooming flowers, fruits and winter weeds. We’ll also talk about interesting and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon. Rte. 93 to Exit 33. At Rotary go right onto South Border Rd/Winchester. Two miles to Long Pond Parking Lot on right (Opposite #532 South Border Rd, Winchester). Parking limited, arrive early. Steady rain or heavy snow cancels. 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 Appalachian Mountain Club and other organizations. These walks are sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). They are free of charge for AMC members and cost $1 for non-members. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Fri, Nov 9, 2018. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. (walks) - approved Nov 5 with map and image
Leisurely 4-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to a bakery and an Italian food shop. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Rain cancels. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Nov 10, 2018. Lincoln Conservation Land Foliage Hike, Lincoln. (hiking, walks) - approved Nov 5 with map and image
Fast paced, very scenic 8-mile hike to lesser-known areas, including Chapman Pasture, Pigeon Hill, Browning Fields, and Beaver Pond, 9:30am-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.

Sat, Nov 10, 2018. Glacial Features Walks, Sudbury. (walks, hiking, Instruction-Skills) - approved Oct 13 with map (no image), revised Oct 21
9:30am-12:00pm. Registration Required. Limit 12 participants. Contact Lisa to register. 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-members $1. Severe weather cancels. Directions: Meet at the Curtis Middle School, 22 Pratts Mill Road, Sudbury. (lat/long is 42.380893, -71.432735) The parking lot is to the right of the school and behind it, just beyond the basketball courts. Questions: Contact Lisa Fleischman (localwalks@amcboston.org or 617-244-5747) or Bruce Porter (cell:508-244-9523). L Bruce Porter.

Sat, Nov 17, 2018. Crane Beach, Ipswich. (hiking, walks) - approved Aug 25 with map and image
Easy pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach. L Brian Connolly (508-820-7786).

Thurs, Nov 22, 2018. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 21 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 23, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 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.

Sun, Nov 25, 2018. Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail Loop, Medford. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 21 with map and image
9:00am-4:00pm (or sooner). Approx. 8 mile hike on the Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail. Meet at Bellevue Pond parking lot at 161 S Border Rd, Medford. L Nancy Cahn.

Sat, Dec 15, 2018. Walden Pond, Concord. (walks) - approved Oct 13 with map and image
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across grassy meadows and through hemlock forest, to scenic Walden Pond. Visit a cove, once inhabited by Henry Thoreau. Enjoy sit-down break, on the shore of Walden. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at China Ruby Restaurant, in nearby Maynard, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot. From Route 2, take Route 126 South for 2 miles. Turn left on Codman Road, follow to end. Turn left, see Train Station on left. L Brian Connolly.

Sun, Dec 16, 2018. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont - Celebrate the Solstice Walk. (walks, Instruction - Skills) - approved Oct 21 with map and image
The Winter Solstice arrives in just 5 days. We’ll take a slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around a 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 about the Winter Solstice as well as about the plants we see. 1:00-4:00pm. 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. 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 Appalachian Mountain Club and other organizations. These walks are sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). They are free of charge for AMC members and cost $1 for non-members. L Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712).

Tues, Dec 25, 2018. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. (walks, hiking) - approved July 12 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.

Tues, Dec 25, 2018. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. (walks, hiking) - approved Aug 12 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. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias (781-335-5034).

Tues, Dec 25, 2018. Holiday Hike - Lynn Woods, Lynn. (walks, hiking) - approved Oct 21 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