AMC Local Walks/Hikes and Other Hikes From the Underground (OHFUG) Recent Local Walks/Hikes (2024) - brief descriptions

Meeting locations, driving directions, leader names, and other details are sometimes omitted. See the current issue of AMC Outdoors (the monthly AMC members magazine) or the trip listings at http://trips.outdoors.org for this month's schedule. A partial listing of upcoming hikes is also available at the Local Walks/Hikes home page. The Photo Gallery pages have photos of some of the hiking areas.
Better yet, abandon the “corporate” AMC and get your walks and hikes through the Meetup Groups.

January 2024

Mon, Jan 1. New Year’s First Day Sunset Walk at Great Meadows. 3:45pm-5:00pm. Join us for a beautiful walk on the nearly 2 mile path around the Great Meadows pond by the Concord River at sunset. Observe the geese, swans and other wildlife, and the majesty of the evening sky! Take this opportunity at the start of the new year to refresh your mind and body in a beautiful place. There is also a new surprise tradition at Great Meadows on this day which we will hopefully experience. We will be doing a relaxed walk for about 1 hour so please dress warmly with good walking shoes, wool socks, and hand warmers if you have them. Bring your own water, hot drink or snacks if you would like. Meet at the Great Meadows parking lot at 3:45 so we can start walking at 4:00pm to witness the best of the sunset. Enter between two high wooden fences and drive slowly to the end where the lookout tower is. Ls Meighan Matthews, Judith Watson

Sat, Jan 6. Great Dome and Little Dome, Quincy. 9:30am-1:00pm. Brisk 6-mi. scenic hike with some steep sections to two lesser-known "peaks" on the edge of the remote Eastern Blue Hills, plus the possibilities of Fox Hill, Rattlesnake Hill, and/or a small part of the Quincy Quarries depending on trail conditions and timing. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles, sturdy footwear. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. From SE Expwy exit 8 in Quincy, go S 0.6 mi. on Willard St. to rink parking lot. Or from Rte. 93/128 exit 6 in Braintree, go N 0.7 mi. Bus 238 from Quincy Ctr. T sta. No dogs. Rain/snow cancels. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sun, Jan 7. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm (EDT) at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sun, Jan 14. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Mon, Jan 15. The Alleyways, Parks, and Squares of Boston’s Beacon Hill and North End. 9:45am-1:00pm. 6-mile walk that includes the quieter parts of two of Boston’s most charming neighborhoods, and a stop at one or two bakeries/food shops along the way. Bring lunch/snack and water (or you can pick up food at shops). Meet outside the Whitney Hotel at the corner of Charles Street and Cambridge Street across from the Charles Station T stop. No dogs; rain/snow cancels. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Jan 20. Walden Woods, Concord. 11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk along flat dirt roads, across grassy meadows, and through a hemlock forest. We are going down to Codman farm, to visit llamas, goats and pigs. From there, we will head over to Walden Pond, for a sit-down break on the shore. We will do a short stroll on a beautiful country road. We may see miniature horses, grazing in one of the fields. There is a Donelan’s Market next to the parking lot, where we meet. They have outdoor tables and chairs. After the walk, at around 2:00pm, please join us for a lunch from Donelan’s (deli counter, sandwiches, bakery rolls, fruit and vegetables). Meet 11:00am, at Lincoln Train Station commuter parking lot (drive to back of the lot, you will see us - parking is free on weekends). Directions: 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, Jan 21. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sun, Jan 21. Goldsmith Woodlands, Andover. 12:15pm-2:30pm. Plan on walking/hiking somewhere between 4 & 6 miles at a moderate pace. During the early 20th century, Goldsmith Woodlands were a favorite summer retreat. Bessie Goldsmith collected rent from those who had cottages on her land. The island in Foster’s Pond was once occupied by a small residence, and remnants of the dwelling can still be found on site. It’s a scenic area and well-cared for by AVIS. Small parking area next to a kiosk where we’ll meet & greet: 491 S. Main St., Andover. Overflow parking: next to the trailhead lot, at the Primrose school - 503 S Main St. Andover. Leashed dogs welcome. L Robin Doyle, CL Mark Kaluzny

Sat, Jan 27. Gibbet Hill and Scarlet Hill, Groton. 10:00am-12:30pm. Brisk 4 to 5-mile hike with some steep sections, including sweeping views from two open summits. Bring snack/lunch, water, poles, and sturdy footwear. Meet in the back of the Gibbet Hill Grill parking lot on Rt. 40 (61 Lowell Road), just east of the center of Groton. From Rt. 3, take Rt. 40 (Exit 86) west 9 mi. then right into lot. From Groton Center, take Rt. 40 east from Rt. 119 0.3 mi. then left into lot. Rain/Snow cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sun, Jan 28. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

February 2024

Thurs, Feb 1. Mid-Week Hike through the Lynn Woods Reservation. 11:00am-2:30pm. Come join us for a mid-week hike as we explore The Lynn Woods Reservation. Lynn Woods is a 2200-acre park within the city of Lynn. We will be following a 5+ mile loop on well-traveled carriage roads and twisted narrow trails along ponds and up and over hills with views of the Boston skyline. Dress appropriately in layers for a winter hike and bring a lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids for a 3.5 hour hike. L Robert Davis

Sat, Feb 3. Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. 10:00am-12:15pm. We’ll walk/hike between 4 & 6 miles at a moderate pace. Expect muddy conditions. During the winter months, parking is a free at Bradley Palmer. Meeting address: 40 Asbury St. Topsfield, MA. Ls Robin Doyle, Robert Davis, Marc Hurwitz

Sun, Feb 4. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 4:00pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sat, Feb 10. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. 11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, through the forest and around Ponkapoag Pond, with lots of different kinds of views along the way. Begin with pleasant stroll across the golf course, on a maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break, on the dock at the AMC Ponkapoag Camp. Much of the walk is on dirt roads. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at nearby Irish restaurant “The Hillside Pub”, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am at Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot. From Route 93/128, exit 2A, take Route 138 South for 0.7 mile. See Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot on left. L Brian Connolly

Sat, Feb 10. Lynn Woods Reservation. 10:15am-12:45pm. Come join us on Saturday as we hike in the The Lynn Woods Reservation. Lynn Woods is a 2200-acre park within the city of Lynn. We will be walking at a moderate pace and following a 5+ mile loop on well-traveled carriage roads and twisted narrow trails along ponds and up and over hills with views of the Boston skyline. Dress appropriately in layers (it’s supposed to warm up on Saturday) for a winter hike and bring a lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids for a 2.5 hour hike. Ls Robin Doyle, Robert Davis

Sun, Feb 11. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 4:00pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Thurs, Feb 15. Mid-Week Hike of Georgetown-Rowley State Forest. 10:00am-1:30pm. Come join us for a winter hike of Georgetown Rowley State Forest. We will hiking over part of the Bay Circuit Trail and side trails thru forest trails for 5+ miles. Dress for winter weather in layers and no cotton clothing. Bring a lunch or snacks to eat on the trail. L Robert Davis

Sat, Feb 17. Coastal Walk/Historic Streets of Marblehead. 1:15pm-3:45pm. Moderate-paced and somewhat hilly 4 to 5-mile walk including beaches, waterfront parks, narrow lanes with old homes, public alleyways, and great ocean views throughout. Bring snack/water, sturdy footwear. Meet by the Washington Street entrance of Abbot Hall between Marblehead Center and Old Town. (Plenty of free parking on side streets.) Public transportation – commuter rail from North Station to Lynn then 441/442 bus to Pleasant Street/Washington Street in Old Town then walk down Washington Street for ¼ mile to Abbot Hall; or Blue Line to Wonderland, then 441/442 bus to Old Town. (GPS coordinates to meeting point: 42.502736696,-70.852581947378) Rain/Snow cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sun, Feb 18. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 4:00pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Mon, Feb 19. Haggetts Pond, Andover. 10:15am-12:15pm. Haggetts Pond is the local reservoir in Andover. Built on part of the former line of the historic Lowell and Lawrence Railroad, the trail offers a great, quiet place to go for a run or walk through the lovely wooded landscape. We’ll plan to walk between 3 & 5 miles at a moderate pace. There is a small lot is located right next to the southern trailhead off of Haggetts Pond Rd. If it is full, parking along the street across (a neighborhood) from the parking lot is permitted. To reach the southern trailhead from Boston, take I-93 north to exit 39/Rt 133. Turn left onto State Route 133 (Lowell Street) and continue for about a mile. Turn right onto Haggetts Pond Road - the trailhead will be on the right. L Sam Aman [Location: https://www.andovertrails.org/haggetts-pond--rail-trail.html; Parking: 52 Haggetts Pond Road]

Thurs, Feb 22. Skyline Trail, Middlesex Fells Reservation. 10:00am-2:30pm. Meet at Upper Sheepfold parking lot, Stoneham. Come join for a hike of the Skyline Trail in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. We will be hiking a 7.5 mile loop trail through the reservation on packed dirt trails with roots and rocks and some granite outcroppings. Who knows maybe even some snow, it is winter after all, so dress in layers and have appropriate footwear. Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of fluids to drink. L Robert Davis

Sat, Feb 24. Crane Beach, Ipswich. 11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include a pitch pine forest, with views of Essex Bay. Herring gulls soar overhead, while piping plovers scurry across the sand. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. The Essex River salt marsh is behind Woodman’s. There are picnic tables. If the weather is nice, we will eat outside. 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

Sun, Feb 25. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 4:00pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

March 2024

Sat, Mar 2. Old Town Hill - Newbury. 10:00am-12:30pm. Join Marc and I as we look forward to a 3-5 miles walk/hike at a moderate pace. We’ll ascend to landscape-level views of a corridor of protected open space along the Parker River. The Ridge Trail climbs moderately, affording vistas to the south, east, and north. The River Trail, a short and especially scenic family-friendly route, passes an old pasture along the marsh’s edge and then loops into an oak forest along the banks of the Little River. Old Town Hill is a link in the Bay Circuit Trail. Consider bringing: a snack, water, a rain jacket, gaiters (might be muddy), poles if you prefer, a hat and gloves. Dress is layers as it looks like temps will moderate Saturday am and we’ll dodge the rain (forecast for later in the day). Parking spots on Newman Road near the kiosk. See you there! Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sun, Mar 3. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 4:00pm at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sat, Mar 9. Walk-to-the-Sea Hike from Ravenswood Park to Rafe’s Chasm, Gloucester. 10:00am-12:45pm. Unusual 5- to 6-mile hike that leads from the deep woods of inland Gloucester to one of the most scenic seaside overlooks in Massachusetts. Meet at main lot for Ravenswood Park at 481 Western Avenue (Route 127) in Gloucester. From Rte. 128N, get off at exit 50 (School St.), and take a right on School St. for ½ mile. Take a left on Lincoln Street for ½ mile then a left on Route 127 for about 4 miles to the main gate for Ravenwood Park on the left. (GPS coordinates: 42.5921461,-70.6984737) Rain/snow cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sun, Mar 10. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Thurs, Mar 14. Manchester-Essex Woodlands Conservation Area Mid-Week Hike. 10:00am-2:00pm. Come join us for a mid-week hike of the Manchester-Essex Woodlands. We will be hiking 6 to 7 miles on trail made up of board walks, crush gravel cart roads, single track paths and some granite slabs. We will start the hike at 10am and stop for lunch on trail so bring lunch or snacks for on trail, also bring plenty of fluids to drink. Dress for the season in layers, with appropriate footwear and bring raingear. The pace for the hike will be set by the slowest hiker in the group. L Robert Davis

Sat, Mar 16. Hough’s Neck (including Rock Island Cove Salt Marsh and Nut Island), Quincy. 9:30am-1:00pm. Continuing our series of oceanside hikes, this one is a 6-mile hike partly along the proposed Sea to Summit Greenway, including a path along a dike overlooking a salt marsh, a hidden beach, rocky seaside outcroppings, two piers, and a former Boston Harbor island, all with spectacular views. Bring lunch/snack, water, and sturdy footwear. From SE Expwy, exit 8 (Quincy), take Furnace Brook Pkwy east 3 mi., R onto Quincy Shore Dr. for 0.5 mi., L on Sea Street for 1 mi. to Thomas Crane Public Library (Adams Shore Branch) on right. Park on streets surrounding library (Riverside Avenue, State Street) and meet outside the library by side parking lot at Riverside and State, one block up from Sea Street. GPS Coordinates (42.2607529,-70.9796305). Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sun, Mar 17. Middlesex Canal, Winchester/Medford. [BWMG] 3- to 4-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 DST at Sandy (Shannon) Beach lot at Upper Mystic Lake on Mystic Valley Pkwy., 1.3 mi. N of Rte. 60. Joint w/Middlesex Canal Association. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org. L Robert Winters [Meetup Group Listing: https://www.meetup.com/boston-walking/events/299573528/]

Sun, Mar 17. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Thurs, Mar 21. Ravenswood Park, Gloucester. 10:00am-2:00pm. Location 481 Western Ave, Gloucester. Come join us for a mid-week hike of Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. We will be hiking 6-7 miles through woodlands, wetlands and granite slabs on gravel cart trails, single track paths and boardwalks. This is a early spring hike, so dress for the season in layers, bring raingear and appropriate footwear. Our pace will be set by the slowest hiker and we will be stopping on trail for snacks and lunch. So bring food and water for the day. From Rt. 128 Exit 14, take Rt. 133 East toward Gloucester for 3 mi. until it ends at Rt. 127. Turn right and follow for 2 mi. to entrance. L Robert Davis

Fri, Mar 22. Arlington Hill Walk. 6:15pm-9:15pm. Brisk 6-mile sunset/evening hike up steep hills including Hospital Hill, Arlington Heights Hill, and Jason Heights with 600-800 total vertical feet planned and multiple views of the Boston skyline. Bring snack/dinner and water. Meet by reflecting pool in small park between town hall and the library on Mass. Ave. in Arlington Center (free street parking on Maple Street and Academy Street behind/adjacent to pool). Rain/snow cancels. No dogs. L Marc Hurwitz

Sat, Mar 23. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. 11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, through the forest and around Ponkapoag Pond, with lots of different kinds of views along the way. Begin with pleasant stroll across the golf course, on a maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break, on the dock at the AMC Ponkapoag Camp. Much of the walk is on dirt roads. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at nearby Irish restaurant “The Hillside Pub”, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am at Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot. From Route 93/128, exit 2A, take Route 138 South for 0.7 mile. See Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot on left. L Brian Connolly

Sun, Mar 24. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sat, Mar 30. Wilson Mountain, Whitcomb Woods, and Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham. 9:30am-1:00pm. Brisk 5- to 6-mile hike to Dedham’s highest point plus a river walk through two conservation areas that includes a series of gazebos in the woods. Bring lunch, water, and sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 32 (Route 135 exit), head east toward Dedham Center via West Street which becomes Common Street. Park in Wilson Mountain parking lot on right, 0.5 miles from the Rte. 93/128 exit; if lot is full, park in the small lot across the street or find street parking on the Wilson Mountain side of the street. (GPS coordinates: 42.259327119590466,-71.19765502263773) Rain cancels. No dogs. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Mike Tuohey

Sun, Mar 31. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sun, Apr 7. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sat, Apr 13. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 11:00am-2:00pm. Moderate pace 5 mile walk, on former estate carriage roads, with scenic views across the Merrimack River. Trail wanders through open grass meadows, then enters primeval stands of white pine. Stroll over stone built bridges, visit rhododendron and azalea gardens. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Starboard Galley Restaurant, on the Newburyport boardwalk, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am at Maudslay State Park parking lot (parking fee). From Route 95, exit 86, in Newburyport, take Route 113 West for 0.7 mile. Turn right on Hoyts Lane, follow to end, see parking lot on right. L Brian Connolly

Sat, Apr 13. Harold Parker State Forest, Andover. 10:30am-1:00pm. Moderate 4 to 5 mile hike through the deeply-wooded central part of Harold Parker, including scenic views at Berry Pond and Salem Pond. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles, and gaiters, and prepare for some mud. Dress in layers and wear hiking/trail shoes. From Rte. 93 in Wilmington take new exit 35/old exit 41 (Rte. 125) north toward Andover for 2.5 miles. Just after the Rte. 28 intersection, take a right onto Gould Road and an immediate left onto Harold Parker Road for 1.5 miles to Jenkins Road. Continue straight into parking lot. (GPS coordinates: 42.6130499,-71.0908462) Rain cancels. Ls Marc Hurwitz, Robin Doyle

Sun, Apr 14. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sat, Apr 20. Haggetts Pond, Andover. 9:45am-11:45am. Location: http://www.andovertrails.org/haggetts-pond--rail-trail.html. Haggetts Pond is the local reservoir in Andover. Built on part of the former line of the historic Lowell and Lawrence Railroad, the trail offers a great, quiet place to go for a run or walk through the lovely wooded landscape. We’ll plan to walk between ~3 & ~5 miles at a moderate pace. Consider wearing/packing: dressing in layers & suitable trail or hiking boots/shoes. Bring water & a snack. Binoculars for bird-watching. Parking: 52 Haggetts Pond Road. There is a small lot located next to the southern trailhead on Haggetts Pond Rd. If it is full, parking along the street adjacent (a neighborhood) from the parking lot is permitted. See you there! Latitude: 42° 38' 21.59" N Longitude: -71° 12' 10.80" W. Ls Robin Doyle, Marc Hurwitz

Sun, Apr 21. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 6:00pm DST at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.