Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee Local Walks/Hikes for 2008 - brief descriptions

Meeting locations, driving directions, leader names, and other details have been 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.

January 2008

Sat, Jan 5. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Mod. 6-mi. walk/snowshoe in beautiful woodlands w/ponds, streams, cabins & lodges, 10am-1:30pm.

Sat, Jan 5. Stow Town Forest, Stow. 5-mi. XC ski or hike if no snow, 1-3:30pm.

Sun, Jan 6. Blue Hills, Canton. XC ski or hike if no snow 6 mi. around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-3pm.

Sat, Jan 12. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Energetic guided tree walk on & off path, 10am-12:30pm. Option to continue round Jamaica Pond & back, or on to Riverside Green Line in Brookline.

Sun, Jan 13. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views & frozen waterfall, 10am-2:15pm.

Thurs, Jan 17. Slide Program, "Two Weeks on the Muddy Danube." As experienced by Susan & Stan Solomon. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Jan 19. Lost Pond, Brookline. Short hike 11:45am-2pm.

Sun, Jan 20. Beaver Brook Assoc., Hollis, NH. 6-mi. over varied terrain w/pond & brook views, beaver lodges, waterfowl & "French meadow," 9:45am-3pm. Minor rock scramble & mystery cave home to a common animal.

Sun, Jan 20. Emerald Necklace, Boston. 6-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, SW Corridor Park, ending at Copley Sq., 12:15-3:15pm.

Mon, Jan 21. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. Level 5-mi. snowshoe or hike if no snow, 12:45-3:30pm.

Sat, Jan 26. Blue Hills, Quincy. X-C ski 6 mi. over mod. terrain or hike in hilly areas if no snow, 10am-3pm.

Sun, Jan 27. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Approx. 7-mi. hike, 9am-3pm. Mod. to strenuous. Some winter gear required.

Sun, Jan 27. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Nature in winter walk thru fields, forest & around pond focusing on plant ID & natural history, 1-4pm.

February 2008

Sat, Feb 2. Blue Hills, Canton. Mod. 5-mi. walk/snowshoe around Ponkapoag Pond & thru woods, 10am-1pm.

Sun, Feb 3. Marblehead. Approx. 4 mi. walk from Devereux Beach to Castle Rock & Marblehead Light w/optional hot chocolate after, 1-3:30pm.

Sun, Feb 3. Estabrook Woods, Carlisle/Concord. 5-mi. level snowshoe or hike, 1-4pm. May include South Carlisle trails.

Tues, Feb 5. Harborwalk & North End, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work walk along downtown Boston waterfront & thru narrow streets & alleyways of North End, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sun, Feb 10. Blue Hills, Milton. Annual Soupe d'Poisson Hike in honor of Meade Bradner, 5 mi. on variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, noon-4:30pm.

Sat, Feb 16. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike around Wolcott & Tucker Hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, Feb 17. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Approx. 5-mi. hike 9am-1pm. Some winter gear req'd.

Sun, Feb 17. Blue Hills, Quincy. X-C ski 6 mi. in remote Chickatawbut Section or hike if no snow, 10am-3pm.

Sat, Feb 23. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views & frozen waterfall, 10am-2:15pm.

Sun, Feb 24. Sheldrick Preserve & Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. 6-mi. hike thru diverse woodlands & hilly old growth forest w/streams, ponds, ridges, eskers & interpretive points, 9:45am-3pm.

Thurs, Feb 28. Slide Program, "Come to Europe, Part I." Hilary Hopkins will sail you past Venice to old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, & beautiful Santonini & Rhodes. Lunch in a Turkish village, walk in the steps of Plato at the Parthenon, visit ancient Olympic games, a cave tour in Slovenia & a glorious day in Venice. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

March 2008

Sat, Mar 1. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hikes, 9:45am-noon & 12:15-2:30pm. Lengths & routes depend on conditions.

Sun, Mar 2. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm.

Sat, Mar 8. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike in Houghton Section on variety of trails w/several views & lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-4pm.

Sat, Mar 8. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sun, Mar 9. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mi. snowshoe or hike at easy pace, 10am.

Sun, Mar 9. Walden Pond, Concord. 5-mi. hike, 1-4pm.

Sun, Mar 9. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 6-mi. mod. hike/snowshoe on occasionally rugged terrain inc. scenic views, streams, ponds, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, Mar 15. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 mi. hike, 9am-2pm.

Sat, Mar 15. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Walk to view trees & shrubs, 11am.

Sun, Mar 16. Blue Hills, Milton. Approx. 7-mi. hike, L's choice. Mod. to stren. 10am-2:30pm.

Tues, Mar 18. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi.walk including several of the most charming and historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares as well as Huron Village, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Sat, Mar 22. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. 7-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:45pm.

Sat, Mar 22. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mi. hike or snowshoe on mix of trails w/lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am.

Sun, Mar 23. Prospect Hill/Waltham. Hike at 9:00am starts with a steep climb up the former ski slope.

Sun, Mar 23. Concord/Lincoln. Walden Pond to Sudbury River via less traveled paths. 5-7 miles. Meet at 10:30am.

Thurs, Mar 27. Slide Program, "Europe, Part 2." Hilary Hopkins will take you on a walk around Venice, then slopes of Mt. Etna. In Rome, enter St. Peter's and Vatican museum. See Florence and Pisa, enjoy rainy day in Monte Carlo, on to goats of Corsica and sobering sights of Pompeii. Finish with bit of kayaking in Croatia. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30-12:15.

Sat, Mar 29. Blue Hills, Canton. Easy 4-5 mi. walk around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-2pm.

Sat, Mar 29. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Mod. walk thru open woods, 10am.

Sun, Mar 30. Neponset River Greenway, Dorchester & Milton. 5-mi. walk in largely new parkland, 10am-12:30pm.

Sun, Mar 30. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, 12-4:30pm.

Sun, Mar 30. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. 6-mi. easy walk along Nashua River & canal w/1886 gatehouse & spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, 9:45am-2pm.

April 2008

Sat, Apr 5. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. Slow-paced nature walk in beautiful botanical garden of New England Wildflower Society focusing on plant ID & interesting natural history, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Apr 5. Parks & Greenways, Medford. Scenic 8-mi. hike in Middlesex Fells & Mystic River Res., ending at Wellington T sta., 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, Apr 5. Weld Woods, W. Roxbury. Easy 3-mi. walk in former estate w/woods & ponds, 1pm.

Sun, Apr 6. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike on variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-4pm.

Sun, Apr 6. Minuteman Nat'l Park, Lexington. 7-mi. hike on Battle Rd. Tr. to Meriam's Corner in Concord & back. 10am-2pm.

Sun, Apr 6. Warner Trail, Section 1, Cumberland, RI. 64th season. Mostly level 10 mi. hike w/varied scenery from Wampum Corner, Wrentham S to Diamond Hill, RI, 9am-4pm.

Sun, Apr 6. Wachusett Mt., Princeton. Mod. to stren. 7-mi. hike. 10am-3pm.

Sun, Apr 6. East Gloucester. 5.5-mi. paved walk w/scenic harbor & ocean views, 1-4pm.

Sat, Apr 12. Acton Arboretum, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk thru woods, fields & bog boardwalk looking for signs of spring. Focus on plant ID & natural history, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Apr 12. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced 7-mi. scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Apr 13. Nantasket Beach. Approx. 6-mi. walk, 10am-12:30pm.

Sun, Apr 13. Blue Hills, Quincy. 7-mi. hike, 9:45am-2:15pm w/Quincy Quarries option at end.

Sat, Apr 19. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 4-5 mi. hike, easy to mod., 9:30am.

Sat, Apr 19. Neponset River Parks & Greenway, Dorchester. 5-mi. walk in largely new parkland, 2-4:30pm.

Sun, Apr 20. Warner Trail, Section 2, Wrentham. 10-mi. hike N from Wampum Corner in Wrentham to High Rock in Foxboro, mostly thru protected forests w/view & some wet spots, 9am-4pm.

Sun, Apr 20. Purgatory Brook, Milford, NH. 6-mi. wander out & back along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain. 9am-3pm.

Mon, Apr 21. Boston Marathon Hike, Jamaica Plain/Boston. 13th annual hike, 6 mi. via Arboretum & Emerald Necklace to Fenway T area in time for lead runners, 9:15am-11:45am. Optional afternoon hike downtown if good weather.

Mon, Apr 21. Boston Marathon Walk, Lincoln/Boston. 18th annual 22-mi. walk to North Sta. via Lincoln & Weston, joining Marathon rte. in Newton, or quit & take T anywhere after midpoint.

Thurs, Apr 24. Slide Program, "Havasupai & Badlands." Chris McArdle will show slides & make suggestions for easy to arrange trips: hiking near Grand Canyon while a mule takes your bags or in South Dakota where hot springs, beauty pageants & a fur trade museum add to a landscape very different from New England. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Apr 26. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mi. hike on mix of trails w/lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am. Dogs are welcome.

Sat, Apr 26. Middlesex Canal, Wilmington. 3-mi. leisurely walk along scenic section of historic canal to Patch's Pond, 1:30pm. See oxbow, grooves in rocks from tow lines & stone aqueduct.

Sat, Apr 26. Crane Beach, Ipswich. Hike 7 mi. in woods & dunes w/possible deer, 1:30pm.

Sun, Apr 27. Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. 6-mi. hike w/ponds & ice cream stand, 10am-2pm.

Sun, Apr 27. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 5-mi. hike in beautiful woods w/ponds & views. 10am.

May 2008

Sat, May 3. Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Concord. Bird walk to look for migrating ducks, hawks & warblers, 8am-10am. Bring binocs & bird book.

Sat, May 3. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. mod. hike, 9:30am.

Sat, May 3. Wellesley Wander. 5-6 mi. circuit w/Wellesley College greenhouses & campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks & aqueducts, 10:30am.

Sun, May 4. Bedford & Lexington Conservation Land. Mod. hilly 8-mi. hike thru conservation & municipal land. Visit paint mine, muskrat ponds & mtn. bike heaven, 8:45am-2:30pm.

Sun, May 4. Warner Trail Section 3, Wrentham. 10-mi. hike S from Moose Hill in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro incl. Bluff Hill & good views, 9am-4pm.

Sun, May 4. Fort Washington, Cambridge. 6-mi. historic walk from still-existing 232 year old Revolutionary War fort to Harvard Sq., Washington Elm, Longfellow House & return along Charles River to BU Bridge, noon-4pm.

Sat, May 10. Fowl Meadow, Milton. Bird walk, 3 mi., 7-10:30am. Learn to bird. See common & rare species at height of spring migration. Bring binocs & bird book.

Sat, May 10. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, mod. 6-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10am-2pm.

Sat, May 10. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. 6.5-mi. hike on mix of hilly trails, 10:30am, w/lunch at Wright's Pond.

Sun, May 11. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 7-mi. hike incl. holly grove, Ode's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am.

Sun, May 11. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon. Scenic 5-mi. hike, 12:30pm. Stop at L's house after hike.

Tues, May 13. Charles River, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work riverside walk including Boston Common & Public Gardens, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, May 17. Warner Trail Sections 3 & 4, Wrentham. Mostly level 15-mi. hike S from Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro, incl. Moose Hill & views, 9am-5pm.

Sat, May 17. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 5-6 mi. mod. hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am.

Sun, May 18. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. L's choice. Approx. 5-mi. hike, 10am-2pm.

Sun, May 18. Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. 6-mi. hike along rock formations & ponds, 10am-2pm.

Thurs, May 22. Slide Program, "India, Delhi, Chaos, Taj Mahal, Sacred Ganges." Presented by Judith Praznik. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, May 24. Blue Hills, Quincy. 8-mi. hike on Great Dome Foot Path w/wildflowers & scenic hills, some steep, 10am-4pm.

Sun, May 25. Parks & Greenways, Wellesley. 8-mi. walk along brooks, ponds, aqueducts, eskers & woods, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, May 25. Cat Rock Park, Weston. Short hike on conservation land, 9:55am-noon.

Mon, May 26. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic 4-mi. walk 10:15am-12:30pm. Optional 2-mi. walk afterwards at Boston Nature Center.

Wed, May 28. Hancock Woods, W. Roxbury. Evening walk to caves, glacial terrain & marsh boardwalk w/possible Lady's Slippers, 6pm.

Sat, May 31. Fowl Meadow, Milton. Bird Walk, 3 mi., 8-11:30am. Learn to bird by listening for & identifying late migrant & nesting species in best birding area in Blue Hills. Bring binocs & bird book.

Sat, May 31. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. mod. hike, 9:30am.

Sat, May 31. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 5-mi. hike in beautiful woodlands w/ponds, hills, views, 10am.

June 2008

Sun, June 1. Callahan State Park, Framingham. Early morning walk in woods & meadows of this undeveloped park, 8:30-11:30am.

Sun, June 1. Harborwalk, Dorchester. Scenic 7-mi. walk incl. sculpture park, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, June 1. Noanet Woodlands to Powisset Farm, Dover. Walk thru woods of Noanet Woodlands to meadows of Powisset Farm, both Trustees of Reservations properties, no hills, 1-3pm.

Sat, June 7. Horn Pond Mountain, Woburn. Easy to mod. nature walk up Horn Pond Mountain focusing on spring wildflower ID & natural history, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, June 7. Squam Lake, Holderness, NH. Very scenic 5-mi. hike over Rattlesnake Hills (elev. 1300 ft.) & Five Finger Point to Squam Lake w/abundant wildflowers & optional swim, 9:30am.

Sat, June 7. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sun, June 8. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Hike 6, 8 or 14 miles: 8 mi. in western Fells, 9:10am-1:30pm, bring lunch; 6 mi. in eastern Fells, 1:45-4:45pm. Shady route if hot.

Sun, June 8. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 6-mi. hike on carriage roads of former estate overlooking Merrimack River, 10am-2pm.

Sun, June 8. Estabrook Woods, Carlisle/Concord. 6-mi. hike over varied terrain, 10am-2pm.

Sat, June 14. Neponset River Greenway, Dorchester & Milton. Leisurely 4-mi. riverside walk w/waterfall, historic mills, 10am-12:30pm.

Sat, June 14. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Leisurely walk to view shrubs & trees in bloom, 10am.

Sun, June 15. Blue Hills, Milton. Early morning ramble thru woods & over hills in reservation, 9am-noon.

Sun, June 15. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast paced, scenic 7-mi. walk along Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, 9am-noon.

Sun, June 15. Sheldrick Preserve & Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. 6-mi hike thru diverse woodlands & hilly old growth forest w/streams, ponds, ridges, eskers & interpretive points, 9:45am-3pm.

Tues, June 17. Blue Hills, Milton. Brisk, challenging 4-mi. after-work hike up Great Blue Hill including steep trails w/possible sunset views, 6:30-8:30pm.

Thurs, June 19. Edible Wild Plant Walk, Charles River Greenway, Watertown. Evening walk to learn about edible wild plants in greater Boston area. Keys to species ID provided, along with edible portions, seasons of availability, preparation & guidelines for safe & environmentally responsible foraging, 6-8:30pm.

Sat, June 21. Summer Wildflowers of Horn Pond Mt., Woburn. Slow-paced nature ramble focusing on wild flower ID & interesting natural history, 9am-noon.

Sat, June 21. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader's choice mod. hike, 10am-1:30pm.

Sun, June 22. Concord's Transcendental Past. 6-mi. narrated walk to woods, rivers, literary & historic sites, 10am-2:30pm. Read Emerson's "Self-reliance."

Sun, June 22. Fort Washington, Cambridge. 6-mi. historic walk from still-existing 232 year old Revolutionary War fort to Harvard Sq., Washington Elm, Longfellow House & return along Charles River to BU Bridge, noon-4pm.

Sat, June 28. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. hike w/some steep sections, 8:45am-3pm.

Sat, June 28. Parks & Greenways, Belmont. 6-mi. mostly wooded hike incl. Beaver Brook Reservation, 10am-1:30pm.

Sun, June 29. Boston/Charlestown Harbor Walk. Visit scenic & historic sites on brisk 10-mi. walk to waterfront, South End & Copley Sq., 9am. Stop for coffee/snack in North End, lunch at Quincy Market. Shorter options available.

Sun, June 29. Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. 2.5-hr. walk exploring natural beauty & history of Mount Auburn Cemetery's 174 acres. Theme of walk: Notable artists. T accessible.

July 2008

Fri, July 4. Mt. Monadnock, NH. 4 mi., mod. to stren. classic New England hike. Meet at Burlington Mall for carpool at 8am or at Mt. Monadnock at 10am.

Fri, July 4. World's End Reservation, Hingham. Scenic 5-mi. walk, 8:30-11:30am.

Fri, July 4. Parks & Greenways, Boston. 12-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Emerald Necklace, SW Corridor Park, Boston Harborwalk, Freedom Trail, ending at Esplanade, 12:45-6:15pm. Numerous shorter options.

Fri, July 4. Freedom Trail, Boston. Celebrate Declaration of Independence & Boston's role in America's struggle for freedom w/narrated walk to the 16 Freedom Trail sites, ending at Charlestown Navy Yard w/USS Constitution returning from annual turnaround cruise.

Sun, July 6. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 6-mi. hike on carriage roads of former estate overlooking Merrimack River, 10am-2pm.

Sun, July 6. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 10am-12:15pm & 12:30-2:45pm. Length & route depend on conditions.

Sat, July 12. Blue Hills, Randolph. 7-mi. hike to Great Blue Hill, Houghtons & Ponkapoag Ponds & historic NIKE site, 9:30am-2pm (3pm w/opt. swim).

Sat, July 12. Ashland State Park, Ashland. Easy 3-hr. walk around pristine Ashland Reservoir & thru woods, followed by swim, 10am.

Sun, July 13. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 8-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, July 19. Middlesex Fells West, Winchester. Mod. walk in open woods, 10am-1:30pm.

Sun, July 20. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. L's choice. Approx. 5-mi. hike, 9am-1pm.

Tues, July 22. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Brisk, hilly 4-mi. after-work walk w/water & skyline views, 6:15-8:15pm.

Sun, July 27. Manchester-Essex Conservation Area, Manchester, MA. Slow-paced nature walk thru forest up to top of Millstone Hill focusing on plant ID & natural history, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, July 27. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Fast-paced, challenging 8-mi. hike w/ponds, hills w/views & cave, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, July 27. Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. 2.5-hr. afternoon walk exploring natural beauty & history of 174-acre Mount Auburn Cemetery w/theme: Notable Writers. T accessible.

August 2008

Sat, Aug 2. Ravenswood Pk., Gloucester. Hike w/mid-hike ocean swim at Stage Fort Pk., noon-5pm.

Tues, Aug 5. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. sunset walk along Boston Harbor, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sun, Aug 17. Massabesic Audubon Ctr., Auburn, NH. 6-mi. hike w/many lake views, osprey nest, forest trails, 10am. Superb lunch spot. Opt. visit afterwards to nearby Stonyfield Farms Yogurt factory.

Sun, Aug 17. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Afternoon walk in open woods, about 2 hrs. starting at 2pm.

Sat, Aug 23. Parks & Greenways, Cambridge to Malden. Mostly wooded, somewhat hilly 9-mi. hike w/8 ponds incl. Middlesex Fells & ending at Oak Grove T sta., 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Aug 24. Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. Mod. 6-mi. walk past farmland, ponds & streams, 10am-1:30pm.

Sat, Aug 30. Acton Conservation Land. 6-mi. hike to Grassy & Nagog Ponds, 1-4pm.

Sat, Aug 30. Blue Hills, Quincy. 7-mi. hike, 2-6:15pm w/Quincy Quarries option at end.

Sun, Aug 31. Lincoln/ Concord Conservation Land. 10-mi. hike to Sudbury River via Adams & Fairhaven Woods, Pine Hill & Walden Pond, 10am.

Sun, Aug 31. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4-mi. walk among 5000 varieties of trees & shrubs, 12:30-2:45pm.

September 2008

Mon, Sept 1. World's End Reservation, Hingham. Scenic 5-mi. walk, 8:30-11:30am.

Sat, Sept 6. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. mod. hike, 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 7. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi. scenic walk along Wollaston Beach boardwalk & Marina Bay Squantum, 9am-noon.

Sun, Sept 7. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk thru fields & forest to pond focusing on plant ID & fun natural history, 1-4pm.

Sun, Sept 7. Charlestown, Boston & Cambridge. 10-mi. city walk. 9am. Meet at Kendall Sq. T in Cambridge in front of Marriott Hotel. Tour Bunker Hill Monument & USS Constitution, then Beacon Hill, Boston Common, the Public Gardens, South End & return along Charles River. Lunch stop en route.

Sat, Sept 13. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond and BBQ, Canton. Moderate 5-mi. walk around pond and through woods with optional lunchtime BBQ at pond, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, Sept 13. Oak Hill & Tophet Chasm, Littleton. 3-mi. slow-paced hike, steep at times, to geologically unusual site & cliff-top view of Boston, 12 noon-1:30pm.

Sun, Sept 14. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Nature/history walk w/spectacular views on island's 6 mi. of easy trails, 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 14. Beaver Brook Assoc., Hollis, NH. 6-mi. over varied terrain w/pond & brook views, beaver lodges, waterfowl. Lunch at "French Meadow" overlook. 9:45am-3pm. Minor rock scramble & mystery cave home to a common animal.

Sun, Sept 14. Estabrook Woods Walk, Carlisle/Concord. 6-mi hike over varied terrain, 10am-2pm.

Sun, Sept 14. Late Summer Wildflower Walk, Horn Pond Mountain, Woburn. Slow paced nature walk focusing on wildflower ID and interesting natural history, 11am- 4pm.

Sat, Sept 20. Cambridge Town and Gown. Guided/narrated history and architecture tour of Harvard Yard and Brattle Street (Tory Row) to Elmwood. The route is a virtual outdoor architectural museum. See different styles that cover the history of America including Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, 2nd French Empire, Stick Style, Queen Anne, Shingle, Colonial Revival and Tudor as we walk through the most prestigious and historic university and residential street in the country.

Sat, Sept 20. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 6-mi. mod. hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 20. Harborwalk, Dorchester. Scenic 7-mi. walk, incl. sculpture park, 10am-2pm.

Sat, Sept 20. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike on a variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-4pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH).

Sun, Sept 21. Lincoln Conservation Land. 10 mi. hike incl. Mt. Misery & Walden Pond, 9:15am-2:45pm.

Sun, Sept 21. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 10am-2pm, 6 mi. hike to quarry, Berry Pond, Stern Pond, and other points of interest.

Sun, Sept 21. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

Tues, Sept 23. Harborwalk and North End. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work walk along the waterfront of downtown Boston and through the narrow streets and alleyways of the North End, 6:30-8:45pm.

Sat, Sept 27. Eagle Cliff & Red Hill, Squam Lake Area, NH. Mod. 4-mi. hike, leisurely pace w/1400 ft. elev. gain. Fine views of lakes & mtns. Early fall colors should be lovely.

Sat, Sept 27. Middlesex Fells. Leader's choice mod. hike, 10am to 3pm.

Sat, Sept 27. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 5-mi. hike along Reservoir Trail w/brief lesson in geocaching, 10am. Bring GPS if you have one.

Sun, Sept 28. Cat Rock Park, Weston Conservation Land. Hike for 5 mi. in Cat Rock Park, 8:50am-noon.

Sun, Sept 28. Leominster State Forest. 6-mi. scenic hike from Redemption Rock to Crow Hills cliffs & back.

Sun, Sept 28. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adjacent conservation areas. 9 mi.

October 2008

Sat, Oct 4. "Church Crawl" Boston. 5-mi narrated secular walk thru Boston's North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill & Back Bay focusing on church buildings that played an important role in Boston's history, including Old North, Old South, African American Meeting House, Trinity, First Church, Park St, Church of the Advent, King's Chapel, Spiritualist etc. 9:30am to 1pm.

Sat, Oct 4. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. Easy 5-mi. hike w/woods, pond, formal gardens & views of Merrimack River, 10am.

Sun, Oct, 5. Harold Parker State Forest, Andover. Hike 5 mi. in one of oldest forests in SF & park system, 10am-2pm.

Sun, Oct 5. Arlington/Lexington Biodiversity Walk. 2.5 hour, 4 mi. ramble, stopping for interesting plants/animals.

Sat, Oct 11. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod. 5-mi. hike, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 11. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 10am. Moderate 4 hour walk in open woods.

Sun, Oct 12. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Approx. 7-mi. hike, 9am-3pm. Mod. to strenuous w/rough hilly terrain.

Sun, Oct 12. Purgatory Brook, Milford, NH. 6-mi. wander out & back along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain. 9:15am-3pm.

Mon, Oct 13. Brook Farm, W. Roxbury. 5-mi. interpretive hike & talk at site of 1840's Hawthorne & the transcendentalists utopian community. Also visit to the site of Camp Andrew used for Civil War training. 10am to 2pm.

Mon, Oct 13. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 18. Parks & Historic Sites, Quincy. 7-mi. walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites & neighborhoods, 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, Oct 18. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 10-mi. hike w/varied scenery from Wampum Corner, Wrentham, S to Diamond Hill, RI, 9:30am-4pm.FOWT Annual Mtg. & Potluck after in Sharon.

Sat, Oct 18. Acton Conservation Lands. 7-mi. hike to Spring Hill, Nashoba Brook & Camp Acton, incl. Pencil Factory Dam, mill pond, & Indian Cave, 10am-2pm.

Sat, Oct 18. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mi. hike on mix of trails w/lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am.

Sun, Oct 19. Charles River, Cambridge/Boston. 5-mi. walk to Public Gardens, Boston Common, along river, crossing 3 bridges & end at Kenmore Sq., 10am-2pm. Optional lunch & social hr. after.

Sun, Oct 19. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. 8-mi. conditioning hike along Skyline Trail, strenuous hills, brisk pace. 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 19. Middlesex Canal, Woburn. Level 3-mi. walk w/Middlesex Canal Assoc. along 2 sections of historic canal, 1:30pm.

Sat, Oct 25. Lincoln Conservation Land. Moderate 6-mi. walk to Pine Hill, Flint's Pond, and scenic fields and meadows near DeCordova Museum, 9:30am-1pm.

Sat, Oct 25. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Mod. 6-mi. hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am. Bring snack, water & boots.

Sun, Oct 26. Garden-in-the-Woods, Framingham. Slow-paced nature walk in beautiful botanical garden of New England Wild Flower Society focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 1-4pm.

Sun, Oct 26. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. hike w/hilltop views & 2 scenic ponds, 9:30am-12:30pm. Can combine w/PM Lynn Woods hike.

Sun, Oct 26. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 6-mi. hike via Undercliff Path to pirate cave & 3 large ponds, 1-4:30pm.

Sun, Oct 26. Fort Washington, Cambridge. 6 mi. historic walk from still-existing 232 year old Revolutionary War fort to Harvard Sq., Washington Elm, Longfellow House & return along Charles River to BU Bridge, noon to 4pm.

November 2008

Sat, Nov 1. Dogtown Common, Gloucester. History oriented, moderately paced walking & talking 6-mile hike. 10am to 2pm.

Sat, Nov 1. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Leisurely 5-mi. walk around pond, 10am-2pm.

Sun, Nov 2. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun and interesting natural history of evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter, 1-4pm.

Sun, Nov 2. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. fast-paced hike, L's choice including steep hills. 10am.

Sat, Nov 8. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast paced 7-mi. scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sat, Nov 8. Groton Town Forest, Groton. 6-mi. hike through woods to Nashua & Dead Rivers, 11am-2pm.

Sun, Nov 9. Flat Rock Audubon Sanctuary, Fitchburg. Mod.-easy 6 mi. hilly ramble through varied Audubon woodlands, including Crocker Conservation Area, 4 reservoirs & active archeological dig. 9:30am-3pm.

Sun, Nov 9. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike in Houghton Section on variety of trails w/several views & lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-4pm.

Tues, Nov 11. Harborwalk and North End, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work walk along the water front of downtown Boston and through the narrow streets and alleyways of the North End, including stop at Italian bakery, 6:30-8:45pm.

Thurs, Nov 13. Slide Program, "Eastern Europe." Journey thru Eastern Europe from the Danube to the Black Sea & Transylvania, presented by Dick Fallona. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Nov 15. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury. Hike 8-mi. on beach to Gurnet Pt., 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, Nov 15. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Hilly 7-mi. hike on Skyline Trail, 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sun, Nov 16. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 5-mi. hike on carriage roads with woods, formal gardens & views of Merrimack River. 10am.

Sun, Nov 16. Walden Pond, Concord. 5-7 mi. hike to Sudbury River via less traveled paths. 10:30am.

Sun, Nov 23. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 6-mi. hike to quarry, Berry Pond, Stern Pond and other points of interest. Primarily flat terrain, the quarry is rocky, hiking boots advised. 10am-2pm. [MAP]

Sun, Nov 23. Melrose Parks & Conservation Lands. Scenic 9-mi. hike in Pine Banks, Mt. Hood, & adjoining parks, 10am-3pm. Volcanic remnant, esker, ponds, fine hilltop views. [MAP]

Thurs, Nov 27. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. hike. Mod. to stren. over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm. [MAP]

Thurs, Nov 27. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 12th annual Thanksgiving walk, 4-mi., 10:15am-12:30pm. [MAP]

Fri, Nov 28. Ayer & Groton Hills. 7-mi. hike w/mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm. [MAP]

Sat, Nov 29. Weir Hill, North Andover. Short hike to summit of Weir Hill, Trustees of Res. double drumlin with beautiful view of the Merrimack Valley. 9:00-11:00am. [MAP]

Sat, Nov 29. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45am-12:00noon and 12:15-2:30pm. Length & route depend on conditions. [MAP]

Sun, Nov 30. Blue Hills, Milton. Very challenging, fast-paced 7-mi. hike along steep, scenic trails to six hills: Tucker, Boyce, Buck, Chickatawbut, Hancock, and Houghton, 9:15am-12:45pm. [MAP]

Sun, Nov 30. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester. 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm. [MAP]

December 2008

Sat, Dec 6. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 7-mi. hike inc. holly grove, Odin's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 7. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 7-mi. hike w/ponds, cascade waterfall & views, 10am-2:15pm. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 7. Estabrook Woods, Carlisle. Easy history walk to view eskers, drumlins, colonial lime quarry & "Stonehenge West." 10:30am. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 7. Blue Hills, Quincy. 7-mi. Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest & most remote area of the park, 10am-3:30pm. [MAP]

Tues, Dec 9. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk to view holiday lights in parks and streets of the Back Bay, South End, and the flats of Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-8:30pm. [MAP]

Thurs, Dec 11. Slide Program, Western National Parks, US and Canada. Presented by Sue Keroes. 12:30pm. Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. [MAP]

Sat, Dec 13. Maudsley State Park, Newburyport. Scenic walk, possible social hour after, 10am-12:30pm. [MAP]

Sat, Dec 13. Blue Hills, Canton. 3-mi. nature walk in little-known Little Blue Hill section to look for signs of birds & animals in winter, 10am-noon. [MAP]

Sat, Dec 13. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 5-mi hike along Reservoir Trail w/brief lesson in geocaching, 10am. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 14. Borderland State Park, No. Easton. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 11:00am. For directions, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland/directions.htm. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 14. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon. Scenic 5-mi. hike, 12:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 14. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead. Approx 4-mi. walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock and Marblehead Light followed by optional hot chocolate break. 1-3:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 14. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. Hike/snowshoe, easy 4 mi. over mostly flat terrain. Meet at Park at 1pm. [MAP]

Sun, Dec 21. West Cambridge. Moderate paced 5 mi. city walk will include Longfellow Park, Brattle Street, many historic stops and return along the Charles River. 1-4pm. [MAP]
 - postponed to March 1, 2009 due to snowstorm.

Sun, Dec 21. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Christmas event. 1:30-4:30pm, 6-mi. of back roads and trails ending at the Wayside Inn pub for hot chocolate. Car caravan to a nearby spectacular display of Christmas lights. [MAP] - postponed to Dec 28, 2008 due to snowstorm.

Thurs, Dec 25. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 mi. Leader’s Choice. 9am-2pm. [MAP]

Thurs, Dec 25. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike around Wolcott & Tucker Hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm. [MAP]

Sat, Dec 27. Harborwalk, Boston. Scenic, brisk 7-mi walk along Fort Point Channel, Waterfront, Big Dig parklands, & Charlestown piers, 1-5pm. Ends at North Station. Opt. informal North End dinner follows. [MAP] - cancelled due to rain, to be rescheduled in the spring.

Sun, Dec 28. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Christmas event. 1:30-4:30pm, 6-mi. of back roads and trails ending at the Wayside Inn pub for hot chocolate. Car caravan to a nearby spectacular display of Christmas lights. [MAP] - This event was rescheduled from Dec 21.