AMC logo                      

Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee

Local Walks/Hikes for 2009 - 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 2009

Thurs, Jan 1. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9am-1pm. Mod to stren. Approx. 5-mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 3. Duxbury Beach. Fast paced hike along shore at low tide to Gurnet Light - return via road - total 8 miles. 10:00am to 2:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Jan 4. Blue Hills, Canton. X-C ski or hike if no snow 6 mi. around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-3pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills. [MAP]

Sun, Jan 4. Revere Beachcombing. A winter walk along Revere Beach, about 1.5 hrs. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 10. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Brisk guided walk on & off path but stopping to look at trees 10am-12:30pm. [MAP]

Thurs, Jan 15. Slide Program. "A trip to West Africa, Mali, Senegal and Gambia" as experienced by Hilary Hopkins. 12:30pm. Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 17. Charlestown to Charlesgate. 7-mi. brisk paced city walk through Charlestown, North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill and Back Bay. 9:45am to 2pm. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 17. Emerald Necklace, Boston. 6-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, SW Corridor Park, ending at Copley Sq., 12:15-3:15pm. [MAP]

Sun, Jan 18. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Approx. 7-mi. hike. 9am-3pm. Mod. to strenuous. [MAP]

Sun, Jan 18. 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. [MAP]

Mon, Jan 19. Mystic Lakes. Easy walk along the shore of the Mystic Lakes. Meet at Wedgmere RR Sta. at 10am. [MAP]

Mon, Jan 19. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2pm. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 24. Historic Charlestown & North End. Moderately paced walking & talking 6-mi. hike. 10am to 3pm. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 24. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views & frozen waterfall, 10am-2:15pm. [MAP]

Sun, Jan 25. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Approx. 6-mi. hike 10am-3pm. [MAP]

Sun, Jan 25. Blue Hills, Quincy. X-C ski 6 mi. over mod. terrain or hike in hilly areas if no snow, 10am-3pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills. [MAP]

Sat, Jan 31. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45am-12noon and 12:15-2:30pm. [MAP]

February 2009

Sun, Feb 1. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy to moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe through scenic woods and meadows and along pond, 10am-12:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 1. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun and interesting natural history of evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter, 1-4pm. [MAP]

Sat, Feb 7. Boston Public Library Copley Square. Come in from the cold for a mid-morning guided art and architecture tour of America's finest public library. The tour will highlight the architecture of Charles Follen McKim and Philip Johnson, as well as the many works of famed sculptors and painters. Optional lunch at nearby restaurant. Reg. required. Limited to 20. L Bill McDonald. Register by email at wamcd41@yahoo.com. [MAP]

Sat, Feb 7. Stony Brook Reservation, West Roxbury Woods. Hike to Turtle Pond, glacial formations & Bald Hill w/view, 1-4pm. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 8. Marblehead. Approx. 4-mi. walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock & Marblehead Light w/optional hot chocolate after, 1-3:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 8. Annual Soupe de Poisson Hike, Blue Hills, Milton, in honor of Mead Bradner. 5-mi. hike on variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views. May need snowshoes. 12:00-4:30pm. [MAP]

Thurs, Feb. 12. Slide Program - "Sightseeing in Cambodia and Thailand", presented by Susan and Stanley Solomon. 12:30pm. Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch: 11:30am-12:15pm. Info: Local Walks Committee (617-266-7136). [MAP]

Sat, Feb 14. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike around Wolcott & Tucker Hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 15. Blue Hills, Quincy. X-C ski 6 mi. in remote Chickatawbut section or hike if no snow, 10am-3pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 15. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 10am-2pm. 6-mi. hike to quarry, Berry Pond, Sterns pond and other points of interest. Mostly flat terrain, some rocky areas. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 15. Breakheart Reservation. 5-mi. historic hike. 10am-2pm. Learn the history of Breakheart with this interpretive hike & talk. [MAP]
Reference: http://www.mass.info/saugus.ma/parks/breakheart_reservation.htm

Mon, Feb 16. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderately paced 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2pm. [MAP]

Sat, Feb 21. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Feb 22. Wachusett Mt., Princeton. Mod. to stren. 7-mi. hike to open summit with good views. Meet 9am for carpool at Lincoln RR station. [MAP]

Sat, Feb 28. Hale Reservation/Noanet Woodlands, Westwood/Dover. Fast-paced, challenging 9-mi. hike/snowshoe in two connecting parklands including hills, ponds, streams, cabins, lodges, and remote woods, 9:30am-2pm. [MAP]

March 2009

Sun, Mar 1. 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. [MAP]

Sun, Mar 1. 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] - cancelled

Thurs, Mar 5. Slide Program, India - a week after the Mumbai attacks. Chris McArdle and her family flew into south India with no plans beyond a wedding in Mumbai and the first night in Cochin. Two weeks later they emerged. Come hear the trials and triumphs of English-American travelers in Southern India. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30-12:15. Info: Local Walks Comm. (617-266-7136). [MAP]

Sat, Mar 7. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am. [MAP]

Sun, Mar 8. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views & frozen waterfall, 10am-2:15pm. [MAP]

Sunday, Mar 8. Historic Charlestown. 5 miles. Meet at 9:30am at Bunker Hill Community College. We will follow the original shoreline of historic Charlestown as best we can. Along the way we will pass by many historic locations including the site of the former state prison, John Harvard's neighborhood, the Three Cranes Tavern, the ferries, bridges, dams, elevated railway and railroads across the Charles and Mystic Rivers, the Navy Yard, Bunker and Breeds Hills, John Larkin's house, historic churches, ropewalks, Middlesex Canal, etc. Optional lunch at the Warren Tavern, the most historic watering hole in America. [MAP]

Sun, Mar 8. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mi. snowshoe or hike, 11am. Meet at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot. [MAP]

Tues, Mar 10. Harborwalk and North End, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work walk along the waterfront of downtown Boston and through the narrow streets and alleyways of the North End, including stop at Italian bakery, 6:30-8:45pm. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 14. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Walk to view trees & shrubs, 11am. Meet at Admin. Bldg., Arborway. Storm cancels. L Ann Landers. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 14. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike in Houghton section on variety of trails w/several views & lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-4pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 14. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Moderate, scenic 6-mile hike/snowshoe to obscure parts of the western Fells including Squaw Sachem Rock and Ramshead Hill. 9:30am-1pm. [MAP]

Sun, Mar 15. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Sheepfold Pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 7 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 21. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mi. hike or snowshoe on mix of trails w/lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 21. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, 12-4:30pm. Bring water, boots, work gloves, bow saws, & clippers. Some tools avail. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 21. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Milton, MA. 8-mi. conditioning hike along Skyline Trail, strenuous hills, brisk pace. 10am-2:30pm. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes - no sneakers. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 28. Blue Hills, Canton. Easy 4-5 mi. walk around Ponkapoag Pond, 10am-2pm. [MAP]

Sat, Mar 28. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Mod. walk thru open woods, 10am. Meet at Wedgmere RR Sta. (Lowell line) & return for 1:30pm train. [MAP]

Sun, Mar 29. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Search for signs of spring on slow paced nature walk to fields, forest & around pond, focusing on plant ID and natural history, 1-4pm. [MAP]

April 2009

Sat, Apr 4. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45am-12:00noon and 12:15-2:30pm. [MAP]

Sat, Apr 4. Weld Woods, W. Roxbury. Easy 3-mi. walk in former estate w/woods & ponds, 1pm. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 5. Warner Trail, Section 1, Cumberland, RI. 65th season. Mostly level 10 mi. hike w/varied scenery from Wampum Corner, Wrentham S to Diamond Hill, RI, 9am-4pm. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 5. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. Slow-paced nature walk in beautiful botanical garden of New Eng. Wildflower Society focusing on plant ID & interesting natural history, 1-4pm. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 5. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike on variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-4pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 5. 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. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 5. East Gloucester. 5.5-mi. paved walk w/scenic harbor & ocean views, 1-4pm. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 5. Fort Washington, Cambridge. "Fort Washington, the Alpha & Omega of the American Revolution." 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. [MAP]

Sat, Apr 11. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced 7-mi. scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm. [MAP]

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

Sun, Apr 12. Parks & Greenways, Medford. Scenic 8-mi. hike in Middlesex Fells & Mystic River Res., ending at Wellington T sta., 10am-2:30pm. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 12. Harold Parker State Forest, Andover. Hike 4 mi. in one of oldest forests in SF & park system, 9am-2pm. [MAP]

Thurs, Apr 16. Presentation, Mt. McKinley, Alaska. At 20,300, Mt. McKinley is the highest point in North America and is located at nearly the Arctic Circle in central Alaska. Also know as Denali by native Americans, Mt. McKinley has drawn climbers, explorers, and adventurers to its environs for nearly 150 years. First climbed in 1910 by a group of "Sourdoughs" from Fairbanks, the summit remains a challenge for the mountaineers of today. Our speaker, Roger Scholl, is a member of the NH Chapter, trip leader, and will speak on the trials and tribulations of a modern expedition to the West Buttress of Mt. McKinley. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. Info: Local Walks Committee (617-266-7136). [MAP]

Sat, Apr 18. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forest to Grassy Pond focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm. [MAP]

Sat, Apr 18. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. mod. hike, 9:30am. [MAP]

Sat, Apr 18. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mi. hike on mix of trails w/lunch at Wright’s Pond, 10:30am. Dogs are welcome. [MAP]

Sun, Apr 19. Neponset River Greenway, Dorchester & Milton. 5-mi. walk in largely new parkland, 1-3:30pm.

Sun, Apr 19. Warner Trail, Section 2, Wrentham. 10-mi. mod. hike. 9am.

Sun, Apr 19. Purgatory Brook, Milford, NH. 6-mi. wander out & back along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain. 9 am-3pm. [MAP]

Mon, Apr 20. Boston Marathon Hike, Jamaica Plain/Boston. 14th annual hike, 6 mi. via Arboretum & Emerald Necklace to Fenway T area in time for lead runners, 9:15-11:45am. Optional afternoon hike downtown if good weather. [MAP]

Mon, Apr 20. 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. This is an all day trip on back roads, trails and city streets. Meet 9:10am at Lincoln RR sta. lot. Take 6:15pm train back to Lincoln or opt. dinner in North End & 7:30pm train. [MAP]

Mon, Apr 20. Half-Marathon Walk, Minuteman Nat'l Park, Lexington. Brisk 13-mi. walk mostly on Battle Rd. Tr. to Fiske Hill in Lexington, Meriam's Corner in Concord, & back. 9:30am-3:30pm. [MAP]

Sat, Apr 25. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 6 mi. moderate hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am.

Sat, Apr 25. Middlesex Canal, Winchester/Medford. 3-mi. level history walk along canal route to site of Mystic River aqueduct in Medford, 1:30pm. Meet at Sandy Beach lot at Upper Mystic Lake on Mystic Valley Pkwy. Joint w/M'sex Canal Assoc. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org.

Sat, Apr 25. Crane Beach, Ipswich. Hike 7 mi. in woods & dunes w/possible deer, 1:30pm.

Sun, Apr 26. Blue Hills, Quincy. 7-mi. hike, 10am-2:15pm, w/Quincy Quarries option at end.

Sun, Apr 26. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 5-mi. hike in beautiful woods w/ponds & views. 10am.

Tues, Apr 28. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. sunset walk along Boston Harbor, 6:30-8:30pm.

May 2009

Sat, May 2. Wellesley Wander. 5-6 mi. circuit w/Wellesley College greenhouses & campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks & aqueducts, 10:30am-2:00pm. Meet at Wellesley College Greenhouses.

Sun, May 3. Warner Trail, Sharon. 10-mi. mod. hike. 9am. Meet at EMS store at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1 in Foxboro.

Sat., May 9. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, mod. 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring lunch. Meet at Admin. Bldg. Park on Arborway or take T to Forest Hills, walk 0.6 mi. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat., May 9. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. 6.5-mi. hike on mix of hilly trails, 10:30am, w/lunch at Wright's Pond.

Sat., May 9. Lynn Woods. 5 mi. historic hike. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn the history of Lynn Woods with this interpretive hike & talk.

Sat., May 9. Fowl Meadow, Milton. Bird walk, 3 mi., 7-10:30 a.m. Learn to bird. See common & rare species at height of spring migration. Bring binocs & bird book. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, May 10. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 7-mi. hike incl. holly grove, Ode's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30 am.

Thurs, May 14. Slide Program. Northern Peru. The mountains and less frequently visited archeological sites. Presented by Sue Keroes. 12:30 p.m. Cabor Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30-12:15. Info: Local Walks Committee (617-266-7136)

Sat., May 16. 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.

Sun., May 17. Ponemah Bog, Amherst, NH. Slow-paced nature walk through woods and along boardwalk to see spring wildflowers including rhodora and perhaps pink lady's slippers.

Tue., May 19. 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, including stop at Italian bakery, 6:15-8:30pm.

Sat., May 23. Blue Hills, Quincy. 8-mi. hike on Great Dome Foot Path w/wildflowers & scenic hills, some steep, 10am-4pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy.

Sat, May 23. Parks & Greenways, Wellesley. 8-mi. walk along brooks, ponds, aqueducts, eskers & woods, 10am-2:30pm.

Mon, May 25. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic 4-mi. walk 10:15am-12:30pm.

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

Sat, May 30. Fowl Meadow, Milton. Bird Walk, 3 mi., 8:00-11:30am. Learn to bird by listening for & identifying late migrant & nesting species in best birding area in Blue Hills. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 30. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 5-mi. hike in beautiful woodlands w/ponds, hills, views, 10am.

Sat, May 30. Cambridge Town and Gown. Narrated history and architecture tour (morning) of Harvard Yard and Brattle St. See different architectural styles that cover the history of America as we walk through the most prestigious and historic university and residential street in the country.

Sun, May 31. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Hike 6, 8 or 14 miles: 6 mi. in eastern Fells, 9:15am-12:05pm, optional lunch; 8 mi. in western Fells, 12:30-4:30pm. Shady route if hot. Both start at DCR Flynn Ice Rink on Woodland Rd.

Sun, May 31. Callahan State Park, Framingham. Early morning walk in woods & meadows of this undeveloped park, 8:30-11:30am.

June 2009

Sat, June 6. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 7 mi., easy to moderate, hike in the woods.

Sat, June 6. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sat, June 6. Whitney-Thayer Woods, Hingham. 10am-12pm. Dogs welcome. Ltd. to 10 people. Reg. req.

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

Sat, June 13. Churches and Synagogues of the North End, Boston. Narrated morning walk examining the rich historical and religious traditions of Boston's oldest and most diverse neighborhood. Reg req. Ltd to 20. L Bill McDonald.

Sat, June 13. Blue Hills, Milton. Early morning ramble thru woods & over hills in reservation, 9am-noon.

Sat, June 13. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. hike w/hilltop views & 2 scenic ponds, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, June 13. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 6-mi. hike w/pirate cave, Undercliff Path & 3 large ponds, 1-4:30pm.

Sun, June 14. Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH. Explore trails through 140-acre hilltop international sculpture garden-largest in NE, w/views, constantly changing exhibits and interesting finds. 9:45am-2pm.

Sun, June 14. Horn Pond Mountain, Woburn. Easy to mod. nature walk up Horn Pond Mountain focusing on spring wildflower ID & natural history, 1-4pm.

Sun, June 14. Estabrook Woods, Carlisle/Concord. 6-mi. hike over varied terrain.

Mon, June 15. Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth. Scenic, leisurely 2-mi. coastal walk, 6:45-8:30pm.

Sat, June 20. Lincoln Conservation Land. Easy 4.5-mi. walk to Walden Pond, 10:30am-2pm.

Sat, June 20. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader's choice mod. hike, 10am-1:30pm.

Sun, June 21. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced scenic 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, 9am to noon.

Sun, June 21. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. hike w/some steep sections, 8:45am-3pm.

Sun, June 21. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. Hike 5 mi. in one of oldest forests in SF & park system, 10am-2pm.

Tues, June 23. West Cambridge. Moderate paced 5-mi. city walk will include Longfellow Park, Brattle Street, many historic stops and return along the Charles River. 6-9pm.

Sat, June 27. Edible Wild Plant Walk, Bay Circuit Trail, Hanson. 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. Rain/shine. Joint w/WalkBoston.

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

July 2009

Sat, 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.

Sat, July 4. Mt. Monadnock, NH. 4-mi., moderate to difficult, classic New England hike.

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

Sat, July 4. Parks & Greenways, Boston. 12-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Emerald Necklace, SW Corridor Park, Boston Harborwalk, Freedom Trail, 12:45-6:30pm. Numerous shorter options.

Sun, July 5. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 12:45-3pm and 3-5:15pm.

Sun, July 5. Boston/Charlestown Harbor Walk. Visit scenic & historic sites on brisk 10-mi. walk along waterfront from Charlestown to Dorchester Heights, 9am. Stop for coffee/snack in North End, lunch at Quincy Market. Shorter options available.

Sat, July 11. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Fast-paced, challenging 8-mi. hike w/ponds, hills, & cave, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, July 12. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod. to stren. Approx. 5 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm. Swimming after hike.

Tues, July 14.Blue Hills, Milton. Challenging 4-mi. hike along steep trails w/possible sunset views, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, July 18. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader's choice mod/easy hike, 10am-2pm.

Sun, July 19. Acton/Littleton Conservation Land. 6-mi. mod hilly ramble, 9:15am. From Nagog Hill Cons. area in Acton to Sarah Doublet Forest in Littleton where Pawtucket Indians lived & squaw Sarah Doublet deeded the plantation in 1736. Lunch in old orchard.

August 2009

Sun, Aug 2. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1-4pm.

Sun, Aug 9. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod. to stren. Approx. 5 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

Sat, Aug 15. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader's choice mod/easy hike, 10am-2pm. Meet at Wedgmere RR sta. (Lowell line), Winchester.

Wed, Aug 19. Castle Island, S. Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along harbor, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, Aug 22. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 8-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10 a.m.-2:30p.m.

Sun, Aug 23. Blue Hills, Milton. 4-mi. hike, 2:30-4:45 p.m. Meet at Houghton's Pond lot.

Sat, Aug 29. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history.

September 2009

Sat, Sept 5. Parks & Greenways, Cambridge to Malden. Mostly wooded, somewhat hilly 9-mi. hike w/8 ponds and incl. Middlesex Fells & ending at Oak Grove T sta., 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring lunch & water. Meet on W side of Alewife T sta. at passenger drop-off. Severe storm cancels. L Mike Stadelmaier.

Sun, Sept 6. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4-mi. walk among 5000 kinds of trees & shrubs, 12:30-2:45pm. Bring snack & water. Meet at Admin. Bldg., Arborway. Take T to Forest Hills sta., walk 0.6 mi. Severe storm cancels. L Mike Stadelmaier.

Mon, Sept 7. World's End Reservation, Hingham. Scenic 5-mi. walk, 8:30am to 11:30am.

Sat, Sept 12. Parks & Greenways, Newton. 8 mi. hike including aqueducts, Hemlock Gorge, Cold Spring & Hammond Pond Parks, 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, Sept 12. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 6-mi. hike on rocky terrain. 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 13. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced scenic 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, 9am to noon.

Sun, Sept 13. Blue Hills, Quincy. 6-mi. hike, 1:30-5pm, w/Quincy Quarries option at end. Meet at DCR Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy.

Sat, Sept 19. Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. Mod. 5-mi. walk past farmland, ponds & streams, 10am-1pm.

Sat, Sept 19. Acton Arboretum, Acton. Slow paced nature walk through woods, fields & bog boardwalk. Focus on plant id and natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Sept 20. Musquash Conservation Area, Londonderry, NH. 9:45am-2:45pm. Wander through 900 acre over varied terrain with up to 15 mi of trails. Some low views, interesting cellar holes, beaver habitat and marshland.

Tues, Sept 22. Harborwalk and North End. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along waterfront of downtown Boston and through streets and alleyways of North End, including stop at Italian bakery, 6:10-8:35pm.

Sat, Sept 26. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod. 5-mi. hike. 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 26. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 5-mi. hike along Reservoir Trail w/brief lesson in geocaching, 10am. Bring GPS if you have one.

Sun, Sept 27. Arlington/Lexington Conservation Land. 2.5 hour 4-mi. ramble, optional dinner at Chinese restaurant to follow.

Sun, Sept 27. Dogtown Common, Gloucester. History oriented hike. Moderately paced walking & talking 6-mi hike. 10am to 2pm.
Dogtown Info: http://www.thedacrons.com/eric/dogtown/visiting_dogtown_gloucester.html.
Babson Boulders pictures: http://hike.rwinters.com/dogtown.htm

October 2009

Sat, Oct 3. Blue Hills Hike. Hike 7 miles on a variety of trails, some steep, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10am-4pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Oct 3. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. Easy 5-mi. hike w/woods, pond, formal gardens & views of Merrimack River, 10am.

Sun, Oct 4. Charlestown, Boston & Cambridge. 10-mi. city walk. 9am. Tour Bunker Hill Monument & USS Constitution, then Beacon Hill, Boston Common, the Public Gardens, South End & return along Charles River.

Sun, Oct 4. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Mod to stren. 7-mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

Sat, Oct 10. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 6-7 mi. walk in the woods, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 10. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 10am-2:30pm. Moderate walk in open woods.

Sun, Oct 11. Leominster State Forest. 6-mi. scenic hike from Redemption Rock to Crow Hills cliffs & back. Carpool from Lincoln at 9:30am, return about 4pm.

Sun, Oct 11. Parks & Greenways, Quincy. 7-mi. walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10am-2:30pm.

Mon, Oct 12. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 17. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 10-mi. hike w/varied scenery from Wampum Corner, Wrentham, S to Diamond Hill, RI, 9:30am-4pm.

Sat, Oct 17. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mi. hike on mix of trails w/lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am.

Sun, Oct 18. Middlesex Fells. Slow paced nature walk to Long Pond. Focus on plant id and natural history. 1-4pm.

Sun, Oct 18. Flat Rock Audubon Sanctuary, Fitchburg. Mod.-easy 6-mi. hilly ramble through varied Audubon woodlands, Crocker Conservation Area, 4 reservoirs & archeological dig. 9:30 am-3pm.

Sun, Oct 18. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

Sun, Oct 18. Middlesex Canal, North Billerica. Level 5-mi. walk along historic canal N to Chelmsford, 1:30-4pm. Joint w/Middlesex Canal Assoc. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org.

Sun, Oct 18. Groton Foliage Hike. 11:00am. Come see New England autumn splendor in a quiet rural setting. The hike will be 2-3 hours at a moderate pace and will feature eskers, scenic ponds, beaver dams, and of course lots of colorful leaves.

Sat, Oct 24. Weston Conservation Land. Easy 4-mi. walk at Sears Conservation Land w/varied habitat in former industrial ctr. (1750-1930) of Weston, 10:30am-1:00pm.

Sat, Oct 24. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. hike w/hilltop views & 2 scenic ponds, 9:30am-12:30pm. Can combine w/afternoon Lynn Woods hike.

Sat, Oct 24. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 6-mi. hike via Undercliff Path to pirate cave & 3 large ponds, 1-4:30pm.

Sun, Oct 25. Monadnock Foliage Hike, NH. 5.5-mi. (1600 ft. elevation gain) moderately paced hike. 10am-3pm. Enjoy New Hampshire foliage at its peak as we summit via the Halfway House/White Arrow Trail and return via the cliff trail. Info: http://www.nhstateparks.org/library/pdf/monadnockhiking.pdf

Tues, Oct 27. Historic Streets of Boston. Leisurely 3-mi walk through Beacon Hill and the Back Bay, 6:30-8:15pm.

Sat, Oct 31. Melrose Parks & Conservation Lands. Scenic 9-mi. hike in Pine Banks, Mt. Hood, & adjoining parks, 10am-3pm. Volcanic remnant, esker, ponds, hilltop views.

November 2009

Sun, Nov 1. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. fast-paced hike, L's choice including steep hills. 10am.

Sat, Nov 7. Lincoln Conservation Land. 10-mi. hike incl. Mt. Misery & Walden Pond, 9:15am-2:45pm.

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

Sun, Nov 8. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun & interesting natural history. 1-4pm.

Sun, Nov 8. Charles River, Cambridge/Boston. Spectacular 5-mi. walk along the Charles, 1-4pm.

Sun, Nov 8. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo).

Sun, Nov 8. Blue Hills. Hike 7 miles on a variety of trails, some steep, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10am-4pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Wed, Nov 11. Charlestown to Charlesgate. 7-mi. brisk paced city walk through Charlestown, North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill and Back Bay. 9:45am to 2pm.

Sat, Nov 14. Harvard Yard, Cambridge. Guided/narrated morning tour of one of the world's finest most prestigious universities. Optional lunch. Limited to 20. Reg. req'd. L Bill McDonald.

Sat, Nov 14. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi hike. 9:30am. Bring lunch. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot.

Sat, Nov 14. Duxbury Beach. Hike 8-mi on beach to Gurnet Pt., 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, Nov 15. Bedford, Burlington, and Lexington, MA Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mi. wander through conservation and municipal woodlands on mostly unmarked trails. Visit Old Rez, Paint Mine, and Muskrat Ponds. 9:45am-2pm.

Sun, Nov 15. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 10am-noon. Explore Arboretum, off path and up hill, with guide followed by bagel lunch in JP.

Thurs, Nov 19. Slide Program, Newfoundland. An introduction to Newfoundland, its history, geology, and people. Presented by Dick Fallona. 12:30pm, Cabot Auditorium., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. Local Walks Committee (617-266-7136).

Sat, Nov 21. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mi. hike in Chickatawbut section. Meet 10am.

Sun, Nov 22. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester. 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes, & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm.

Mon, Nov 23. Harborwalk and North End. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along waterfront of Boston and narrow streets of North End, including stop at bakery, 6:30-8:45pm.

Thurs, Nov 26. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. hike. Mod. to stren. over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

Thurs, Nov 26. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 13th annual Thanksgiving walk, 4-mi., 10:15am-12:30pm.

Thurs, Nov 26. Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain. 3-mi. walk in garden cemetery w/sculpture path, 12:30-2:30pm.

Fri, Nov 27. Ayer & Groton Hills. 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm.

Sat, Nov 28. Beacon Hill, Boston. Guided/narrated tour of historic and prestigious Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Sat, Nov 28. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 7-mi. hike w/ponds, cascade waterfall & views, 10am-2:15pm.

Sun, Nov 29. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate 5-mi. hike through remote, little-traveled areas, 9:30am-12:45pm.

December 2009

Sat, Dec 5. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 7-mi. hike inc. holly grove, Odin's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am.

Sat, Dec 5. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45-11:55am and 12:15-2:30pm. Route depends on conditions.

Sun, Dec 6. Blue Hills. 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation, 10am-3:30pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Dec 6. Estabrook Woods Walk, Carlisle. Easy history walk to view eskers, drumlins, colonial lime quarry, & "Stonehenge West." 10:30am-1pm.

Sat, Dec 12. Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Boston. Guided/narrated morning tour of America's finest public library. Optional lunch. Limited to 20. Reg. req'd.

Sat, Dec 12. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike. 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter, 10am-noon. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Dec 13. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon. Scenic 5-mi hike, 12:30pm. Bring sturdy boots, water, & snack for stop at L's house after. Meet southbound side of Sharon RR station. From Rte. 95 exit 10, take Coney St. to Sharon (becomes Rte. 27 S) 1 mi to RR station. Entrance on R just before bridge over tracks. L Loretta O'Brien

Sun, Dec 13. 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. 12:30-3:30pm. Take Rte. 114 or Rte. 127 to Ocean St. or Beach St. Go E to Devereaux beach pkg lot. Storm/icy roads cancels. L Sara Epstein.

Sun, Dec 13. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk focusing on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history. 1-4pm. From Rte. 2 exit 59, go W on Rte. 60/Pleasant St. 0.6 mi. R on Clifton St., 1st L on Fletcher Rd. Bear L at fork, next L on Juniper Rd. 0.2 mi to sanctuary at #10 Juniper Rd. Heavy rain or snow cancels. L Boot Boutwell.

Sun, Dec 13. Borderland State Park, Massapoag Ave., North Easton. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. [This event was cancelled due to injury.]

Thurs, Dec 17. Slide Program, Antarctica. Antarctica-March of the Tourists. After New Year's in Buenos Aires, Presented by Judith Praznik. 12:30pm. Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. 11:30am-12:15pm. Brown bag lunch. Local Walks Committee.

Sat, Dec 19. Weir Hill, North Andover. Short hike to summit of Weir Hill, Trustees of Res. double drumlin with beautiful view of the Merrimack Valley. 9-11am.

Sun, Dec 20. Powisset Farm, Dover. Easy walking through meadows and crop lands on 100+ acre Trustees of Reservations historic farm and parts of Hale and Noanet Woodlands, 1-3pm.

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

Fri, Dec 25. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Carlisle. 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.

Fri, Dec 25. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9am-2pm. Mod to stren. Approx. 5-mi hike over many hills & rough terrain.

Sun, Dec 27. 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.

Thurs, Dec 31. Once in a Blue Moon, South Boston. 7pm Hike to Castle Island. Brisk paced 7-mi. scenic walk along ocean by light of full moon.