Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee Local Walks/Hikes for 2010 - 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 2010

Fri, Jan 1. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9am-2pm. Mod to stren. Approx. 5-mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain.

Sat, Jan 2. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury. Fast-paced 8-mi. hike along shore at high tide to Gurnet Light; return via road. 10:00am to 2:30pm.

Sun, Jan 3. Revere Beachcombing, Revere. A winter walk along Revere Beach, 2:30-4:15pm.

Thurs, Jan 7. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely four-mile walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares, and Huron Village from 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, Jan 9. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Challenging eight-mile hike/snowshoe through varied terrain from 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Jan 10. Hale Reservation - Westwood. Easy walk - mostly woods - across a dam and through a meadow from 1:00-3:00pm.

Sun, Jan 10. Blue Hills. Cross-country ski or hike if no snow 6 miles across golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation, 10am-3pm.

Sat, Jan 16. Emerald Necklace - Boston. Six-mile walk includes Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, and SW Corridor Park, ending at Copley Square, 12:15-3:15pm.

Sun, Jan 17. Harold Parker State Forest - North Andover. 10:00am-2:00pm, six-mile hike. Mostly flat terrain, some rocky.

Sun, Jan 17. Beaver Brook Association - Hollis, NH. Six miles over varied terrain with pond and brook views, beaver lodges, waterfowl and "French meadow", 9:45am-3:00pm. Minor rock scramble and mystery cave home to a common animal.

Mon, Jan 18. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Moderately-paced five-mile hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm.

Mon, Jan 18. Middlesex Fells. Walk or moderate cross-country ski, depending on conditions.

Sat, Jan 23. Historic Charlestown and North End. Moderately-paced walking and talking six-miles hike from 10:00am-2:00pm. Meet outside North Station T. Walk ends at Sullivan Station. Related Website: http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/users/rauch/charlestown.

Sat, Jan 23. Middlesex Fells - Malden. Hike to cliff-top views and frozen waterfall, 10:00am-2:15pm.

Sun, Jan 24. Middlesex Fells - Winchester. Slow-paced nature walk focusing on winter plant ID and fun natural history, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Jan 24. Lynn Woods - Lynn. Approximately six-mile hike from 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sun, Jan 24. Blue Hills. Cross-country ski six miles over moderate terrain, or hike in hilly areas if no snow. 10:00am-3:00pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Thurs, Jan 28. Slide Program: Rio Negro. A week's journey on a small boat on the Rio Negro, a tributary of the Amazon. Presented by Hilary Hopkins. 12:30pm. Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy Street, Boston. Brown-bag lunch, 11:30am-12:15pm. Local Walks Committee (617-266-7136).

Sat, Jan 30. Blue Hills - Milton. Two-part leader's-choice hike, 9:45am-12:00pm; 12:15-2:30pm. Length/route depend on conditions.

Sun, Jan 31. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 10am-2pm. 6-mi walk.

February 2010

Sat, Feb 6. Stony Brook Reservation - West Roxbury Woods. Hike to Turtle Pond, glacial formations and Bald Hill with view, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Feb 7. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy to moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe through scenic woods and meadows and along pond, 9:45am-12pm.

Sun, Feb 7. 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. 12-4:30pm.

Sun, Feb 7. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead. Approx. 4-mi. walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock & Marblehead Light w/optional hot chocolate after, 1-3:30pm.

Sat, Feb 13. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike around Wolcott & Tucker hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, Feb 14. Blue Hills. Cross-country ski six miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Will hike if no snow, 10:00am-3:00pm. Meet at the Shea Ice Rink, Willard Street, Quincy. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Feb 14. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. historic hike. 10am-2pm. Learn the history of Breakheart with this interpretive hike & talk.

Mon, Feb 15. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Moderately paced 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2pm.

Sat, Feb 20. Cambridge Park & Greenways. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm. Easy return by T.

Sun, Feb 21. 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.

Sun, Feb 21. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. Mod. to stren. 7-mi. hike to open summit with good views.

Sun, Feb 28. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun natural history, 1-4pm.

March 2010

Sat, Mar 6. Blue Hills. Seven-mile hike in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill, from 10:00am-4:00pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Mar 6. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sun, Mar 7. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mi. snowshoe or hike, 11am.

Sun, Mar 7. Sheldrick Preserve and Heald Tract - Wilton, NH. Six-mile hike through diverse woodlands and hilly old-growth forest with streams, ponds, ridges, eskers and interpretive points. 9:45am.

Sat, Mar 13. Middlesex Fells. Hike to cliff-top views and frozen waterfall, 10:00am-2:15pm.

Sat, Mar 13. Brook Farm - West Roxbury. Five-mile interpretive hike and talk at the site of 1840s Hawthorne and the transcendentalists utopian community. Also visit Camp Andrew, used for Civil War training. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, Mar 14. Middlesex Fells - Winchester. Sheepfold parking lot. Moderate-strenuous seven-mile hike. Hills/rough terrain. 9:00am-2:00pm. It is likely that this hike was cancelled due to rain.

Sun, Mar 14. Blue Hills. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45am-12:00pm and 12:15pm-2:30pm. Length and route depend on conditions. This hike was cancelled due to severe weather.

Sat, Mar 20. Middlesex Fells - Winchester. Fast-paced, scenic six-mile hike/snowshoe to obscure parts of the western Fells, including Squaw Sachem Rock and Ramshead Hill. 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sat, Mar 20. Blue Hills Skyline Trail. Eight-mile conditioning hike along Skyline Trail with strenuous hills at a brisk pace. 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Mar 21. Arnold Arboretum - Jamaica Plain. Walk to view trees and shrubs. 11:00am. Meet at Admin. Building, Arborway. Trip to Doyle's if you desire.

Mon, Mar 22. Harborwalk and North End. Leisurely four-mile walk along the waterfront of Boston and the narrow streets of the North End including a stop at a bakery. 6:30pm-8:45pm. This walk was cancelled due to forecasted rain.

Sat, Mar 27. Middlesex Fells - Medford. Slow-paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00pm-4:00pm.

April 2010

Thurs, Apr 1. Slide Program - New Zealand. Short on vacation time? Step off a plane in south island, start walking Routeburn/Kepler/Abel Tasman same day. Carry sleeping bag/pot/food to huts ($45/bed), arrange from home. 12:30pm. Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy Street, Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. Chris McArdle.

Sat, Apr 3. Wapack Trail: Temple Mountain Section - NH. Five-mile moderately-paced hike from 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sat, Apr 3. Weld Woods - West Roxbury. Easy three-mile walk in former estate with woods and ponds, 1:00pm.

Sun, Apr 4. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond and adjacent conservation areas. 8-9 miles.

Sat, Apr 10. Blue Hills. Seven-mile hike on a variety of trails in the Blue Hill section of the Blue Hills Reservation. Some steep trails, including the Skyline Trail, with views; 10:00am-4:00pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

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

Sat, Apr 10. Middlesex Fells - Winchester. Moderately-paced walk through open woods. Meet at 10:00am at Wedgmere RR Station (Lowell Line), and return for 1:30pm train.

Sun, Apr 11. Breakheart Reservation - Saugus. 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderately-paced hike around ponds and over hills with views.

Sun, Apr 11. Warner Trail - Cumberland, RI. Ten-mile moderate hike, 9:00am.

Sat, Apr 17. Nantasket Beach - Hull. Approximately six-mile walk, 10:00am-12:30pm.

Sat, Apr 17. Breakheart Reservation - Saugus. Five-mile moderate hike, 9:30am.

Sun, Apr 18. Neponset River Greenway. Five-mile walk in largely new parkland, 1:00pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Apr 18. Mine Falls Park - Nashua, NH. Six-mile easy walk along the Nashua River and canal with an 1886 gatehouse and spectacular waterfall in a 325-acre park. 9:45am-2:00pm.

Sun, Apr 18. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land. Hike 10 mi. to Sudbury River via Adams & Fairhaven Woods, Walden Pond & Pine Hill.

Mon, Apr 19. Marathon Day Walk. Meet at Natick train station, 1 Walnut Street at 9:25am. 1st annual walk to South Station via the marathon route. 20 miles.

Mon, Apr 19. Half-Marathon Walk, Minuteman National Park - Lexington. Brisk 13-mile walk on Battle Road Trail to Fiske Hill in Lexington, Meriam's Corner in Concord, and back. 9:30am-3:30pm.

Mon, Apr 19. Boston Marathon Hike. 15th annual hike, eight miles via Arboretum, Allandale and Hancock Woods, Hammond Pond Park to Heartbreak Hill, 9:00am-12:30pm.

Wed, Apr 21. Castle Island - South Boston. Leisurely three-mile walk along harbor, 6:15pm-8:00pm.

Sat, Apr 24. Crane Beach - Ipswich. Hike seven miles in woods and dunes with possible deer. 1:30pm.

Sat, Apr 24. Middlesex Fells - Medford. Six-mile moderate hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am.

Sat, Apr 24. Middlesex Canal. Joint with the Middlesex Canal Association. Meet at 1:30pm at the Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitor Center in the Faulkner Mill in North Billerica. Sites to be visited include a guard lock, an anchor stone for the floating bridge which once carried the towpath across the river, and many stretches of canal, some still watered. The Museum, Visitor Center and bookstore will be open from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Related Website: http://middlesexcanal.org

Sun, Apr 25. Warner Trail - Wrentham. 10-mi. mod.-paced hike. 9:00am.

Sun, Apr 25. Noanet Woods - Dover. Briskly paced five-mile hike in beautiful woods with ponds and views. 10:00am.

May 2010

Sat, May 1. Wellesley Wander. 5-6-mile circuit with Wellesley College greenhouses and campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks and aqueducts. 10:30am. Related websites: http://hike.rwinters.com, http://amcboston.org/walks, http://www.wellesley.edu/WCBG/Welcome/welcome.html

Sat, May 1. Acton Arboretum - Acton. Slow-paced nature walk through woods, fields and bog boardwalk, looking for signs of spring. Focus on plant ID and natural history. 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Sun, May 2. Warner Trail - Foxboro. Ten-mile moderate hike at 9:00am.

Sun, May 2. Lincoln: Flint's (Sandy) Pond/ old Wheeler Farm area. 10-mi. hike. Meet at Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot at 10am.

Sun, May 2. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods thru meadow, 1-3pm.

Sat, May 8. Blue Hills Bird Walk. 3mi, 7-10:30am. Beginner's birding. See common, rare species at height of spring migration. Bring binocs, bird book. [cancelled due to steady rain]

Sat, May 8. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, mod. 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10:30am-2pm.

Sat, May 8. Estabrook Woods, Concord. 5-mi leisurely level hike, 10am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 9. 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.

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

Mon, May 10. Charles River, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work riverside walk including Boston Common & Public Gardens, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, May 15. Bird walk in Estabrook Woods. 8 to 10am. Morning walk to look for migrating birds in Concord's Estabrook Woods.

Sat, May 15. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through woods, field, and bog boardwalk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm.

Sat, May 15. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader's choice mod. hike, 10am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 16. Blue Hills, Milton. Early morning ramble thru woods & over hills in reservation, 9am-noon.

Sun, May 16. Purgatory Falls, Milford NH. 6-mi. wander out & back along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9am-3pm.

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

Sun, May 16. Beacon Hill, Boston. Guided/narrated tour of historic and prestigious Beacon Hill neighborhood. Enjoy picturesque homes and monuments from the late 18th and early 19th century. 9:30am-11:30am.

Sun, May 16. [Forty-Plus] Blackstone River and Canal Walk. Moderate five-mile Sunday morning hike along the towpath of this historic river located 45 miles southwest of Boston in Uxbridge.

Thurs, May 20. Slide Program. A Look Back to Sites of Former August Camps. Including the Canadian Rockies, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Rainier and Glacier National Parks. Presented by Sue Keroes, 12:30pm, Cabot auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. Early arrivals w/ brown bag lunch, welcome at 11:30-12:15. Local Walks Committee (617-266-7136).

Sat, May 22. Blue Hills Bird Walk. 3mi., 8-11:30am. Learn by listening, identifying migrant, nesting species in Blue Hills best birding area. Bring binocs, bird book.

Sat, May 22. Warner Trail, Sharon. 15-mi. mod. hike. 9am. Bring lunch & water.

Sat, May 22, 2010. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mi. hike w/hilltop views & 2 scenic ponds, 9:30am-12:30pm. Can combine w/PM Lynn Woods hike.

Sat, May 22, 2010. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 6-mi. hike w/pirate cave, Undercliff Path & 3 large ponds, 1-4:30pm.

Sat, May 22. [Forty-Plus] Hike the Charles River Link from Newton to Babson College. Six miles RT of trails, road, eskers and aqueduct.

Sun, May 23. Middlesex Fells Geology - Malden/Stoneham/Melrose. Moderate 5-mile hike on Rock Circuit Trail with a geology focus. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, May 23. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Moderately paced 5-mi. hike around pond, 10:30am-2pm.

Sun, May 23. Arnold Arboretum. Guided walk through trees and lilacs, up hill & off trail, 10am-noon.

Thurs, May 27. Hancock Woods, W. Roxbury. Evening walk to caves, glacial terrain & marsh boardwalk w/possible Lady's Slippers, 6pm.

Sat, May 29. Blue Hills Wildflower Hike. 8 mi., wildflowers/scenic hills, some steep, new Reservoir trail, 10am-4pm.

Sat, May 29, 2010. Parks & Greenways, Wellesley. 8-mi. walk along brooks, ponds, aqueducts, eskers & woods, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, May 30. Waterville Valley, NH. Leisurely hikes to scenic Goodrich Rock, Flume & Scaur. Total distance about 9 miles with shorter options available. Some steep sections.

Mon, May 31. Borderland State Park, Easton. Meet 10:00am for 5-mile hike.

Mon, May 31, 2010. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic 4-mi. walk 10:15am-12:30pm.

June 2010

Tues, June 1. [Forty-Plus] Boston Harbor Walk. From the Fort Point Channels to Puopolo Park in the North End.

Sat, June 5. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sat, June 5. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 7 mi., easy to moderate, hike in the woods.

Sun, June 6. Callahan State Park, Framingham. Travel from Framingham to Marlboro and back, exploring the less-visited section of the park, 9:30am-noon.

Sun, June 6. 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.

Sun, June 6. Moose Hill, Sharon. Scenic 5-mi hike, 1pm. Bring sturdy boots, water, & snack for stop at L's house after.

Sat, June 12. 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, June 13. Blue Hills, Milton. In memory of our friend, Local Walks leader Bob Weker. Mod. hike w/some steep sections, 10:30am-3pm. (617-661-9230, Robert@rwinters.com).

Sun, June 13. Charlestown to Charlesgate. 7-mi. brisk paced city walk through Charlestown, North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill and Back Bay. 9:30am-2pm.

Wed, June 16. [Forty-Plus] Middle of the Week Mount Monadnock Hike. Open peak offers spectacular views. Five-mile loop, 1650' gain.

Sat, June 19. Blue Hills, Milton. Extreme 7-mi. hike for experienced hikers only, incl. steep trails and ledges, 10am-2pm.

Sun, June 20. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced scenic 7-mi. walk along Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, 9am to noon.

Sun, June 20. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn, MA. Slow-paced nature walk looking for late spring wildflowers. Focus on plant ID and natural history. 9am-noon.

Sun, June 20. 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 20. Hey Dad, Take a Hike! Borderland State Park, Easton. Dads, families and others. Meet at visitors center at 9:45am to hike at 10. We'll hike 4 easy miles around the ponds and through relatively flat woods.

Mon, June 21. Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth. Scenic, leisurely 2-mi. coastal walk, 6:45-8:30pm.

Sat, June 26, 2010. Parks & Greenways, Belmont. 6-mi. mostly wooded hike incl. Beaver Brook Reservation, 10am-1:30pm.

Sat, June 26. [Forty-Plus] Coolidge Reservation Manchester-By-The-Sea Hike. Hike past a scenic pond and through a small forest of pine and oak to reach a spectacular seaside lawn offering memorable views of Massachusetts Bay and the North Shore. 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sun, June 27. Boston/Charlestown Harbor Walk. See scenic & historic sites on brisk 13-mi. walk along waterfront from Charlestown to Dorchester Heights. 9am start. Stop for coffee/snack in North End, lunch at Quincy Market. Meet at Kendall T sta., Cambridge.

Sun, June 27. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 5-mi. hike on carriage roads with woods, formal gardens & views of Merrimack River. 10am.

July 2010

Sat, July 3, 2010. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Shady 7-mile hike with lunch at a pond, from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, July 4, 2010. Parks & Greenways, Boston. 10-mile walk includes the Arnold Arboretum, Emerald Necklace, SW Corridor Park, Boston Harborwalk and the Freedom Trail from 12:30pm-5:15pm. Many shorter options are available.

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

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

Sun, July 4. Freedom Trail, Boston. 8:45am. Celebrate Declaration of Independence & Boston's role in America's struggle for freedom on narrated walk to the 16 historically significant Freedom Trail sites.

Sat, July 10. [Forty-Plus] Ravenswood in Gloucester Hike. 6-mile RT hike through forested land with magnolia trees, brooks and swamps.

Sun, July 11. Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn, NH. Six-mile hike with lake views, osprey nests, and forest trails. 10:00am.

Tues, July 13. Blue Hills, Milton. Challenging 4-mile hike along steep trails with possible sunset views. 6:30-8:30pm.

Wed, July 14. [Forty-Plus] Spectacle Island Walk. Boat trip to one of the Boston Harbor Islands, Spectacle Island. Historic island with newly created parklands formed from clay and sediment excavated from the Big Dig. Group will picnic lunch on the island and walk a 4-mile path, stopping at historic markers along the way.

Sun, July 18. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9:30am. Moderately-paced 7-mile hike around ponds and over hills with views. Optional swim after hike.

Sat, July 24. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate-to-strenuous 8-mile hike with some steep hills. 9:30am-3:30pm.

Sun, July 25. Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. 2.5-hour afternoon walk exploring the natural beauty and history of Mount Auburn's 174 acres. The theme of the walk is Beliefs and Symbols.

Sat, July 31. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through woods and fields focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm.

Aug 2010

Tues, Aug 3. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm. Moderately-paced hike on trails and roads with views.

Sat, Aug 7. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Easy walk in open woods. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, Aug 8. Manchester-Essex Conservation Area, Manchester, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through forest to the top of Millstone Hill, focusing on plant ID and natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Thurs, Aug 12. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 4-mile walk along the harbor from 6:45-8:15pm.

Sat, Aug 14. Lincoln Conservation Land. Easy 5-mile walk around Flint's Pond through scenic fields and meadows near the DeCordova Museum, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, Aug 15. Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. 2.5-hour afternoon walk exploring the natural beauty and history of Mount Auburn's 174 acres. The theme of the walk is Poets & Writers.

Sun, Aug 15. Bedford, Burlington, and Lexington, MA Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mile wander from 9:45am-2:00pm.

Sat, Aug 21. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate-to-strenuous hike. Red Dot Trail to Buck Hill and beyond. 9:30am-3:30pm.

Sat, Aug 21. [Forty-Plus] View the parks, factory sites and falls along the Charles River DCR path from Watertown Sq. to Moody Street, Waltham and return. Bring your lunch to eat at a park or we will choose a restaurant. Five to six miles.

Sept 2010

Sun, Sept 5. Mount Misery, Farrar Pond, and Adjacent Conservation Areas. 8-9 miles. Meet at Lincoln RR commuter parking lot at 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 5. Maudsley State Park, Newburyport, MA. 10am. Steady paced river walk. After lunch sightseeing. Points of Interest in the park.

Mon, Sept 6. World's End Reservation, Hingham, MA. 5 mi. walk, 8:30-11:30am.

Thurs, Sept 9. Castle Island, South Boston, MA. Leisurely 4 mi. harbor walk, 6:15-7:45pm.

Sat, Sept 11. Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA. 6 mi. hike, rocky terrain. 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 11. Acton Arboretum, Acton, MA. Slow paced nature walk through woods, fields and over bog boardwalk. Focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00am-12noon.

Sun, Sept 12. Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle, MA. Mod. 5 mi. walk past farmland/ponds/streams, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sun, Sept 12. Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, MA. Fast-paced scenic 7 mi. walk along Wollaston Beach/Marina Bay/Squantum, 9am-noon.

Sun, Sept 12. Weir Hill, North Andover, MA. 9:00am-11:00am.

Sat, Sept 18. Emerald Necklace, Boston, MA. 12:15-3:15pm. 6 mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, SW Corridor Park, ending at Copley Sq.

Sun, Sept 19. Paths and Steps of Brookline, MA. 2:30pm. Fast-paced 2-5 mi. 13 Brookline paths/steps. NO stroll/history.

Sun, Sept 19. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, MA. 10:00am-2:00pm. 6 mi., mostly flat w/some rocky areas.

Sat, Sept 25. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA. Mod. 5 mi. hike. 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 25. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 5.2-mile hike along Reservoir Trail (Orange Blazes, Clockwise Loop), 10:30am.

Sun, Sept 26. Caryl Park, Dover, MA. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5 mi.

Sun, Sept 26. Charlestown, Boston & Cambridge, MA. 10 mi. city walk. 9am. Meet at Kendall Sq. T in Cambridge (front of Marriott Hotel). Tour Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, Beacon Hill, Boston Common, the Public Gardens, South End, return along Charles River.

Sun, Sept 26. Mount Wachusett, Princeton. Moderate-to-strenuous 7-mile hike. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Oct 2010

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

Sun, Oct 3. Maudsley State Park, Newburyport, MA. 10am. Steady paced river walk. After lunch sightseeing. Points of Interest in the park.

Sun, Oct 3. Bellevue Pond, Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA. Slow paced nature walk around pond, through forest and meadow focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Oct 3. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. Moderate-to-strenuous 7-8 mi. hike w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

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

Sun, Oct 10. Leominster State Forest, MA. 6 mi. scenic hike Redemption Rock to Crow Hills cliffs/back. Carpool-Lincoln. 9:30am-4pm (approx).

Mon, Oct 11. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA. Brisk 8 mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 16. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. Hike 7 mi. Variety of trails, some steep, incl. Skyline Trail w/views, 10am-4pm. Joint w/Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Oct 16. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, MA. Hilly 6.5 mi. hike at Wright's Pond, 10:30am.

Sat, Oct 16. [Forty-Plus] Urban Walk for History Buffs. Urban walk for history buffs (or not). About 10 miles. Start on Bunker Hill and follow the approximate 1775-76 route of the Colonial army through Cambridge, Brookline, Roxbury to Dorchester Heights. Participants will be given maps and facts sheets. T stops along the way for those who want to shorten the walk. Bring snacks/lunch. Celebratory pint at South Boston pub after walk.

Sun, Oct 17. Charles River, Cambridge/Boston, MA. 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 17. Middlesex Canal, Wilmington, MA. 3 mi. leisurely walk along scenic section of historic canal to Patch's Pond, 1:30pm. Joint w/Middlesex Canal Assn. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org

Sun, Oct 17. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI, MA. 10 mi. hike. 9:30am-4pm. FOWT Annual Mtg./Potluck after in Sharon.

Sun, Oct 17. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land, MA. Moderate 7-8 mi. hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 23. Cambridge Parks & Greenways, MA. 6 mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm.

Sat, Oct 23. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover, MA. Mod. 5 mi. hike. Ponds/cabins/lodges/remote woods, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, Oct 24. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, MA. 10:00am-2:00pm. 6 mi., mostly flat w/some rocky areas.

Sun, Oct 24. Flat Rock Audubon Sanctuary, Fitchburg, MA. Mod/easy 6 mi. 9:30am-3pm.

Mon, Oct 25. Harborwalk and North End, Boston, MA. Leisurely 4 mi. walk along waterfront-downtown Boston and through streets/alleyways-North End, incl. stop at Italian bakery, 6:15-8:45pm.

Tues, Oct 26. [Forty Plus] Downtown Boston and Harbor Walk. Meet at Back Bay Station and explore Boston Public Library, coffee/tea in the café, Newbury Street, Public Gardens, Athenaeum, free noontime concert at King's Chapel, Quincy Market and the Harbor Walk to Daily Catch for lunch and end at South Station.

Sat, Oct 30. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA. Fast-paced 8 mi. hike along shore to Gurnet Light, return via road. 10:15am-2:15pm.

Sun, Oct 31. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. 7 mi. fast-paced hike, L's choice including steep hills. 9:30am.

Sun, Oct 31. Caryl Park, Dover, MA. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5 mi.

Nov 2010

Sat, Nov 6. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:00am-12noon.

Sat, Nov 6. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast paced 7-mi. scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sat, Nov 6. Battle Road Trail, Minute Man National Historic Park. Admire remaining foliage and share some revolutionary tales along Battle Road Trail in Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord. Walk 7 miles from the Minute Man Visitor's Center to the North Bridge - with better footwear than what the Redcoats had in 1775. Meet at 9:15am in Concord at Old Manse/North Bridge parking lot on Monument Street. Leave most cars there, taking a few full cars to the parking lot at the Visitor's Center. Walk will be along Battle Road Trail with picnic lunch stop at Miriam's Corner. We'll then continue the walk on paved roads to the center of Concord and cars at the Old Manse/North Bridge parking lot. About 7 miles at a moderate pace, but we'll talk about the many historic sites we pass.

Sun, Nov 7. Waban to Chestnut Hill, MA. 9:15am to 12:30pm. Newton Parks and Conservation Lands 6-mi. hike featuring Aqueduct/Cold Spring Park/Webster Conservation Area/Hammond Pond Reservation/Houghton Garden.

Sun, Nov 7. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 10:00am-2:00pm. Steady paced walk. Sightseeing after lunch.

Sun, Nov 7. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells.

Sat, Nov 13. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike. 9:30am.

Sat, Nov 13. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow-paced nature walk to Long Pond focusing on evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter, plus fun natural history. 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Sun, Nov 14. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mi. hike in Houghton section on variety of trails w/several views. Lunch on Buck Hill. 10am-4pm.

Fri, Nov 19. Historic Streets of Boston. Leisurely 4-mi walk. Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill. 6:30-8:45pm.

Sat, Nov 20. 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.

Sat, Nov 20. Duxbury Conservation Lands [late listing - non-AMC] 10:00am - 5 to 6 mile hike through Duxbury conservation lands including North Hill Marsh, Round Pond, Bay Circuit Trail and Audubon Sanctuary. Highlights include cranberry bogs, ponds, moderate hills and paths through forest cover. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start at 10:00 sharp. Pace will be brisk i.e. somewhere between moderate and advanced. If you cannot keep up a brisk pace this is not the walk for you.

Sun, Nov 21. Revere Beachcombing. A winter walk along Revere Beach, 2:30-4:30pm.

Sun, Nov 21. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9:30am. Strenuous 7 mile hike over the Ridge Trail and Eagle Rock.

Sun, Nov 21. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester. 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm.

Sun, Nov 21. Nashoba Brook Watershed (B3C). 5-6 miles. Explore Audubon and other conservation lands including eskers, ponds, and woodland trails with stop for lunch overlooking a picturesque pond. Meet at 9:30am. Website: http://www.westfordconservationtrust.org/wct/trails/Nashoba/trail.html

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

Fri, Nov 26. Ayer & Groton Hills. 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm. [Note: This listing inadvertantly did not appear in Outdoors Magazine.]

Sat, Nov 27. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am at Houghtons Pond main parking lot.

Sun, Nov 28. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 10:00am-2:00pm. 6 mi. mostly flat terrain with some rocky areas and small hills.

Sun, Nov 28. Blue Hills, Milton. Very challenging 6-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue & Wolcott Hills, 9:15am-12:45pm.

Dec 2010

Sat, Dec 4. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 8-mi. hike inc. holly grove, Odin's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am.

Sat, Dec 4. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton. Slow nature walk through woods, field, and bog boardwalk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Sun, Dec 5. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 10:00am-2:00pm. Steady paced walk. Sight seeing after lunch.

Sun, Dec 5. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy. 7-mi. Chickatawbut section hike, 10:00am-3:30pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink.

Sat, Dec 11. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton. 3-mi. nature walk in little-known Little Blue Hill section to look for signs of birds & animals in winter, 10am-noon.

Sun, Dec 12. Borderland State Park, Massapoag Ave., No. Easton. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 11:00am at the Visitors Center with appropriate footwear for the conditions.

Sun, Dec 12. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Quick paced 7-mi. hike in southern Blue Hills, 9:30am-2pm.

Sat, Dec 18. 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.

Sat, Dec 18. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, moderate 5 mi. walk/snowshoe with several stops to view plants & trees. 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sun, Dec 19. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Christmas event. l:30-4:30pm. 6-mi. of back roads and trails ending at the Wayside Inn pub for hot chocolate. Car caravan to a nearby display of Christmas lights.

Sun, Dec 19. 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.

Mon, Dec 20. Harborwalk and North End, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along waterfront of downtown Boston and through streets and alleyways of North End, including stop at Italian bakery, 6:30-9:00pm. [This walk was cancelled due to slippery road conditions.]

Sat, Dec 25. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Greenough Land, Carlisle, MA. 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.

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

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

Sun, Dec 26. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 10:00am-2:00pm. 6 mi. mostly flat terrain with some rocky areas and small hills.