Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee Local Walks/Hikes for 2011 - 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 2011

Sun, Jan 2. 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, Jan 8. Blue Hills, Quincy. Difficult 6 mi. hike/snowshoe through hilly, remote areas, 10am-1:30pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy.

Sat, Jan 8. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 mi. Leaders Choice. 9am-2pm. Bring lunch, H2O, snacks. Dress for the Elements. Stabilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow.

Sun, Jan 9. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

Sun, Jan 9. Blue Hills, Canton. XC ski, or hike if there is no snow. Travel 6 miles across a golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in Blue Hills Reservation. If no snow, we will hike over the infamous horse bridge which has recently reopened. From 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sat, Jan 15. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 mi. Leaders Choice. 9am-2pm.

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

Sun, Jan 16. Arnold Arboretum. 10-11:30am guided walk off path up hills by Arboretum volunteer. Hot drinks in JP afterwards.

Sun, Jan 16. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 10am-2pm. 6-mi. walk.

Mon, Jan 17. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am–2pm.

Mon, Jan 17. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Walk or moderate cross-country ski depending on conditions.

Sat, Jan 22. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:00am-12noon.

Sat, Jan 22. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views & frozen waterfall, 10am-2:15pm.

Sun, Jan 23. Mt. Watatic, Ashburnham. Mod. to stren. 5-mi. hike to open summit with good views.

Sun, Jan 23. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe 6-mi. mod. ter./hike if no snow, 10:00am-3:00pm.

Tues, Jan 25. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, Jan 29. Snowshoe/Hike Sudbury, MA. Explore trails around the Wayside Inn and Memorial Forest Reservation. Enjoy hot cider at the historic Wayside Inn pub afterwards.

Sun, Jan 30. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate 5-6 mile snowshoe/hike Houghton's Pond Section. 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Jan 30. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 10:00am-2:00pm. 6-mi. hike to quarry, Berry Pond, Sterns pond and other points of interest. Mostly flat terrain, some rocky areas.

February 2011

Sat, Feb 5. Stony Brook Reservation, West Roxbury Woods. Hike to Turtle Pond, glacial formations & Bald Hill w/view, 1-4pm.

Sun, Feb 6. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead. Approx. 4-mi. walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock & Marblehead Light w/optional hot chocolate after, 12:30-3:30pm.

Sun, Feb 6. 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. 12:00-4:30pm.

Sun, Feb 6. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy to moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe through scenic woods and meadows and along pond, 9:45am-12pm.

Sat, Feb 12. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike around Wolcott, Tucker hills w/shorter option, 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, Feb 12. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun natural history, 1-4pm.

Sun, Feb 13. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe/hike if no snow 6 mi. in remote Chickatawbut section, 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sat, Feb 19. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 10am-2pm. 6-mi walk.

Sat, Feb 19. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm.

Sun, Feb 20. Wachusetts Mt., Princeton. Mod. to stren. 7-mi. hike to open summit with good views. Meet 9:00am for carpool at Lincoln RR station.

Sun, Feb 20. Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover. 10:00am-2:00pm. 6-mi. hike to quarry, Berry Pond, Sterns pond and other points of interest. Mostly flat terrain, some rocky areas.

Mon, Feb 21. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Moderately paced 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2pm.

Sat, Feb 26. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45am-12:00noon and 12:15-2:30pm. Length & route depend on conditions.

Sun, Feb 27. 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.

March 2011

Sat, Mar 5. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sat, Mar 5. Blue Hills, Milton. 5 mile snowshoe or hike. Meet at 11:00am at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot.

Sun, Mar 6. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-mile hike in Houghton section of Blue Hills Reservation, on variety of trails with several views, and lunch on Buck Hill. From 10am-4pm. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Mar 6. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, L's Choice. From 9am-1pm.

Sun, Mar 6. Sheldrick Preserve & Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. 6-mile hike through diverse woodlands and hilly old growth forest with streams, ponds, ridges, eskers, and interpretive points. 9:45am.

Sat, Mar 12. Middlesex Fells. Hike/snowshoe. 10am. Wedgmere Station (Lowell Line). Return for 1:30pm train.

Sat, Mar 12. Blue Hills. Two-part L's Choice hike from 9:45am-12pm, and 12:15pm-2:30pm. Length and route depend on conditions.

Sun, Mar 13. Weir Hill, North Andover. 5-mile interpretive hike and talk at site of 1840s Hawthorne and transcendentalists utopian community. Also, visit Camp Andrew. Short hike to summit of Weir Hill, Trustees of Reservations double drumlin with beautiful views of Merrimack Valley. 9-11am.

Sun, Mar 13. Wayside Inn/Sudbury/Memorial Forest. 1:30-4:30pm. 4-6 miles on back roads and trails, with a possible ending at Wayside Inn pub for hot cider/chocolate.

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

Sat, Mar 19. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Moderate 6-mi. hike/snowshoe w/ponds, hills, views, 9:45am-1:30pm.

Sat, Mar 19. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mile hike on a mix of trails with lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am.

Sun, Mar 20. Walden Pond/Sudbury River. Hike on less traveled paths. 6 mi. Meet 10:30am near restrooms at Walden Pond pkg. lot.

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

Sat, Mar 26. Duxbury Beach. Fast-paced 8-mile hike along shore to Gurnet Light, returning via road. 10:15am-2:15pm.

Sun, Mar 27. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm. Bring water, boots, work gloves, bow saws, and clippers. Some tools available. Potluck supper follows in Sharon.

Sun, Mar 27. Lynn Woods. Approximately 9 miles at an easy pace over varied terrain, from 10am-4pm.

April 2011

Sat, Apr 2. Weld Woods, W. Roxbury. Easy 3-mile walk in former estate with woods and ponds, 1:00pm.

Sun, Apr 3. Middlesex Fells - Medford. Slow-paced nature walk in search of early flowering plants and other signs of spring. Walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:00am-12:00pm.

Sun, Apr 3. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. 6-mile easy walk along Nashua River, canal with 1886 gatehouse, spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, from 9:45am-2:00pm.

Sun, Apr 3. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 10-mile moderate hike. 9:00am.

Sat, Apr 9. Castle Island - South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sat, Apr 9. Delaney Wildlife Mgt. Area (Stow, MA). 10:00am, finish by mid-afternoon. 6-7 miles. Two small stream crossings.

Sun, Apr 10. Minute Man National Historic Park, Battle Road. Approx. 8mi hike. 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Apr 10. Blue Hills, Milton. 7-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, 10am-4pm.

Sun, Apr 10. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderately-paced hike around ponds and over hills with views.

Sun, Apr 10. Walden Woods, Wright Forest, Concord, MA. Easy hike. Thoreau interpretive path, forest, marshes, vernal pool (frog chorus). 10:00am-1:00pm.

Fri, Apr 15. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along harbor, 6:45-8:15pm.

Sat, Apr 16. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5-mile hike on a mix of trails with lunch at Wright's Pond, 10:30am. Dogs welcome.

Sat, Apr 16. Neponset River Greenway. Five-mile walk in largely new parkland, 1:00pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Apr 17. Warner Trail, Wrentham. 10-mi. mod. hike. 9:00am.

Sun, Apr 17. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas (Lincoln, MA). 8-9 mi. Meet at 9:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Sun, Apr 17. Middlesex Canal, Woburn. Level 3-mi. walk w/Middlesex Canal Assoc. along 2 sections of historic canal, 1:30pm. Info: www.middlesexcanal.org.

Mon, Apr 18. Marathon Day Walk. Natick train station, 1 Walnut St. 9:25am. 1st annual walk to South Station via the marathon route. 20 miles. Dinner in Chinatown and take 7:15pm train to Natick.

Mon, Apr 18. 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 18. Boston Marathon Hike. 16th annual hike, eight miles via Arboretum, Allandale and Hancock Woods, Hammond Pond Park to Heartbreak Hill, 9:00am-12:30pm. Watch race on trolley back into town or hike back via Marathon route.

Wed, Apr 20. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. hike 10:30am-2:00pm to celebrate Eddie DeSantis' 90th birthday.
[Hikers follow in footsteps of Blue Hills 'mayor' (Boston Globe, Apr 17)    Quincy edition (better picture)]

Sat, Apr 23. Breakheart Reservation - Saugus. Five-mile moderate hike, 9:30am.

Sat, Apr 23. Hammond Pond Reservation/Webster Conservation Land. Hike 2-3 mi. See glacial cliffs, cave, possible deer. Meet 1:30pm.

Sun, Apr 24. 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, Apr 24. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Briskly paced 5-mi. hike in beautiful woods w/ponds & views. 10am.

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

Sat, Apr 30. Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Concord. Bird walk to look for migrating ducks, hawks, and warblers, 8-10am. Bring binocs & bird book.

Sat, Apr 30. Acton Arboretum, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of early spring wild flowers and other signs of spring. The walk will focus on plant ID and natural history. 9am-12 noon.

May 2011

Sun, May 1. Warner Trail, Foxboro. 10-mi. mod. hike. 9am.

Sun, May 1. Walk for Hunger/Project Bread. Join the Local Walks group for Project Bread's annual Walk for Hunger. We'll leave the Boston Common at 7:30am and walk 20 miles (or as far as possible!) to raise funds for local organizations that provide food assistance to those in need.

Sat, May 7. Blue Hills Bird Walk. Beginner's bird walk 3 miles through Fowl Meadow, 7-10:30 am. Learn to bird. See both common and rare bird species at the height of spring migration in the best birding area in the Blue Hills Reservation. Bring your binoculars and a bird book if you have one. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 7. 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 7. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Moderate pace and distance, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sat, May 7. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader's choice mod. hike, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, May 7. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, mod. 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 8. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 7-mi. hike incl. holly grove, Oden's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am.

Sun, May 8. Flint's (Sandy) Pond/Old Wheeler Farm Area, Lincoln. 10 mi. Meet at 10:00am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Sun, May 8. Maudslay SP, Newburyport. 10:00am to 2:00pm moderate pace.

Sat, May 14. Warner Trail, Sharon. 15-mi. mod. hike. 9am.

Sat, May 14. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 7 miles, easy to moderate hike in the woods, 9:30am.

Sun, May 15. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Explore the Arnold Arboretum a week after Lilac Sunday with an Arboretum volunteer, up hill & off trail, 10:00am-noon.

Sun, May 15. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Quick paced 7-mi. hike in southern Blue Hills, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, May 15. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through woods to Long Pond focusing on spring wildflowers, plant ID, and fun natural history. 12:30-3:30pm.

Tues, May 17. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm, moderately paced hike on trails and roads with views.

Sat, May 21. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. Bird Walk 3 miles through Fowl Meadow, 8-11:30am. Learn to bird by listening for and identifying late migrant and nesting species in the best birding area in the Blue Hills Reservation. Bring your binoculars and a bird book if you have one. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 21. 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.

Sun, May 22. Purgatory Falls, Milford NH. 6 mile wander out & back along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9:30am-3:30pm.

Sun, May 22. Minute Man National Historic Park, Lincoln/Concord, MA. Approximately 8-10 mile hike, 1:00-4:00pm. Meet at Minute Man National Park Visitor Center.

Sun, May 22. 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.

Sat, May 28. Blue Hills Wildflower Hike, Quincy. 8-mile hike in the eastern section of the Blue Hills Reservation viewing wildflowers and climbing scenic hills, some steep, including the new trail along the restored Blue Hill Reservoir. 10 am-4 pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 28. Parks & Greenways, Belmont. 6-mi. mostly wooded hike incl. Beaver Brook Reservation, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 29. Concord Conservation Land/Walden Pond, Lincoln. Concord Conservation Land hike to Sudbury River via Adams and Fairhaven Woods, Walden Pond and Pine Hill areas. 10 mi. [80+ temp. may lessen distance.]

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

June 2011

Sat, June 4. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sun, June 5. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. 4 mi. hike around pond, 10:00am.

Sun, June 5. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land, MA. Moderate 7-8 mi. hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am.

Sun, June 5. Harborwalk, Dorchester. Scenic 7-mi. walk incl. sculpture park, 9:30am-1:30pm. Easy return by T or 3 mi. by Dorchester Day parade route.

Sat, June 11. Moose Hill, Sharon. Scenic 5 mile hike, 1:00pm.

Sun, June 12. Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge/Watertown. 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme of walk: Notable Women.

Sun, 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. 9:00-11:00am.

Sun, June 12. Wayside Inn, Sudbury to Memorial Forest. Approximately 4 miles on back roads and trails, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, June 12. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow-paced nature walk looking for late spring wildflowers. Focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Mon, June 13. Blue Heron Organic Farm, Lincoln, MA. 6:00-8:00pm. Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author on a two-hour ramble through the Blue Heron Organic Farm, adjacent woodlands to learn about at least two dozen species of edible wild plants. Pending favorable weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portions, seasons of availability and preparation methods. Blue Heron Organic Farm, Route 117. You are encouraged to ride your bike or carpool as the parking is somewhat limited at Blue Heron Farm. The walk will take place rain or shine. This walk will be part of the Annual Riverfest celebration. More information at http://www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverFest/index.php and at http://users.rcn.com/eatwild/sched.htm. L Russ Cohen.

Sat, June 18. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Challenging 8-mi. hike through varied terrain, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, June 19. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced scenic 7 mile walk along Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am to noon.

Sun, June 19. Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn, NH. 6 mi. with many lakeviews, osprey nest, forest trails, 10:00am.

Tues, June 21. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate 4-mi. after-work hike including possible sunset view, 6:30-8:45pm.

Sat, June 25. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. hike w/some steep sections, 10:30am-3pm.

Sun, June 26. Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge/Watertown. 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Civil War era.

Sun, June 26. Boston/Charlestown Harbor Walk. Visit scenic & historic sites on brisk 15-mi. walk along waterfront from Charlestown to Dorchester Heights, 9:00am. Stop for lunch in North End.

July 2011

Sat, July 2. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 7-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10:00am-2:15pm.

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

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

Mon, July 4. Parks & Greenways, Boston. 10-mi. walk incl. Arnold Arboretum, Emerald Necklace, SW Corridor Park, Boston Harborwalk, Freedom Trail, 12:30-5:15pm.

Fri, July 8, 2011. Charles River, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work riverside walk including Boston Common & Public Gardens, 6:45-9:00pm. [This event was canceled due to threat of thunderstorms.]

Sat, July 9, 2011. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy 4-mi. walk through scenic woods and meadows and along pond, 10:00am-12pm.

Sun, July 10, 2011. Flat Rock Audubon & Crocker Conservation, Fitchburg, MA. Mod/easy 6 mile hilly ramble through varied woodlands, reservoirs & archeological dig. 9:30am-3:00pm.

Sun, July 10, 2011. 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.

Sun, July 17, 2011. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod to stren. Approx. 5 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-1pm.

Sat, July 23, 2011. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Easy walk in open woods. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, July 24, 2011. Wellesley Wander (same as the walk we did in May). 5-6-mile circuit with Wellesley College greenhouses and campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks and aqueducts. 10:30am.

Sat, July 30, 2011. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderately strenuous 8 mile Blue Hills hike. Terrain determined by weather.

Sun, July 31, 2011. 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.

Sun, July 31, 2011. George Washington Walkabout, Gloucester, RI. Leisurely scenic 6 mi. hike through woods and around ponds.

Sun, July 31, 2011. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Morning hike with ponds and views. 9:00-noon.

August 2011

Wed, Aug 3, 2011. Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA. Wednesday evening, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Enjoy a walk around the Wayside Inn and nearby pond while listening to colonial music, and stay for a cool drink at the old pub at the Inn if you like.

Sun, Aug 7, 2011. Sheldrick Preserve & Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. 6 mile moderate/easy hike through diverse hilly terrain and around ponds. 9:30am-3:00pm.

Sun, Aug 7. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Sheepfold pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 7 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9:00am-2:00pm. [probably rained out]

Wed, Aug 10, 2011. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm. Moderately-paced hike on trails and roads with views.

Sun, Aug 14, 2011. Boston's South End Old and New, Boston, MA. 10:00am-2:30pm. Walk shady streets and explore social history, architecture, filled land & parks.

Sun, Aug 21, 2011. Minute Man National Historic Park, Lincoln, MA. Approximately 8 miles, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Sat, Aug 27, 2011. Blue Hills, Milton. 4-mi. hike, 2:30-4:45pm. [cancelled due to DCR closure of Blue Hills Reservation in advance of the Tropical Storm Irene]

Sun, Aug 28, 2011. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 8-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10:00am-2:30pm. [cancelled due to Tropical Storm Irene]

September 2011

Fri, Sept 2, 2011. 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. 6:45pm-9:00pm.

Sat, Sept 3, 2011. Lincoln Conservation Land, Flint's Pond, Lincoln, MA. Easy/moderate 5-mile walk around Flint's Pond through scenic fields and meadows near DeCordova Museum, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, Sept 3, 2011. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4-mi. walk among 5000 kinds of trees & shrubs, 12:30-2:45pm.

Sun, Sept 4, 2011. Mount Misery, Farrar Pond, and Adjacent Conservation Areas, Lincoln, MA. 8-9 miles. Meet at Lincoln RR commuter parking lot at 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 4, 2011. Waterville Valley, NH. Leisurely hikes to scenic Goodrich Rock, Flume & Scaur. Total distance about 9 miles with shorter options available. Some steep sections.

Mon, Sept 5, 2011. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile walk, 8:30am-11:30am.

Mon, Sept 5, 2011. 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.

Sat, Sept 10. Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA. 6 mi. hike, rocky terrain. 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 10. 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 11. Wollaston Beach & Marina Bay, Squantum, MA. Fast-paced scenic 7 mi. walk along Wollaston Beach/Marina Bay/Squantum, 9am-noon.

Sun, Sept 11, 2011. Blue Hills, Quincy. 5-mi. hike, 1:45-4:30pm, w/Quincy Quarries option at end.

Sat, Sept 17. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. 5.2-mile hike along Reservoir Trail (Orange Blazes, Clockwise Loop), 10:30am.

Sat, Sept 17. Parks & Greenways, Quincy, MA. 7-mi. walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Sept 18. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Conservation & Municipal Lands, MA. Hilly 6 mi. walk 9:45am-2:00pm. Meet at Shawsheen Cemetery.

Sun, Sept 18. Fort Washington, Cambridge, MA. 6-mi. historic walk, noon-4:00pm, from still-existing 236 year old Revolutionary War fort to Harvard Sq., Washington Elm, Longfellow House & return along Charles River to BU Bridge.

Sun, Sept 18. Battle Road, Lexington and Concord, MA. Admire early foliage and share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road Trail in the Minutemen National Park. Walk 7 miles at a moderate pace from the Minutemen Visitor's Center to the North Bridge, with better footwear than the Redcoats in 1775.

Sat, Sept 24. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA. Mod. 5 mi. hike. 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 25. Charlestown, Boston & Cambridge, MA. 12 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 25. Caryl Park, Dover, MA. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5 mi.

October 2011

Sat, Oct 1. Blue Hills Hike and History. Mod. strenuous 8 mile hike with frequent stops to talk about the human history of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Oct 2. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA. 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderate-to-strenuous hike over the Ridge Trail and Eagle Rock.

Sat, Oct 8. Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA. 6-7 mi. walk in the woods, 9:30am.

Sun, Oct 9. Leominster State Forest, MA. 6 mi. scenic hike Redemption Rock to Crow Hills cliffs/back. [Hike cancelled due to prior injury of leader.]

Sun, Oct 9. Lincoln/Concord, MA. Hike to Sudbury River incl. Adams and Fairhaven Woods, Walden Pond and Pine Hill areas. 10 mi.

Mon, Oct 10. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA. Brisk 8 mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sat, Oct 15. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. 10am-2:30pm. Moderate walk.

Sat, Oct 15. Ward Reservation, Andover, MA. Hike to summit of Holt Hill, highest point in Essex County, Tr. of Reservations with view of Boston skyline. Picnic at solstice stones. 9:00am-11:30am. Joint with Harvard Club of Andover.

Sun, Oct 16. Grassy Pond, Acton, MA. Slow paced nature walk to pond through meadow and forest focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Oct 16. Middlesex Canal, Winchester/Medford, MA. 3-mi. level history walk along canal route to site of Mystic River aqueduct in Medford, 1:30pm.

Sun, Oct 16. Emerald Necklace, Boston, MA. Enjoy our historical heritage, appreciate the wonder which is the Back Bay and learn more about Frederick Olmsted. We will walk about 6 miles at a moderate pace with stops to enjoy major sights but we should be done by 12:30pm. Most of the Necklace will be covered. End at Forest Hills T.

Sun, Oct 16. Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH. Explore trails in 140-acre hilltop international sculpture garden w/views, 9:45am-1:30pm.

Thurs, Oct 20. 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, 6:30-8:45pm.

Thurs, Oct 20. Slide Program, Outer Mongolia, Boston, MA. Gorgeous mountains, lakes, grasslands, flowers, horses, gers (what's a ger?), attractive people, Buddhist temples. See a total solar eclipse, and a country few people Visit! Presented by Hilary Hopkins.

Sat, Oct 22. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA. Fast-paced 8 mi. hike along shore to Gurnet Light, return via road. 10:15am-2:15pm.

Sat, Oct 22. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, MA. Hilly 6.5 mi. hike from Stone Zoo to Wright's Pond and back, 10:30am.

Sat, Oct 22. Northern Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA. Challenging 6-mi. hike through rugged terrain, 10am-1:30pm.

Sat, Oct 22. Regatta & Greenways, Cambridge. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway, Harvard, & Head of the Charles Regatta, 9:15am-12:30pm.

Sun, Oct 23. 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.

Sun, Oct 23. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. Moderate-to-strenuous hike w/some steep hills, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 23. 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.

Sat, Oct 29. Blue Hills Hike, Milton, MA. Hike 7 miles on a variety of trails in the Blue Hills Reservation, some steep, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10 am-4 pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Oct 29, 2011. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA. 5-mi. hike w/hilltop views & 2 scenic ponds, 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Sat, Oct 29, 2011. Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA. 6-mi. hike via Undercliff Path to pirate cave & 3 large ponds, 1-4:30pm.

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

November 2011

Wed, Nov 2. Power Point Program - Weeks Act, Boston, MA. 100 years ago the Weeks Act was passed giving Congress the power to purchase private forests to protect watersheds and preserve them from development. The White Mountain National Forest was one of the first large areas protected - today 22,000,000 acres nationwide have been preserved thanks to this landmark legislation. A Massachusetts congressman, John Wingate Weeks, was responsible for crafting the bill that was named after him. Jim Hamilton and William Weeks, John Wingate Week's grandson and former Massachusetts congressman, will present a Power Point slide show at Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy Street, November 2, at 12:00pm. It will describe why the legislation was necessary, the political hurdles that had to be surmounted, the impact on the White Mountains, and a personal glimpse of the man who made it all possible. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am.

Sat, Nov 5. Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. Easy 4-mi. walk incl historic canal, riverside walks, and hidden rooftop garden, 10:30am-1:00pm.

Sat, Nov 5, 2011. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln, MA. 10-mi. hike incl. Mt. Misery & Walden Pond, 9:15am to 2:45pm.

Sat, Nov 5. Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Concord, MA. 10:00am-12:30pm. Lookout tower, Dike, Timber, and Edge Trails to wetlands, open views, Concord River.

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

Sun, Nov 6. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, MA. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells.

Thurs, Nov 10. Slide Program - Tunisia, Boston, MA. Touring archaeological sites of Northern Africa, exploring the culture, seeing the people one year before the uprising. Presented by Susan Keroes. 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown Bag Lunch 11:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Nov 12. Castle Island, South Boston, MA. Fast-paced 7-mile scenic walk along the ocean to Castle Island. 10:30am to 2:30pm.

Sat, Nov 12. Blue Hills Hike, Milton, MA. Mod. strenuous 8 mi. hike, some steep hills.

Sat, Nov 12. National Historic Park, Lincoln, MA. 1:00pm-4:30pm. Approx. 8 mi.

Sun, Nov 13. Weir Hill, North Andover, MA. 9:00am-11:00am.

Sun, Nov 13. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. Hike 7 miles in the Houghton section of the Blue Hills Reservation on a variety of trails with several views and lunch on Buck Hill, 10am-3:30pm.

Sun, Nov 13. Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

Sat, Nov 19. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, MA. Six-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sat, Nov 19. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. Two part L's choice hike, 9:45-11:55am and 12:15-2:30pm. Route depends on conditions.

Sun, Nov 20. Nashoba Brook Watershed (B3C), Westford, MA. 5-6 miles. Explore Audubon and other conservation lands including eskers, ponds, and woodland trails with stop for lunch overlooking a picturesque pond.

Sun, Nov 20. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester, MA. Slow-paced 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm.

Sun, Nov 20. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land, MA. Moderate hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Nov 20. Middlesex Fells, Winchester, MA. Slow-paced nature walk to Long Pond focusing on evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter, plus fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00pm.

Thurs, Nov 24. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA. 13th annual Thanksgiving walk, 4-mi., 10am-12:15pm.

Thurs, Nov 24. Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA. 3-mi. walk in garden cemetery w/sculpture path, 12:30-2:30pm.

Fri, Nov 25. Ayer & Groton Hills, MA. 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm.

Sat, Nov 26. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am.

Sun, Nov 27. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. Very challenging 6-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue & Wolcott Hills, 9:15am-12:45pm.

December 2011

Thurs, Dec 1. Slide program - Galapagos Islands, Boston, MA. Birds and Iguanas. Visit the Galapagos Islands with Corinne Waite at 12:30pm, Cabot Aud., 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown bag lunch 11:30am to 12:15pm. Local Walks Committee.

Sat, Dec 3. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset, MA. Brisk 8-mi. hike inc. holly grove, Odin's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am.

Sat, Dec 3. Middlesex Fells, Malden, MA. 7-mi. hike w/ponds, cascade waterfall & views, 10am-2:15pm.

Sun, Dec 4. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy, MA. 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation, 10am-3:30pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Dec 4, 2011. Boston's Developing Waterfront, Boston, MA. 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf. [Reg. required]

Sun, Dec 4. Noanet Woodlands, Dover, MA. Hike with ponds and views. 10am-2pm.

Sat, Dec 10. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton, MA. 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.

Sat, Dec 10. Boston's Bright Lights and Green Boughs, Boston, MA. 10:00am-12:00 noon. Admire seasonal decorations in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown.

Sat, Dec 10. Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA. Slow-paced nature walk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Dec 10. Noanet Woodlands, Dover, MA. 4-mi. hike/snowshoe through scenic woods w/ponds and streams, 10:00am-12:30pm.

Sun, Dec 11. Borderland State Park, No. Easton, MA. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 11:00am.

Sun, Dec 11. Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA. 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land.

Sun, Dec 18. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA. 8 mi. hike along shore to Gurnet Light, return via road, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, Dec 18. 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.

Sun, 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.

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

Thurs, Dec 29. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston, MA. Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-9:00pm.