Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee Local Walks/Hikes for 2012 - 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 2012

Sat, Jan 7. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 5-mi. brisk, hilly hike/snowshoe through woods w/ponds and streams, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sun, Jan 8. Blue Hills, Canton. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Jan 8. Neponset River Greenway, Dorchester. Leisurely 4-mi. snowshoe/walk including riverside pathway, waterfall, historic mills, 9:45am-12:15pm.

Sat, Jan 14. 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 15. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails.

Mon, Jan 16. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Walk or moderate cross-country ski depending on conditions. Bring boots plus - contact for conditions, water and lunch. Meet at Wedgmere RR Sta. at 10am.

Mon, Jan 16. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm.

Thurs, Jan 19. Slide Program, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. Sicily had been a province of every Mediterranean state from ancient Greece to France until Garibaldi's revolution formed Italy. They all left ruins that are still there to see. Presented by Stan Solomon.

Sat, Jan 21. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views & frozen waterfall, 10am-2:15pm.

Sun, Jan 22. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4 mi. walk to view the trees without leaves.

Sun, Jan 22. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe 6 miles in the Blue Hills Reservation over moderate terrain or hike in hilly areas if no snow, 10am-3pm. Meet at Shea Ice Rink, Willard St., Quincy.

Sat, Jan 28. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury. 8 mi. hike along shore to Gurnet Light, return via road, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, Jan 28. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part Leader's Choice hike, 9:45am-12:00pm and 12:15-2:30pm. Length and route depend on conditions.

Sun, Jan 29. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Explore trails around the Wayside Inn and Memorial Forest Reservation. Enjoy hot cider at the historic Wayside Inn pub afterwards.

February 2012

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

Sat, Feb 4. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:45am-12:45pm.

Sun, Feb 5. 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 5. 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 5. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45am-12pm.

Sat, Feb 11. Charles River in Winter, Cambridge, Watertown. 10:00am-2:30pm. Moderately fast-paced walk along river in Cambridge, Watertown, Arsenal-on-the-Charles.

Sat, Feb 11. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike around Wolcott, Tucker hills w/shorter option, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Feb 12. Purgatory Falls, Milford, NH. 6-mi. lollypop route along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9:30am-3:30pm.

Thurs, Feb 16. Slide program - Labrador. Visit beautiful Labrador! Program presented by Corinne Waite at 12:30pm, AMC's Cabot Auditorium, 5 Joy St., Boston. Brown-bag lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. Local Walks Committee.

Sat, Feb 18. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun natural history, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Feb 19. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe 6 miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Will hike in hilly areas if no snow, 10am-3pm.

Mon, Feb 20. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderately paced 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2pm.

Sat, Feb 25. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mi. snowshoe or hike, 11:00am. Meet at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot.

Sun, Feb 26. Minute Man National Park, Lexington. 1:00pm-4:00pm. Walk, snowshoe if recent snow. Meet at Fiske Hill In Lexington off Route 2A.

Sun, Feb 26. Sandy Pond, Lincoln. Moderate snowshoe/hike around pond. 10:30am-2:30pm.

March 2012

Sat, Mar 3. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8-mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am. [Canceled - rain]

Sat, Mar 3. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mile snowshoe or hike, 11:00am.

Sun, Mar 4. Blue Hills, Milton. 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, 10am-3:30pm.

Sat, Mar 10. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4 mi. walk to enjoy a variety of trees and plants. Possible trip to Doyle's after the walk.

Sun, Mar 11. 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 17. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. Moderate 5-mile hike that includes ponds, cabins, lodges, and remote woods. 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sun, Mar 18. Wayside Inn to Sudbury Valley Memorial Forest. Approximately 4 miles on back roads and trails, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Mar 18. Middlesex Fells - Medford. Slow-paced nature walk in search of early flowering plants and other signs of approaching spring. Walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Mar 18. Walden Pond/Sudbury River. Hike on less-traveled paths. 6 miles.

Thurs, Mar 22. Slide program, Come to Italy - Cabot Auditorium. Begin in fabulous Venice, then up Mt. Etna, on to Rome and the Vatican, Florence and the Leaning Tower, and ghostly Pompeii. Along the way, see Monaco, the goats of Corsica, and the waters around Dubrovnik, Croatia. Presented by Hilary Hopkins.

Sat, Mar 24. Blue Hills, Milton. Two-part L's choice hike from 9:45-11:55am and 12:15pm-2:30pm. Length and route depend on conditions.

Sun, Mar 25. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Hike with ponds and views. 10am-2pm.

Sun, Mar 25. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm. Bring water, boots, work gloves, bow saws, and clippers. Some tools available.

Sat, Mar 31. Delaney Wildlife Mgt. area, Stow. 10am, finish by mid-afternoon. 6-7 miles. Two small stream crossings. Registration required.

Sat, Mar 31. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Hike/snowshoe. 10am.

Sat, Mar 31. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy. 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

April 2012

Sun, Apr 1. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner, Wrentham to Diamond Hill.

Sun, Apr 1. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderately-paced hike around ponds and over hills with views.

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

Sat, Apr 7. Weld Woods, W. Roxbury. Easy 3-mile walk in former estate with woods and ponds, 1pm.

Sun, Apr 8. 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-2pm.

Sun, Apr 8. Walden Woods, Wright Forest, Concord. Easy hike. Thoreau interpretive path, forest, marshes, vernal pool (frog chorus). 10:00am-1:30pm.

Thurs, Apr 12. Slide Program - August Camp, Canadian Rockies - at Cabot Aud. 5 Joy St. Enjoy Spectacular Lake Louise and Banff Regions of the Canadian Rockies with fellow AMCer's! Nestled in the deep verdant Valleys of Alberta and British Columbia, these soaring spires and glaciated summits have drawn AMC mountaineers and hikers alike for 150 years. As the home of AMC's August Camp for the past two summers, you'll visit remote trails and much more.

Sat, Apr 14. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury. Fast-paced 8-mile hike along shore to Gurnet Light, returning via road. 10:15am-2:15pm.

Sat, Apr 14. Neponset River Greenway. Five-mile walk in largely new parkland, 1:00pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Apr 15. Warner Trail, Wrentham. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond.

Sun, Apr 15. Historic Concord/Lincoln. Approx. 8mi. hike, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Apr 15. Middlesex Canal, N. Billerica. Level 5-mi. walk along historic canal N to Chelmsford, 1:30-4pm.

Sun, Apr 15. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas, Lincoln. 9 miles. Meet at 9:30am.

Mon, Apr 16. Marathon Day Walk, Natick to Boston. Natick train station, 1 Walnut St. 9:25am. 3rd annual walk to South Station via the marathon route. 20 miles. Dinner in Chinatown and take 7:15pm train to Natick. Option to skip dinner and take 5:41pm train from Back Bay.

Mon, Apr 16. Half-Marathon Walk, Minuteman Nat'l Park, Lexington. Brisk 13-mile walk on Battle Road Trail to Fiske Hill in Lexington, Meriam's Corner in Concord, and back. 9:30am-3:45pm.

Mon, Apr 16. Boston Marathon Hike. 17th 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 18. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 3-mi. walk along harbor, 6:15-8:00pm.

Sat, Apr 21. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. Six-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sat, Apr 21. Breakheart Reservation - Saugus. Five-mile moderate hike, 9:30am.

Sun, Apr 22. 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-3:30pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Apr 22. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top views and waterfall, from 10am-2:15pm.

Sat, Apr 28. Acton Arboretum, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of early spring wild flowers and other signs of spring.

Sat, Apr 28. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Six-mile moderate hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am.

Sun, Apr 29. Warner Trail, Foxboro. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Moose Hill in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro.

Sun, Apr 29. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Briskly paced 5-mi. hike in beautiful woods w/ponds & views. 10:00am.

May 2012

Sat, May 5. Grassy Pond, Acton. Bird walk to look for migrating woodland and water birds, 8-10am. Bring binocs & bird book.

Sat, May 5. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. 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.

Sun, May 6. Wellesley Wander. 5-6-mile circuit with Wellesley College greenhouses and campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks and aqueducts. 10:30am.

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

Wed, May 9. Spring Walk in memory of Barbara Loo, The Fens, Boston. Meet 10am for coffee/memories of Barbara at the Emerald Necklace Visitors Center, 125 Fenway, Boston (stone gatehouse on the Fens, one block east of Museum of Fine Arts Fenway entrance) http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/parks/gatehouse/ followed by a walk through the Fens, bring a bag lunch for noon.

BARBARA RICHARDSON LOO of Boston and Ayer MA died on February 9, 2012 at age 94. She was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club for over 65 years. She hiked the entire 2100 miles of the Appalachian Trail in segments lasting from one day to fourteen days in the company of club members over a period of almost 50 years. She climbed all the 4000 footer peaks of the White Mountains in the summer, as well as in the winter when she used snowshoes. She also hiked the 200 miles of the Long Trail in Vermont. She was the only woman on the founding committee of the 4000 Footer Group founded in the 1950's. Until two years ago she arranged the slide program for senior members of the AMC at club headquarters on Joy Street. She climbed Mount Whitney and Mount Rainier in the west as well as backpacked down into the Grand Canyon. She was an assistant professor at Keene Teacher's College in New Hampshire where she taught Home Economics for 19 years. She graduated from Simmons College with a BS in 1939 and from Massachusetts State College with an MS in 1941. She attended Ayer public schools. She leaves her husband Gilbert B. Loo after 52 years of marriage, niece Beverly Richardson of Petersburg, Alaska, nephew Robert Richardson and wife Carol of Houston, Texas and their two children, and cousins in Philadelphia, Ohio, California, and Massachusetts. Also nephews, nieces and cousins in Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 or the Appalachian Mountain Club, Five Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108. A memorial will be held in the spring. [Boston Globe obituary & Guest Book]

Fri, May 11. 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.

Sat, May 12. Warner Trail, Sharon. 15-mi. mod. hike from Edge Hill Rd. in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro. 9am-5pm.

Sat, May 12. Minute Man National Park, Concord. Spring on the Battle Road. Share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road in the Minute Man Park from 9:30am to noon. Walk 7 brisk miles from the Visitor's Center to the North Bridge.

Sat, May 12. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 7 mi. easy-to-mod. hike. 9:30am.

Sat, May 12. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, mod. 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10:30am-1:30pm.

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

Sun, May 13. Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset. Brisk 8-mi. hike incl. holly grove, Oden's Den & lunch on Turkey Hill w/scenic views, 9:30am.

Sun, May 13. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mi. wander through conservation and landlocked municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm.

Sun, May 13. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod. to stren. Approx. 5 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

Tues, May 15. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm. Moderately paced sunset hike on trails and roads with views.

Wed, May 16. Blue Hills, Milton. 6pm-8pm.

Thurs, May 17. Slide Program: Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming. Missile site, caves, river and mountain hiking, famous folks from the old West. Presented by Judy Praznik.

Sat, May 19. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 19. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 7-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sun, May 20. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Quick paced 7-mi. hike in southern Blue Hills, 9:30am-2pm.

Sun, May 20. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 mi. Leaders Choice. 9am-2pm.

Sun, May 20. Wayside Inn to Sudbury Memorial Forest. Approx 4 mi., backroads/trails, 1-4pm.

Sat, May 26. Blue Hills Wildflower Hike, Quincy. 7-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-3:30 pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, May 27. Parks and Greenways - Belmont. Six miles, mostly wooded hike including Beaver Brook Reservation, from 10:00am-1:30pm.

Mon, May 28. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic 4-mile walk from 10:15am-12:30pm.

June 2012

Sat, June 2. Blue Hills, Milton. Two part Leader's Choice hike, 9:45am-12:00pm and 12:15-2:30pm.

Sun, June 3. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Sheepfold Pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 7 mi. Hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

Sun, June 3. Maudslay SP, Newburyport. 10:00am to 2:00pm, moderate pace.

Sun, June 3. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land. Mod. hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, June 3. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow-paced nature walk looking for late spring wildflowers. Focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sun, June 3. Fort Washington, Cambridge. (web only listing) 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.

Sat, June 9. Belmont Woodlands. Brisk 5-mi. hike incl. Wellington Hill, Highland Meadow, Weeks Pond, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sun, June 10. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 mi. Leaders Choice. 9am-2pm.

Wed, June 13. Blue Hills, Milton. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Meet at the main Houghtons Pond parking lot.

Sat, June 16. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy. 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, June 17. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon.

Sun, June 17. Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn, NH. 6mi. easy wander along wooded trails and lake shore, 10am-3:00pm.

Tues, June 19. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate 4-mi. after-work hike including possible sunset view, 7-9pm.

Thurs, June 21. 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.

Sun, June 24. 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.

Sun, June 24. Historic Concord. Approx. 8-mi. hike from 1:00-4:00pm in North Bridge area, including historic homes, Authors Ridge & possibly Great Meadows Wildlife Reservation.

July 2012

Sun, July 1. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 7-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10am-2:15pm.

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

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

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

Sat, July 7. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4mi. leisurely walk to enjoy variety of trees & plants.

Sun, July 8. Leominster State Forest, Leominster. 6 mi. scenic hike Redemption Rock to Crow Hills cliffs/back.

Sun, July 8. Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Cambridge/Watertown). 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Belief & Symbol.

Sun, July 8. Lake Waban, Wellesley. Meet 3pm to view Wellesley College greenhouses. Hike 3:30-6pm to Lake Waban and beyond.

Sat, July 14. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, Dorchester. Five-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sat, July 14. Manchester-Essex Conservation Area, Manchester. 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 15. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land. Moderate hike to Sudbury River/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-1:45pm.

Sun, July 15. Mt. Wachusett, Princeton. Moderate-to-strenuous 7-mile hike. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sun, July 22. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails.

Sun, July 22. Charles River's Edge: Cambridge-Charlestown-Boston. Approx. 5-6mi. walk via North Point Park, brand new North Bank Bridge, USS Constitution, and Charles River Dam. Meet at 10:00am at the gazebo at Cambridgeside Galleria Mall fountain. Bring lunch and desire to explore. We'll cover the past, present, and future plans for this historic area.

Sat, July 28. Blue Hills, Quincy. Difficult, fast-paced 6 mi. hike through hilly, remote areas, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, July 28, 2011. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Easy walk in open woods. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, July 29. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Morning hike with ponds and views. 9:00am-noon.

Sun, July 29. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod to stren. Approx. 5 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

August 2012

Wed, Aug 1. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. 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.

Wed, Aug 1. Charles River, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. after-work riverside walk including Boston Common & Public Gardens, 6:30-8:45pm.

Sat, Aug 4. Boston's South End Old and New. 10:00am-2:30pm. Walk shady streets, explore social history, architecture, fllled land, parks.

Thurs, Aug 9. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm. Moderately-paced hike on trails and roads with views.

Sun, Aug 12. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view, bring lunch, water and sturdy hiking shoes.

Sun, Aug 12. Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Cambridge/Watertown). 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Poets and Writers.

Sun, Aug 12. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, Leader's Choice. From 9am-2pm.

Sat, Aug 18. Boston's Developing Waterfront. 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Sat, Aug 18. Central Blue Hills - Ten Points of Interest, Blue Hills Reservation. Difficult 6-mi. hike that includes 10 special "points of interest" such as overlooks, streams, ponds, and cliffs, 9:30am-1:00pm. [This hike was rained out.]

Sun, Aug 19. Acton/Littleton Conservation Land. 9:30am-2:30pm. This 7½ mi. route wanders through a portion of Acton's Nagog Hill area, hugs the shore of Nagog Pond, loops through the hilly Sarah Doublet area in Littleton where we plan to have lunch and offer an optional excursion to Fort Pond via a short spur trail. Our return covers the remaining portion of Nagog Pond. L Mark Levine.Links: Nagog Hill area map: http://www.actontrails.org/MapNagogHill.htm; Sarah Doublet area map http://www.littletonconservationtrust.org/guide/sarah-doublet/sarahdoublet.jpg]

Fri, Aug 24. Historic Streets of Brookline. Leisurely 4-mile walk including old homes and parklands. 6:30-8:30pm.

Sat, Aug 25. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk through woods and fields focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Aug 25. Middlesex Fells - Winchester. Fast-paced five-mile hike to scenic parts of the western Fells, including Squaw Sachem Rock and Nanepashemet Hill. 9:30am-12:00pm.

Sat, Aug 25. Blue Hills, Milton. 4-mi. hike, 2:15-4:30pm.

Sun, Aug 26. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 8-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Aug 26. George Washington Walkabout, Gloucester, RI. Leisurely scenic 6 mi. hike through woods and around ponds.

September 2012

Sat, Sept 1. 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.

Sun, Sept 2. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and Adjacent Conservation Areas, Lincoln. 8-9 mi. (70+ temp. may shorten hike).

Mon, Sept 3. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile walk, 8:30am-11:30am.

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

Sat, Sept 8. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 6 mi. hike, rocky terrain. 9:30am.

Sun, Sept 9. Groton Town Forest, Groton. Explore the varied topography and habitats of this scenic woodland, including eskers, kettle holes, dry upland, marsh, the Dead River, and more. ~2-3 easy miles.

Sun, Sept 9. Battle Road, Lexington and Concord. 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.

Tues, Sept 11. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village , 6:45-8:45pm.

Sat, Sept 15. Acton Arboretum. Slow paced nature walk through woods, fields and over bog boardwalk focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Sept 16. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate-to-strenuous hike including Skyline Trail, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Sept 16. Beacon Hill in Late Summer/Early Autumn. 1:00pm-3:00pm. Admire seasonal plantings; several hilly streets.

Sat, Sept 22. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod. 5 mi. hike. 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 22. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 5.2-mile hike along Reservoir Trail (Orange Blazes, Clockwise Loop), 10:30am.

Sat, Sept 22. Chestnut Hill: Equinox hike in Hammond Woods. 10am-1/2 pm. Relaxed 3-4 mile walk/hike in a geographically varied area, surprisingly close to downtown. http://tinyurl.com/6oj9nsv Features include: a vernal pond, "caves", glacial erratics, a limestone cliff, lush mossy woods, and a former formal garden. There are several large rock formations, and much of these consist of Roxbury puddingstone, which is the official rock of Massachusetts – not Plymouth Rock, as you may have thought ;-) Our route covers both DCR and Newton Conservation land, broken into four quadrants by Hammond Pond Parkway and the MBTA Riverside line. There is an optional mid-walk visit to the McMullen Museum http://tinyurl.com/awk877 on the Boston College campus.

Sun, Sept 23. 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. 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, Sept 23. Caryl Park, Dover. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5 mi.

Sat, Sept 29. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy. 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Sept 30. Fort Washington, Cambridge. 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 30. Charlestown, Boston & Cambridge. 12 mi. city walk. 9:00am. 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 30. Hale Reservation/Powisett Farm, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

October 2012

Sat, Oct 6. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 10am-2:30pm. Moderate walk. Meet Wedgmere Station, Winchester.

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

Sun, Oct 7. Lincoln – DeCordova Art-walk. 10am-1pm. Walk 4 miles around Flint's Pond (nee Sandy Pond) and DeCordova Sculpture Park.

Sat, Oct 13. Bellevue Pond, Middlesex Fells, Medford. Slow paced nature walk around pond through forest to meadow focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon.

Sat, Oct 13. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. 7-8 mile hike using lesser known trails with some steep hills.

Sun, Oct 14. Lincoln/Concord hike to Sudbury River, Adams and Fairhaven Woods, Walden Pond, Pine Hill. 10 mi. (70+ temp. may lessen distance) Meet at 10:00am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Sun, Oct 14. Shepley Hills conservation area. This conservation area is a great place to experience New England woods in fall splendor, featuring hardwood and pine forest, a soapstone quarry, eskers, and a pretty stream. About 1-2 miles with a couple mild hills.

Sat, Oct 20. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Hilly 6.5 mi. hike at Wright's Pond, 10:30am.

Sat, Oct 20. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, Dorchester. Five-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Oct 21. Emerald Necklace, Boston. Enjoy our historical heritage, appreciate the wonder which is the Back Bay and learn more about Frederick Olmsted.

Sun, Oct 21. Beaver Brook Assoc., Hollis, NH. 8-9mi. over varied terrain w/pond & brook views, beaver lodges, waterfowl & "French meadow", 9:30am-3:00pm. Minor rock scramble & mystery cave home to a common animal.

Sun, Oct 21. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 10-mi. hike w/varied scenery from Wampum Corner, Wrentham, S to Diamond Hill, RI, 9:30am-4:00pm.

Sun, Oct 21. Middlesex Canal, Billerica. Joint with the Middlesex Canal Association. The walk will be over 3-4 miles of generally level wooded terrain and streets, for 2-3 hours, rain or shine. The route follows the canal south of the Concord River. 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.

Sun, Oct 21. Waltham Rose Art-walk. 2pm-6pm. 6 mile (incl. return) moderate-paced walk downtown Waltham to Rose Art Museum (free), on the Brandeis campus. http://www.brandeis.edu/rose/index.html. Using the Charles River Reservation Greenway and Mt. Feake Cemetery, we have many river views – and one Boston view from the "Castle".

Thurs, Oct 25. 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.

Sat, Oct 27. 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 27. Charles River, Cambridge/Boston. 5 mi. walk to Public Gardens, Boston Common, along river, crossing 3 bridges & end at Kenmore Sq., 10am-2pm. Optional lunch & social hr. after.

Sun, Oct 28. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate-to-strenuous hike including Skyline Trail, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 28. Caryl Park, Dover. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5 mi. [Caryl Park/Noanet Woodlands Trail Map]

November 2012

Sat, Nov 3. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. Hike 7 miles on a variety of trails in the Blue Hills Reservation, some steep, including the Skyline Trail with views, 10am-3:30pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Nov 3. Boston's Developing Waterfront. 10am-2pm. Moderately fast paced walk. Explore Fort Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf.

Sun, Nov 4. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow-paced nature walk through the forest to Long Pond focusing on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon.

Sun, Nov 4. Lincoln Conservation Land via Flint (Sandy) Pond and old Wheeler farm area, Lincoln. 10 miles (70+ temp. may lessen distance).

Sun, Nov 4. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, MA. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells.

Sun, Nov 4. Art-walk: Waltham - Watertown via Charles River Greenway; Waltham Mills Open Studios. Meet 10:00am. Moderately fast paced 6-mile walk on Blue Heron Trail, largely in woods with numerous boardwalk sections through marshy areas or adjacent to the river itself: http://tinyurl.com/crua85t. Open Studios optional after walk, but highly recommended, with a wide variety of styles and materials. http://www.wmaas11s.org.

Sat, Nov 10. Blue Hills, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sat, Nov 10. 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, Nov 11. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Brisk paced 4-5 mi around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:30am-noon.

Sun, Nov 11. Noanet Woodlands, Dover, MA. Hike with ponds and views. 1pm-4pm.

Sat, Nov 17. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sun, Nov 18. Blue Hills Hike, 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 18. 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 18. Art-walk: Somerville post-industrial & Brickbottom-Joy Street Open Studios. Meet 9:00am. 3-4 mile walk exploring faded urban industrial landscapes - not everyone's favorite aesthetic, but well worth investigating if new to you. After walk explore Open Studios (noon opening) at Joy Street http://www.joystreetartists.org/JoyStreetArtists.html, or the larger, nearby Brickbottom building http://brickbottomartists.com/.

Tues, Nov 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.

Thurs, Nov 22. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, Leader's Choice. From 9am-1pm.

Fri, Nov 23. Ayer & Groton Hills, MA. 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm.

Sat, Nov 24. Blue Hills, Milton, MA. 6-mi. hike. Meet 10am.

Sat, Nov 24. Explore Boston's Back Bay Fens. From 10:00am - 2:00pm.

Sun, Nov 25. Blue Hills, Ten Points of Interest. Fast-paced 5-mi. hike that includes 10 special "points of interest" such as overlooks, streams, ponds, and cliffs, 9:30am-12:45pm.

December 2012

Sat, Dec 1. Cambridge Parks & Greenways. 6-mi. hike featuring Fresh Pond, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Charles River Greenway & Harvard, 9:15am-12:30pm. Easy return by T.

Sun, Dec 2. Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

Sun, Dec 2. Waban to Chestnut Hill. 9:15am to 12:30pm Newton Parks and Conservation Lands 6-mi hike featuring Aqueduct, Cold Spring Park, Webster Conservation Area, Hammond Pond Reservation and Houghton Garden.

Sun, Dec 2. Art-walk: Framingham - Farm Pond walk and Danforth Museum. Meet 11:00am. 2-3 mile walk around Farm Pond, including Farm Pond Park. This lake hosts about 50 swans (12/2011 sighting). Post-walk option to visit the Danforth Museum.

Sat, Dec 8. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs, Boston. From 10am-12pm. Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay and Beacon Hill. - Canceled due to rain.

Sat, Dec 8. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 8-mi. hike w/lunch at pond, 10:00am-2:30pm. - Canceled due to rain.

Sun, Dec 9. 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 9. Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA. 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land.

Sun, Dec 9. Borderland State Park, No. Easton, MA. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 11:00am.

Sat, Dec 15. 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, 10 am-noon. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Dec 15. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy, MA. 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Dec 16. Kendall Sq. to Copley Sq. 9:30am to 12:30pm. 6 mile hike through Cambridge, Charlestown, North End, Downtown, Beacon Hill and the Back Bay.

Sun, Dec 16. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land, MA. Moderate hike to Walden Pond/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am.

Fri, Dec 21. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:45pm-9:15pm. Bring snack. Meet along wall abutting Park Street at Park St. T Stop on Boston Common. Walk ends at Charles Station. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Dec 22. Chestnut Hill: Solstice hike in Hammond Woods. 11am-2pm. Relaxed 3-mile walk in a geographically varied area, surprisingly close to downtown. [http://tinyurl.com/6oj9nsv] Features include: a vernal pond, "caves", a limestone cliff, lush mossy woods, and a former formal garden. There are several large rock formations, and much of these consist of Roxbury puddingstone, which is the official rock of Massachusetts – not Plymouth Rock, as you may have thought ;-)

Sun, Dec 23. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:30am-11:30am.

Tues, Dec 25. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, L's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm.

Tues, 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.