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Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee

Local Walks/Hikes for 2013 - 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 2013

Tues, Jan 1. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, L's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Dress for the elements. Staibilicer/Yak Track suggested for ice/snow.

Tues, Jan 1. New Year's Day Downtown hike. Meet at Starbucks on corner of Charles and Beacon, opposite Boston Common. 10:30am-noon. We'll see what's left of the ice sculptures and step it out over Beacon Hill, through the North End and along the waterfront, never far from a subway stop.

Sat, Jan 5. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Brisk guided walk on & off path but stopping to look at trees 10:00am-12:30pm.

Sat, Jan 5. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 5-mi. brisk, hilly snowshoe hike through woods w/ponds and streams, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, Jan 6. Blue Hills, Canton. Cross-country ski 6 miles, or hike up to 8 miles if no snow, 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 6. Wellesley Triple Treat, Wellesley. 11am-2/3pm. Meet Wellesley Town Hall 525 Washington St. near int. Rts. 16/135. Come in from the cold to the steamy tropical room at the Wellesley College greenhouse, or perhaps the desert room if you prefer dry heat. There are more than a half dozen other rooms in this wonderful facility - easily the finest greenhouse in the Boston area. We next enjoy a 2+ mile walk through the campus and around Lake Waban - boots are recommended for snow, ice or mud, as we're likely to experience at least one of those. Bring your lunch for our rest stop at the handsome campus center, followed by an optional visit to the school's excellent (and free) Davis Art Museum.

Sat, Jan 12. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. Five-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Jan 13. Sandy Pond, Lincoln. Moderate snowshoe/hike around pond. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, Jan 19. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. Mod. 5-mi. snowshoe/hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sun, Jan 20. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow paced nature walk through forest/field, focusing on plant ID/fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Jan 20. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7mi quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails.

Mon, Jan 21. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Walk or moderate cross-country ski depending on conditions. Meet at Wedgmere RR Sta. at 10am.

Sat, Jan 26. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe 6 miles in the Eastern section of the Blue Hills Reservation over moderate terrain, or hike 7 miles in hilly areas if no snow, 10am-3pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Jan 26. Middlesex Fells, Medford. 6 mi. hike, rocky terrain. 9:30am.

Sun, Jan 27. Snowshoe/Hike, Sudbury. Explore trails around the Wayside Inn and Memorial Forest Reservation. Enjoy hot cider at the historic Wayside Inn pub afterwards.

February 2013

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

Sun, Feb 3. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45am-12pm.

Sun, Feb 3. 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.

Sat, Feb 9. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Walk or moderate cross-country ski depending on conditions. - CANCELED due to snow.

Sun, Feb 10. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Slow paced nature walk focusing on plant ID & fun natural history. - CANCELED due to snow.

Sun, Feb 10. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate 5-6 mile snowshoe/hike. 10:00am-2:30pm. Snowshoes/traction devices required as conditions warrant.

Sat, Feb 16. 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.

Sun, Feb 17. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe 6 miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Will hike 7 miles in hilly areas if no snow, 10 am-3 pm. - canceled due to expected high winds and 6 inches of snow

Sun, Feb 24. Contemporary Waterfront, Boston. 10am-1/2pm. Walk 5-6 miles along the Waterfront, North End, North Station, Downtown. See some unique plaques (Boston-India ice trade, the man with wings who jumped off the church steeple) at Old North Church, also some early crocuses, and later exceptional cast-iron fire-escapes on one of Boston's smallest streets. Possible extension to Fish Pier. Museum optional on return.

Sun, Feb 24. Minute Man National Park, Lexington. 1-4pm - Walk/snowshoe. Meet at Fiske Hill in Lexington off Rte 2A.

March 2013

Sat, Mar 2. Blue Hills, Milton. 5-mile snowshoe or hike, 11:00am.

Sat, Mar 2. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. Brisk 8 mi. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

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

Sun, Mar 3. Blue Hills Hike, 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Mar 3. Groton Conservation Land, Groton, MA. 1:00pm. Conservation area with varied terrain. The hike will feature wetlands, upland forest, eskers, an old quarry, a physics demonstration, and signs of beaver activity.

Sat, Mar 9. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway, Quincy. 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

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

Sun, Mar 10. Kendall Square + MIT: Campus, Galleries and Sculpture. 10am-1pm. 4-mile urban ramble exploring these areas, with several brief indoor stops.  Moderate paced-walk with often interesting architecture and many outdoor sculptures.

Sun, Mar 10. Mt. Wachusett, Princeton MA [CANCELED DUE TO INJURY]. Moderate-to-strenuous 7-mile hike. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sat, Mar 16. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Hike/snowshoe; 10am. Return for 1:30pm train.

Sat, Mar 16. Northern Lynn Woods, Lynn. Challenging 6-mi. snowshoe/hike through rugged terrain, 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sun, Mar 17. Wayside Inn to Sudbury Valley Memorial Forest. Approximately 4 miles on back roads and trails, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Mar 17. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate-to-strenuous hike including Skyline Trail, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sat, Mar 23. Chestnut Hill: Equinox hike in Hammond Woods, Newton. 10am-1pm. 4-mile hike in surprising, geographically varied area.

Sun, Mar 24. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm.

Sun, Mar 24. Mt. Watatic, Ashburnham. Moderate-to-strenuous 5-mile hike to open summit with good views.

Sun, Mar 24. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod to stren. approx. 5-mi hike over many hills & rough terrain, 9:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, Mar 24. Walden Pond/Sudbury River. Hike on less-traveled paths. 6 miles. Meet at 10:30am.

Sat, Mar 30. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike. Bring water/lunch/boots/traction devices. Meet 10am.

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

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

Sun, Mar 31. Lake Waban, Wellesley. Meet 2:30pm to view Wellesley College greenhouses. Hike 3-5:45pm to Lake Waban and beyond.

April 2013

Sat, Apr 6. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, Apr 6. Delaney Wildlife Mgt. Area, Stow, MA. Meet at 10am, finish by mid-afternoon. 6-7 miles. Two small stream crossings.

Sun, Apr 7. 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 7. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner, Wrentham to Diamond Hill. 69th season.

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

Sat, Apr 13. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 5mi. hike to cliff-top views including waterfall, 10:00am-2:15pm.

Sat, Apr 13. Weld Woods, West Roxbury. Easy 3-mile walk in former estate with woods and ponds, 1pm.

Sat, Apr 13. Neponset River Greenway. Five-mile walk in largely new parkland, 1:00pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Apr 14. Minute Man Trail, Historic Concord/Lincoln. Leader's Choice, approx. 8mi. hike, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Apr 14. Maudslay SP, Newburyport. 10:00am to 2:00pm, moderate pace.

Sun, Apr 14. Warner Trail, Wrentham. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond.

Sun, Apr 14. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas, Lincoln. 9 mi. [70+ temp may lessen distance.]

Sun, April 14. Throne Hill, Groton. 1:00pm. Early spring walk thru pretty conservation area featuring varied upland terrain and some wetlands.

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

Sat, Apr 20. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. Mod. stren. 8-mi. hike on Skyline & other trails w/some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sat, Apr 20. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Five-mile moderate hike, 9:30am.

Sun, Apr 21. 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, 10 am-3:30 pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Apr 21. Spring Comes to Beacon Hill and Back Bay. From 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Admire seasonal plantings; several hilly streets.

Sun, Apr 21. 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, Apr 27. Parks & Greenways, Quincy. 7-mi. walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sat, Apr 27. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Six-mile moderate hike on rocky terrain, 9:30am.

Sun, Apr 28. Caryl Park, Dover. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5 mi.

Sun, Apr 28. Warner Trail, Foxboro. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Moose Hill in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro.

Sun, Apr 28. 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, Apr 28. 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. 9:30am to 12:00noon.

May 2013

Sat, May 4. Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Sudbury. Bird walk to look for migrating woodland and water birds, 8-10am. http://www.farnwr.org/maps2.html.

Sat, May 4. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 6-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 12:30pm-3:00pm.

Sat, May 4. Blue Hills Reservation, Milton. Moderate to strenuous 7 mile hike on Skyline and other trails w/some steep hills. Although the pace will be moderate, this hike will be a workout. 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, May 5. Historic Middlesex Canal, Wilmington. Three-mile leisurely walk along a scenic section of historic canal to Patch's Pond, 1:30pm. See oxbow, grooves in rocks from tow lines, and stone aqueduct. Joint trip with Middlesex Canal Association. For more info, see http://www.middlesexcanal.org.

Sunday, May 5. Snake Hills, Groton. 1:00pm. Large conservation area with wetlands, hills 150 feet above, a glacially carved chasm, a historic site, and the Forest Bells.

Sun, May 5. Lilac Walk in Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 10am - noon Lilac Walk in Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Guided walk on and off the trail, through the lilacs and up and over Bussey Hill.

Sun, May 5. Emerald Necklace, Boston. 6mi. moderate pace w/stops. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, May 11. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 11. Wellesley Wander. 5-6-mile circuit with Wellesley College greenhouses and campus, Lake Waban, Charles River, brooks and aqueducts. 11:00am.

Sat, May 11. Warner Trail, Sharon. 15-mi. mod. hike from Edge Hill Rd. in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro. 9am-5pm.

Sat, May 11. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, mod. 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, May 11. 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 12. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm.

Sun, May 12. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Tues, May 14. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village , 6:45-8:45pm.

Wed, May 15. Blue Hills, Milton. 6pm-8pm. Meet at the main Houghtons Pond parking lot.

Sat, May 18. Boston's South End Old and New: New Route. From 10:00am-2:00pm. Explore social history, architecture, filled land & parks.

Sat, May 18. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mile. loop hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sat, May 18. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 8:30am at Wedgmere Railroad Station.

Sun, May 19. Wayside Inn and Ladyslipper Walk, Sudbury. Approximately 4 miles on back roads and trails, 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, May 19. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9:30am-2:30pm. Moderate-to-strenuous hike over the Ridge Trail and Eagle Rock.

Sun, May 19. Hale Reservation, Powisett Farm, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across dam & thru meadow, 1-3pm.

Sun, May 19. Blue Hills Reservation, Milton. Moderate to strenuous 7 mile hike on Skyline and other trails w/some steep hills.

Wed, May 22. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm. Moderately paced sunset hike on trails and roads with views.

Sat, May 25. 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. 10am-3:30pm. - CANCELED DUE TO RAIN FORECAST AND POOR CONDITIONS

Sat, May 25. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. - CANCELED DUE TO RAIN FORECAST AND POOR CONDITIONS

Sun, May 26. Leominster State Forest, Leominster. 6 mi. scenic hike Redemption Rock to Crow Hill cliffs/back. Carpool-Lincoln. 9:30am-4pm.

Sun, May 26. Blue Hills Reservation, Milton. Moderate to strenuous 7 mile hike on Skyline and other trails w/some steep hills.

Mon, May 27. West Quincy Quarries & Cunningham Park, Milton. 6-mile hike (with some steep sections) to quarries, granite railway, and wooded park, 10:00am-1:30pm.

June 2013

Sat, June 1. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. Bird Walk 3 miles through Fowl Meadow, 8-11:30 am. 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, June 1. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. 4½ mi. We will hike for about three hours.

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

Sun, June 2. Charles River's Edge: Cambridge-Charlestown-Boston. Approx. 5-6mi. walk via North Point Park, new North Bank Bridge, USS Constitution, and Charles River Dam. Meet at 10:00am at the gazebo at Cambridgeside Galleria Mall fountain.

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

Sat, June 8. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. Mod. stren. 8mi. hike on lesser used trails with some steep hills, 9:30am.

Sat, June 8. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 8 mile. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sun, June 9. 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 9. Gamlin Crystal Spring, Groton. 1:00pm. Explore this large and pretty area of various conservation lands, including a number of beaver ponds, meadows, and upland forest. About 2 hours, maybe some bushwhacking.

Sun, June 9. Blue Hills Reservation, Quincy. Moderate to strenuous 5-6 mile hike on Skyline and other trails w/some steep hills. Although the pace will be moderate, this hike will be a workout. Not for beginners. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Wed, Jun 12. Blue Hills, Milton. 6pm-8pm. Bring raincoat/water. Meet at Houghton's Pond pkg. lot.

Sat, June 15. Explore Boston's Back Bay Fens, Rose Garden, and Riverway. From 10:00am - 1:30pm.

Sat, June 15. Northern Lynn Woods, Lynn. Challenging 6-mi. hike through rugged terrain, 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sat, June 15. Lincoln Conservation Land, Flint's Pond, Lincoln. Easy/moderate 5-mile walk around Flint's Pond through scenic fields and meadows near DeCordova Museum, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, June 16. Churches of the Back Bay, Boston. 10:00am to 12:00pm. Guided/narrated walk covering the richness of the church history of Victorian Era Boston.

Sun, June 16. Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn, NH. 6 mi. easy wander along wooded trails and lake shore, 10am-3:00pm.

Sun, June 16. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon.

Tues, June 18. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate 4-mi. after-work hike including possible sunset view, 7-9pm.

Thurs, June 20. West Cambridge. Moderate paced 5-mi. city walk will include Longfellow Park, Brattle Street, many historic stops and return along the Charles River. 6-9pm.

Sat, June 29. Parks & Greenways, Quincy. 7-mile. walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10am-2:30pm.

Sun, June 30. Waterville Valley, NH. Leisurely scenic hike. 9mi. w/shorter options. Some steep sections.

Sun, June 30. Waban to Chestnut Hill, Newton Parks and Conservation Lands. 9:30am to 12:30pm. 6-mi hike featuring Aqueduct, Cold Spring Park, Webster Conservation Area, Hammond Pond Reservation and Houghton Garden. Lots of shade and flat terrain.

July 2013

Thurs, July 4. Freedom Trail, Boston. 8:45am. Celebrate Boston's role in America's struggle for freedom on a narrated walk to 16 historically significant Freedom Trail sites.

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

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

Fri, July 5. Historic Streets of Charlestown. Leisurely 4-mi walk including water views and old homes. 6:45-8:45pm.

Sat, July 6. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 7-mi. shady hike w/lunch at pond, 10am-2:15pm.

Sat, July 6. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill, Dorchester. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sun, July 7. Boston's Developing Waterfront. 10am-2pm. Moderately fast-paced walk. Explore Ft. Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Sun, July 7. Blue Hills, Quincy. Difficult, fast-paced 6 mi. hike through hilly, remote areas, 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Sat, July 13. Estabrook Woods, Concord. 5-mile level hike, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sat, July 13. Parklands of Dorchester, South Boston. Moderate 6-mi. walk including Savin Hill Park, Old Harbor, and Dorchester Heights, with some steep hills and spectacular views, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Sun, July 14. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 9:00am. Moderate hike over the Ridge Trail and Eagle Rock.

Thurs, July 18. Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 6:30-8:30pm. Moderately-paced hike on trails and roads with views. From I-95/Route 128 Exit 27 (Totten Pond Road). Continue east 0.7 miles to park on the right. L Henry Gardner.

Sat, July 20. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mi.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sat, July 20. 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, July 20. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails.

Sun, July 21. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land. Moderate hike to Sudbury River/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sat, July 27. Boston's South End Old and New: New Route. 10:00am-2:00pm. Walk shady streets, explore social history, architecture, fllled land & parks.

Sat, July 27. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 6-mi. brisk, hilly hike through woods w/ponds and streams, including lesser-known trails, 9:45am-1:30pm.

Sun, July 28. Mt. Monadnock, Jasper, NH. Avoid the crowds on the Marlborough Trail. 6 mile round trip at slow pace over steep terrain.

August 2013

Sat, Aug 3. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 5 mi. hike to cliff-top views including waterfall, 10:00am-2:15pm.

Sat, Aug 10. 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.

Sun, Aug 11. Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. 3.5 miles. Meet at 1:00pm at map board in Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot.

Wed, Aug 14. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 3-mi. walk along harbor, 7:00-8:45pm.

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

Sun, Aug 18. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Morning hike with ponds and views. 9:00am-noon.

Sat, Aug 24, 2013. Blue Hills, Milton. Very challenging 6-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue & Wolcott Hills, 9:45am-1:15pm.

Sat, Aug 24. Manchester-Essex Conservation Area, Manchester, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through forest up to the top of Millstone Hill focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Aug 25. Mts. Major & Straightback, NH. Leisurely/scenic 5mi. hike. Panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee from rocky summit.

Sun, Aug 25. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. 8:30am. Moderate, 6.9 miles over Skyline Loop.

Sat, Aug 31. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 6.5-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm.

September 2013

Sun, Sept 1. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas, Lincoln, MA. 9 mi. Meet at 9:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Mon, Sept 2. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile walk, 8:30am-11:30am.

Sat, Sept 7. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 8 mile. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sat, Sept 7. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5 mile challenging hike, 9:30am-12:45pm.

Sun, Sept 8. Bertozzi Wildlife Management Area, Groton. Come see this little-known gem along the very pretty Squannacook River. Meet 1:00pm.

Tues, Sept 10. 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, Sept 14. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow paced nature walk looking for late summer wildflowers and fruits. Focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 12:30-3:30pm.

Sat, Sept 14. Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH. Explore trails through 140-acre hilltop international sculpture garden-largest in NE, w/views, constantly changing exhibits and interesting finds. 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, Sept 15. Hale Reservation/Powisett Farm, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

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

Sat, Sept 21. North End, Boston. 10:00am-12:00pm. A narrated walk through Boston's Historic North End neighborhood emphasizing the richness of the immigration history of Boston.

Sat, Sept 21. 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 22. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land. Moderate hike to Mt. Misery/Fairhaven Bay, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Sept 22. Explore East Boston. From 10am-2pm. Harbor walk, beaches, historic sites, and more.

Sat, Sept 28. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sun, Sept 29. Caryl Park, Dover. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5mi.

October 2013

Sat, Oct 5. Acton Arboretum, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of autumn fruits and wildflowers. The walk will focus on plant ID and natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Oct 5. Blue Hills Reservation, Milton. Moderate to strenuous 7 mile hike on Skyline and other trails w/some steep hills.

Sun, Oct 6. Battle Road, Lexington and Concord. Admire early foliage and share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road Trail in the Minute Man National Park.

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

Sat, Oct 12. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 13. 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 13. Shepley Hills, Groton. Come see New England woods in fall splendor, with hardwood and pine forest, a soapstone quarry, eskers, and a pretty stream.

Sun, Oct 13. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon.

Mon, Oct 14. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. 10am-2:30pm. Moderate walk. Meet Wedgmere Station, Winchester.

Sat, Oct 19. Harvard Yard, Cambridge. - canceled

Sun, Oct 20. Blue Hills, Milton. Moderate-to-strenuous hike including Skyline Trail, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 20. Middlesex Canal, Woburn. Level, 3-mi., joint w/Middlesex Canal Association along 2 sections of the historic canal.

Fri, Oct 25. Historic Streets of Boston. Leisurely 4-mi walk. Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill. 6:45-9:00pm.

Sat, Oct 26. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 6-mile. hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond, 10:00am-2:15pm.

Sat, Oct 26. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk. 9:45am-12:00pm.

Sun, Oct 27. Caryl Park, Dover. Fast-paced hike, 10am, 5mi.

Sun, 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.

November 2013

Sat, Nov 2. Boston's Developing Waterfront, Boston. From 10am-2pm. Moderately fastpaced walk. Explore Ft. Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway.

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

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

Sun, Nov 3. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Guided walk through winter trees, off the paths, up the hills, 12:30-2:30pm.

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

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

Sun, Nov 10. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Sheepfold Pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 7 mi. Hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9am-2pm.

Sun, Nov 10. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo).

Sun, Nov 10. National Historic Park, Lincoln. 1:00pm-4:30pm. Approx. 8 mi. Meet at Minute Man National Park Headquarters Visitor Center.

Sat, Nov 16. 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.

Sat, Nov 16. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. 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 17. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Nov 17. Dogtown Common, Gloucester. Slow-paced 6-mi. rocky hike to see colonial dam, early cellar holes & moral admonitions carved on boulders, 10am-4pm.

Sun, Nov 17. Lincoln/Concord Conservation Land.Moderate hike to Walden Pond/Fairhaven Bay, 10am-2:30pm.

Sat, Nov 23. Blue Hills, Milton. 6-mi. hike. Meet 10am.

Sat, Nov 23. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 6.5-mi. loop hike with a number of steep hills, 10am-3pm, mainly on Skyline Trail.

Sun, Nov 24. Emerald Necklace, Boston. 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 1:00pm.

Thurs, Nov 28. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm.

Fri, Nov 29. Ayer & Groton Hills. 7-mi. hike w/ mod. hills & some easy bushwhacking, 10am-3pm.

Fri, Nov 29. The Mother Town, Watertown. 9:30am-12:30pm. Let's explore Watertown's revolutionary war history, the architecture of Charles Brigham, Coolidge Square's Armenian community, the Watertown Arsenal, our newest bike path and walking trails along the Charles River.

Sat, Nov 30. Autumn in Boston's Back Bay Fens. Gardens, Japanese Garden, museums, and cultural institutions. 10:00am-1:30pm.

December 2013

Sun, Dec 1. Blue Hills, Milton. Extremely challenging 5-mi. hike/snowshoe on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue & Wolcott Hills, 9:15am-12:45pm.

Tues, Dec 3. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village , 6:45-8:45pm.

Sat, Dec 7. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 8 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am.

Sun, Dec 8. Wayside Inn, Sudbury. 1:00pm-4:30pm. Walk, snowshoe if snow around pond and Wayside Inn conservation land.

Sun, Dec 8. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy. 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.

Sat, Dec 14. Borderland State Park, No. Easton. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails.

Sat, Dec 14. Holiday Wreaths & Green Boughs, Boston. From 9:30am-11:30am. Admire seasonal decorations in Boston's Back Bay and Beacon Hill.

Sat, Dec 14. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter. Slow-paced nature walk focusing on plant ID in winter and fun natural history. 12:30-3:30pm.

Sun, Dec 15. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Hike with ponds and views. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Dec 15. Wharton Plantation, Groton. 1:00pm. Come explore the Rocky Hill section of the NEFF Wharton Plantation and adjoining conservation lands. This features streams, beaver ponds, upland forest, and all-around pretty woods.

Sat, Dec 21. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sun, Dec 22. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton. 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter, 10am-noon. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Wed, Dec 25. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 4-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:00am-12:15pm.

Wed, 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.

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

Sat, Dec 28. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Dec 29. Burlington Reservoir, Burlington. Gentle walk around reservoir and through woods, 10:00am-2:30pm.