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Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee

Local Walks/Hikes for 2015 - 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 2015

Sat, Jan 3. Blue Hills, Canton. Snowshoe 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.

Sat, Jan 10. 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. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Jan 10. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 6-mile hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond, Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Jan 11. Shepley Hills, Groton. 1:00pm start. This pretty conservation area features eskers, mixed woods, access to the Nashua River Rail Trail, and a soapstone quarry. A few hills, about 2 hours.

Sat, Jan 17. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 5-mile challenging hike/snowshoe, 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sun, Jan 18. 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.

Sun, Jan 18. Purgatory Falls, Milford, NH. 6-mi. lollipop route along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9:30am-3:30pm.

Sun, Jan 18. Powisett Farm, Dover. Snowshoe/walk, thru meadows, 1-3pm.

Mon, Jan 19. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm.

Sat, Jan 24. Borderland State Park, Easton. 5-6 miles, 10:00am. For directions, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland/directions.htm.

Sun, Jan 25. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 10:00am-noon guided hike with Arboretum docent on and off trail, up and down hills, stopping at interesting trees.

Sat, Jan 31. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mile walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. [cancelled due to snow and ice conditions]

Sat, Jan 31. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, South Natick. 10:00am. Moderate pace 2-2½ hour walk in Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary.

February 2015

Sun, Feb 1. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45am-12pm.

Sun, Feb 1. Annual Soupe de Poisson Hike, Blue Hills, Milton. Walk in honor of Meade Bradner. We meet at 12:30pm at the Blue Hills for a short hike then walk into Ponkapoag Camp. [cancelled due to concerns regarding access to the camp]

Sat, Feb 7. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Slow-paced nature walk in the Bellevue Pond area focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history of evergreens and other easily recognizable plants of winter. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Feb 8. Blue Hills, Quincy. Snowshoe 6 miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. - cancelled due to snow

Sun, Feb 8. Burrage Pond, Hanson. 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland. - cancelled due to snow

Sat, Feb 14. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Leader’s Choice. Hike/snowshoe. Meet at Wedgmere RR Station (Lowell Line) 10:00am, return for 1:30pm train. - cancelled due to snow

Sun, Feb 15. McLains Woods, Groton. 1:00pm start. Come see this large wild area, including some newly acquire conservation land with new trails. This is a beautiful area for a typical New England woods walk. About 2 hours.

Sun, Feb 15. Boxford Conservation Land. 1.5 hours. Easy terrain, moderate pace, kids and dogs welcome. If there is enough snow, bring cross country skis or snow shoes. - rescheduled to April 11

Sat, Feb 21. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. - rescheduled from Feb 16

Sun, Feb 22. 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. Snowshoes mandatory. Hike may be shortened depending on trail conditions.

Sun, Feb 22. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead. Approx 4-mi walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock and Marblehead Light followed by optional hot chocolate break. - rescheduled to March 22

Sat, Feb 28. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mile hike, rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

March 2015

Sun, Mar 1. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm.

Sat, Mar 7. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 8.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sat, Mar 14. 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-3pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills. - cancelled - rain

Sun, Mar 15. Skinner Forest and Duck Pond, Groton. 1:00pm. Come for a nice stroll through typical New England woods and along the shore of a beautiful pond. About 2 hours.

Wed, Mar 18. AMC Boston - 3rd Wednesday Social in Waban featuring Local Walks/Hikes. 7:00pm start.

Sat, Mar 21. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile hike/snowshoe, 9:00am-noon.

Sat, Mar 21. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Hike/snowshoe; 10am. Wedgmere Station (Lowell Line). Return for 1:30pm train.

Sat, Mar 21. Wright Forest, Walden Woods, and Emerson's Cliff, Concord. Brisk 6-mile hike/snowshoe including ponds, views, some steep trails. 9:30am-1:00pm. - cancelled - snow

Sat, Mar 28. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm.

Sat, Mar 28. Central Blue Hills, Blue Hills Reservation, MA. Difficult 6-mi. hike/snowshoe including views from lesser-known trails, 9:30am-1:30pm. - cancelled - snow

April 2015

Sat, Apr 4. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, Apr 4. Virginia Wood, Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. 9:30am-12:30pm. It’s been a long winter, but spring is finally here. We’ll look for plants in bloom and other signs of the season. The walk will focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history about the plants which we see.

Sun, Apr 5. Noon Hill, Medfield. Spring (?) walk on section of Bay Circuit Trail over Noon Hill summit, easy pace with good views.

Sat, Apr 11. Boxford Conservation Land. 1.5 hours; meet at 1:00pm. Easy terrain, moderate pace, kids and dogs welcome.

Sat, Apr 11. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Apr 11. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 9:00am-4:00pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner, Wrentham to Diamond Hill. 71st season.

Sun, Apr 12. Groton Hills. 1:00pm. This walk has it all, including deep woods, open fields, a pond, and even bagging a 500 footer with good views. About 2 hours.

Sun, Apr 12. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham. Easy 2 hr. walk in Middlesex Fells. Meet at 2pm at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo).

Fri, Apr 17. Back Streets of Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along the back streets and alleyways of downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, and the West End, including stop at bakery/pastry shop, 6:30-9:00pm.

Sat, Apr 18. 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-3pm. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Apr 19. 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 19. Marblehead Light and Castle Rock, Marblehead. Approx 4-mi walk from Deveraux Beach to Castle Rock and Marblehead Light followed by optional hot chocolate break. 12:30-3:30pm.

Sun, Apr 19. Walden Pond/Sudbury River hike on less traveled paths. Hike on less-traveled paths. 6 miles.

Mon, Apr 20. 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-3:30pm.

Sat, Apr 25. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 6-mile hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sat, Apr 25. Warner Trail, Wrentham. 9:00am-4:00pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond.

Sun, Apr 26. Minute Man National Park. Spring on the Battle Road. Share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road in the Minute Man Park from 9:30am to noon.

Sun, Apr 26. Middlesex Canal, Billerica. 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.

Sun, Apr 26. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas. 9 mi. Meet at 9:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

May 2015

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

Sun, May 3. Acton Arboretum, Acton, MA. 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-12:30pm.

Sun, May 3. Rare Unscheduled Walk on Towpath of Undeveloped, Watered One-Mile of Middlesex Canal, Billerica. Prior to a Middlesex Canal meeting Sunday a walk on the towpath at the Shaffer Landfill to survey an easement by the owner of the landfill to benefit the Middlesex Canal. The Middlesex Canal Association is evaluating whether to accept the landfill property as a gift.

Fri, May 8, 2015. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along harbor, 6:45-8:45pm.

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

Sat, May 9. Warner Trail, Sharon. 9:00am-5:00pm. 13-mi. mod. hike from Edge Hill Rd. in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro.

Sat, May 9. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA. Scenic, mod. 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, May 9. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. Beginner's bird walk 3 miles through Fowl Meadow, 7-10:30am. 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 10. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 10. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 10:00am to 2:00pm moderate pace.

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

Sun, May 17. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1:00-3:00pm.

Sun, May 17. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport MA. Easy 4 miles on mostly flat terrain. Meet at 1:30pm at parking lot. Small fee or DCR parking pass required.
Link: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/maudslay-state-park.html

Sun, May 17. Lincoln (MA)/Concord hike to Sudbury River incl. Adams and Fairhaven Woods, Walden Pond and Pine Hill areas. 10 mi. [70+ temp. may lessen distance.] Meet at 10:00am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Sat, May 23. 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.

Sat, May 23. Cutler Park Reservation, Needham. 2-2½ hour ramble to explore Cutler Park, located in Dedham/Needham.

Sun, May 24. Cranberry Bog, Chelmsford & Carlisle State Park. 8 mi. loop hike around Chelmsford Cranberry Bog & through portions of Carlisle SP, 9:15am-2:30pm.

Mon, May 25. Lynn Woods, Lynn. 5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm.

Sat, May 30. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 30. Blue Hills/Cunningham Park/Quincy Quarries, Quincy/Milton. Fast-paced 9-mi. hike connecting three scenic areas, 9:30am-2:15pm.

Sun, May 31. Leominster State Forest, Leominster, MA. 5 mi. scenic hike Redemption Rock to Crow Hill cliffs/back. Carpool-Lincoln. 9:30am-4pm (approx). Bring lunch/water/sturdy footwear. From Rte. 95/128 exit 28, take Trapelo Rd. W (2.5 mi.) to end. L onto Lincoln Rd. (1.3 mi.) to RR sta. pkg. on R before tracks. Heavy rain cancels. L Jerry Yos.

Sun, May 31. Gifts of the Glaciers, Part 1 - Groton. This hike is part of Groton's day-long Connecting Communities event.

Sun, May 31. Gifts of the Glaciers, Part 2 - Groton. This hike is part of Groton's day-long Connecting Communities event.

Sun, May 31. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Sheepfold Pkg. lot. Mod to stren. 7 mi. hike over many hills & rough terrain. 9:00am-2:00pm.

June 2015

Sat, June 6. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mile hike, rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sun, June 7. Burrage Pond, Hanson. 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland.

Sun, June 7. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn, MA. Slow paced nature walk looking for late spring wildflowers. Focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 12:30-3:30pm.

Sun, June 7. Boxford State Forest. Meet at 1:00pm. Easy terrain, moderate pace, about 2 hours. Kids and dogs welcome.

Sun, June 7. Breakheart Reservation. Mod to stren. approx. 5-mi hike over many hills & rough terrain, 9:00am-1:00pm.

Sat, June 13. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 8.5 mile. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, June 14. Surrenden Farms and beyond, Groton. 1:00pm. We will start in the open field habit of this showcase conservation area, then experience upland woods, wetlands, and walk along the bank of the scenic Nashua River. About 2 hours.

Thurs, June 18. West Cambridge, MA. 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 20. Wright Forest, Walden Woods, and Emerson's Cliff, Concord. Brisk 6-mile hike including ponds, views, some steep trails. 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, June 20. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, 9:00am-noon.

Mon, June 22. Edible Wild Plant Walk in Lincoln. 6:00-8:00pm. A ramble with expert forager Russ Cohen around the edges of Blue Heron Organic farm in Lincoln and into the adjacent woodlands to learn about the comestible virtues of at least eighteen species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Link: Blue Heron Organic Farm http://www.blueheronfarmlincoln.com/test2/index.html

Wed, June 24. East Boston Greenway/Piers Park/Harborwalk/Marine Arts Sculpture Park. 2 hour walk, some history, good harbor views.

Fri, June 26. Historic Streets of Charlestown. Moderate-paced 4-mi walk including water views and old homes. 6:45-9:00pm.

Sat, June 27. Great Meadows/Whipple Hill, Lexington. Moderate 5-mi. hike including spectacular views from remote areas, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, June 28. 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. Note, some steep sections & rough terrain. 9:40am-2:00pm. Andres info, trail map and directions go to www.andresinstitute.org. [Cancelled - weather]

Sun, June 28. Mt. Auburn Cemetery. 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Beliefs and Symbols.

July 2015

Sat, July 4. Worlds End Reservation. Scenic 5-mi. walk, 8:30-11:30am.

Sat, 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.

Sun, July 5. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 6-mi. shady hike w/lunch on peninsula cooled by 340 acre Spot Pond, 10:15am-2pm.

Sun, July 5. Mt. Wachusett (2006'), Princeton. Climb the highest mountain in eastern Massachusetts. Moderate 5-mile loop at an easy pace with good views and goldfish at the top.

Fri, July 10. Blue Hills, Milton. Brisk 4-mi. after-work hike including possible sunset view, blueberry picking, 6:30-8:45pm.

Sat, July 11. Parks & Greenways, Quincy. 7-mi. walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sat, July 11. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Difficult 6-mile hike on steep terrain with spectacular views, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, July 12. Cambridge to East Boston Walk. 13 mi. Explore Northpoint Park, historic sites in Charlestown, and East Boston Greenway.

Sat, July 18. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln. Moderate 5-mile hike around Flint's Pond then up into highlands with scenic overlooks, fields, and meadows near DeCordova Museum, 10:00am-1:15pm. Bring snack/lunch/water. From I-95/Route128 Exit 28 in Waltham, take Trapelo Road west for 2.5 miles to a left on Lincoln Road. Travel 0.6 miles and turn right at the sign for Lincoln Public Schools. Park at the tennis courts on L. Storm cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sun, July 19. Purgatory Falls, Milford, NH. 6-mi. lollipop route along picturesque stream past waterfalls, cascades, along ledges & hilly forest terrain, 9:30am-3:30pm. From Nashua NH go W on Rte. 101A toward Milford 7 mi., L onto Rte. 101 W ramp toward Wilton, NH 5 mi., continue N thru light (cross Rte. 101A) over bridge onto North River Rd., 0.8 mi. cross Center Rd. 0.5 mi. to McClellan Tr. lot on L. Storm cancels. L Mark Levine.

Sun, July 19. Mt. Auburn Cemetery. [Rte. 16 (Mt. Auburn St.) on Cambridge/Watertown line]. 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Beliefs and Symbols. Note, this particular walk is geared for people who have rarely visited Mt. Auburn but everyone is welcome. Meet at side of Story Chapel (about 100 feet beyond the main entrance) at 1:00pm. Cars should not be parked on roads with solid or broken green lines on them. No food allowed. T accessible - both the #73 and #71 buses stop nearby. Temperature of 80+ may shorten walk. Rain cancels. If in doubt, call the Leader the morning of the walk. L Jim Loughlin.

Sat, July 25. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sun, July 26. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Slow-paced nature walk in the Bellevue Pond area focusing on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history of summer wildflowers and fruits. 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sun, July 26. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Brisk paced hike around Ponkapoag Pond, 8:30am-10:30am.

Aug 2015

Sat, Aug 1. 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. 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sat, Aug 1. Middlesex Fells, Medford/Winchester. Fast-paced and somewhat steep 6-mile hike including newly-opened scenic trail around North Reservoir, plus Winthrop Hill and Long Pond, 11:15am-2:15pm.

Fri, Aug 7. Beacon Hill/North End, Boston. Leisurely 5-mi walk including historic streets, secret alleyways, and a visit to the new Boston Public Market. 6:30-9:15pm. Meet outside Park St. T-stop at wall/fence abutting Park St. Steady rain cancels. L Marc Hurwitz.

Sat, Aug 8. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. beat-the-heat hike, 7:00am-9:00am. Bring snack/water. I-93/Rte 128 exit 2A to Rte.138S for 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course pkg. lot on L. Storm cancels. L Beth Mosias.

Sun, Aug 9. Mt. Auburn Cemetery. [Rte. 16 (Mt. Auburn St.) on Cambridge/Watertown line]. 2.5 hr. walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Notable writers & poets. Meet at side of Story Chapel (about 100 feet beyond the main entrance) at 1:00pm. Cars should not be parked on roads with solid or broken green lines on them. No food allowed. T accessible - both the #73 and #71 buses stop nearby. Temperature of 80+ may shorten walk. Rain cancels. If in doubt, call the Leader the morning of the walk. L Jim Loughlin.

Sat, Aug 15. Squantum Point Park to Pope John Paul 2 Park, Quincy/Dorchester. 5-mile walk from Squantum Point Park, along Quincy Riverwalk, across bridge to Boston Harborwalk to Pope John Paul 2 Park, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Aug 16. Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery & North Bridge, Concord. See water lotus in bloom, authors' graves and other Concord wonders on slow-paced, 5 mile ramble.

Sat, Aug 22. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to Grassy Pond looking for late summer wildflowers and fruits. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history.

Sun, Aug 23. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails.

Sat, Aug 29. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mile hike, rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sun, Aug 30. 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.

Sept 2015

Sat, Sept 5. Parks & Greenways, Cambridge to Malden. Mostly wooded, somewhat hilly 9-mi. hike w/8 ponds and incl. Middlesex Fells & ending at Oak Grove T sta., 9:30am-2:30pm.

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

Mon, Sept 7. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. 4-mi. walk among 5000 kinds of trees & shrubs, 12:30-2:45pm.

Sat, Sept 12. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 9:30am-1:00pm.

Sun, Sept 13. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow paced nature walk looking for late summer wildflowers and fruits. Focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Sun, Sept 13. N. Pack Monadnock (Ted's & Carolyn's loop), NH. A rugged, scenic loop of 6.5mi. via Ted's & Carolyn's trails. 9:30am-2:30pm.

Tues, Sept 15. Temple Mountain Ridgeline, Sharon, NH. Registration required. Trailhead start at intersection of Greenleaf and Temple Roads in Sharon, NH. Brisk 8 mile very scenic hike. 9:00am start.

Sat, Sept 19. Explore East Boston. Moderately fast-paced walk along the Greenway, Condor Urban Wild, Piers Park and more. 10:00am-1:30pm. Meet inside Airport T (Blue Line). Bring lunch and water. New members welcome. Heavy rain cancels. L Sharon Marshall.

Sat, Sept 19. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. Fast-paced hike around Ponkapoag Pond, 9:45am-noon.

Sun, Sept 20. Fitch's Bridge to Hayes Woods, Groton. Meet at 1:00pm. We will start at the newly replaced Fitch's Bridge over the Nashua River, along a old railroad bed, through the Johnston Conservation area, around a lovely beaver pond in Hayes Woods, and back.

Sun, Sept 20. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Mod-stren. 7mi. hike. 9:00am-2:00pm.

Fri, Sept 25. Castle Island , South Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along harbor, 6:30-8:15pm.

Sun, Sept 27. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod-stren. approx. 5-mi. hike, hills/rough terrain, 9:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, Sept 27. Mts. Major & Straightback, NH. Leisurely/scenic 5mi. hike. Steep climb to rocky summit with panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Oct 2015

Sat, Oct 3. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm. [CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN]

Sun, Oct 4. Hale Reservation/Powisett Farm, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1-3pm.

Sun, Oct 4. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm.

Fri, Oct 9. Estabrook Woods, Concord. Fast paced 6 mile hike thru the Estabrook woods.

Sat, Oct 10. Boxford State Forest. Meet at 1:00pm in the parking lot on Middleton Rd. in Boxford, at the steel gate.

Sat, Oct 10. Eastern Blue Hills, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi. hike to remote scenic areas including Fox Hill, Slide Notch, and the Kitchamakin ledges, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, Oct 11. Emerald Necklace, Boston. We will walk about 6 miles at a moderate pace with stops to enjoy major sights but we should be done by 12:30pm.

Sun, Oct 11. J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton. Meet at 1:00pm. This is a flat stroll along a scenic former bend of the Nashua River no longer in the main flow and popular with wildlife, parts of the active Nashua River, and through New England forest in fall splendor.

Mon, Oct 12. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 5 mile morning hike around Ponkapoag and side trails, 9:30-noon.

Sat, Oct 17. Middlesex Fells, Malden. 6-mile hike, some rocky steep hills to cliff views including waterfall w/lunch at pond. Moderate-rated hike, not for beginners. 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sat, Oct 17. Duxbury Beach walk. 10:00am-Noon, moderate pace. Lunch afterwards at a local restaurant for anyone interested.

Sun, Oct 18. Middlesex Canal, Wilmington. Three-mile leisurely walk along a scenic section of historic canal to Patch's Pond, 1:30pm.

Sat, Oct 24. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon.

Sat, Oct 24. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to Grassy Pond looking for autumn wildflowers and fruits.

Sat, Oct 24. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln. Fast-paced 6-mile foliage hike to lesser-known areas, including DeCordova Fields, Chapman Pasture, Pigeon Hill, Beaver Pond, 9:30am-1:15pm.

Sun, Oct 25. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Mod-stren. 7mi. hike. 9:00am-2:00pm.

Sun, Oct 25. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 25. Burrage Pond, Hanson. 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland.

Fri, Oct 30. Great Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, including stops at Asian food court and Julia Child's home, 6:45-9:00pm.

Sat, Oct 31. Boston's Developing Waterfront. Moderately fast-paced walk. Explore Ft. Point Channel, Marine Industrial Park, Seaport District, Rowe's Wharf, Rose Kennedy Greenway. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, Oct 31. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 8.5 mile. hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sat, Oct 31. Warner Trail, Wrentham. 9:30am-3pm. Moderately paced 7-mi. hike through the Wrentham State Forest and Wrentham Conservation land. Most of the hike is on the Warner Trail and will include the Pinnacles and Knuckup Hill.

Nov 2015

Sun, Nov 1. Mt. Wachusett, Princeton, MA. Moderate-to-strenuous 8-mile hike. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Sun, Nov 1. Hike Goldsmith Reservation (AVIS property), Andover. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk along wooded trails with scenic views.

Sat, Nov 7. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, Nov 8. Dogtown Commons, Gloucester. Halloween hike to see witches homes and moral admonitions carved on boulders. Slow-paced, 6- mi. rocky hike with some steep sections, 10am-3:30pm.

Sun, Nov 8. Hike beautiful trails at Beaver Brook, NH. Hike beautiful trails at Beaver Brook, NH, which has 35 miles of trails. This will be a 2 to 3 mile easy hike along beaver ponds and beautiful wooded trails, depending on the group size and ability.

Sat, Nov 14. Squantum Point Park to Pope John Paul 2 Park, Quincy/Dorchester. 5-mile walk from Squantum Point Park, along Quincy Riverwalk, across bridge to Boston Harborwalk to Pope John Paul 2 Park, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Nov 15. Borderland State Park, N. Easton. Hike 5 mi. on a variety of trails. Meet at 10:00am at the Visitors Center with appropriate footwear for the conditions.

Sat, Nov 21. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in late autumn. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 1:00-4:00pm.

Sat, Nov 21. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. 10:00am-3:00pm. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sun, Nov 22. Nagog Pond (Acton) & Sarah Doublet (Littleton). 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 for lunch and optional excursion to Fort Pond via a short spur trail. Return covers the remaining portion of Nagog Pond.

Mon, Nov 23. West side Concord River Walk, Concord, MA. 9:00am start. Fast-paced hike thru a 3 mile trail in Concord, followed by a 1 mile Sudbury Trustees trail in Carlisle. We will make up for shortness and flatness with the fast pace.

Thurs, Nov 26. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Thanksgiving Hike. Leader's Choice. 9am-1pm.

Fri, Nov 27. Annual Ayer & Groton Hills Walk. Come join the longest continually running hike in the AMC. We'll explore the natural areas between the Nashua River and the Snake Hills. Exact route determined on the fly. Some bushwhacking possible. Around 7 mi, 5 hours.

Fri, Nov 27. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Explore the Arboretum with an experienced guide, stopping at favorite trees, on and off the trail, up and down hill, 10:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Nov 28. Boston's Back Bay Fens. Victory Gardens, War Memorial, and neighboring schools and cultural institutions. From 10:00am-1:30pm.

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

Sun, Nov 29. Blue Hills, Milton. Challenging and fast-paced 7-mi. hike to Great Blue, Hemenway & Hancock hills, including little-used trails with spectacular scenery, 9:15am-12:45pm.

Dec 2015

Sat, Dec 5. Horn Pond Mountain and Rag Rock/Mount Mianomo, Woburn. Moderately difficult, steep 6-mile hike including water views, two "mountains" with sweeping vistas, 11:15pm-2:15pm.

Sun, Dec 6. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID of bare trees, naked shrubs and winter weeds. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 1:00-4:00pm.

Sun, Dec 6. Blue Hills Hike, Quincy. 10:00am-3:00pm. 7-mile Chickatawbut section hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Dec 12. Little Blue Hill Nature Hike, Canton. 10:00am-12:00pm. 3-mile nature walk in this little-known section of the Blue Hills Reservation to look for signs of birds and animals in winter. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

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

Sat, Dec 19. Blue Hills, Canton. Moderate 7-mi. hike including lesser-used trails in the Tucker Hill, Buck Hill, and Hillside Pond areas with some steeps, 9:45am-2:00pm.

Sun, Dec 20. Beaver Brook, NH. Feeling stressed? Get outside and hike/snowshoe around beautiful Wildlife Pond in Hollis, NH. The hike will be about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Sun, Dec 20. Groton Town Forest. 1:00pm start. Explore the varied topography and habitats of this scenic woodland, including eskers, kettle holes, dry upland, marsh, the dead river, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace.

Fri, Dec 25. Foss Farms Annual XMAS hike, GMWMR & Greenough Land, Carlisle. Easy approx. 4-5 mi. wander through a good birding area with river and pond views, pine forest and red maple swamp.

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

Sat, Dec 26. 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, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sun, Dec 27. Fresh Pond and Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Walk around Fresh Pond and wander through Fresh Pond Cemetery in scenic Cambridge, MA.