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Appalachian Mountain Club Boston Chapter Local Walks/Hikes Committee

Local Walks/Hikes for 2016 - 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.

Jan 2016

Sat, Jan 2. Boston's South End Old and New. NY Streets, "The Stacks," Victorian brownstones, Southwest Corridor Park. 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, Jan 2. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Fast-paced 6-mile hike including Long Pond, newly-opened scenic trail along North Reservoir, and Nanepashemet Hill, 11:15am-2:30pm.

Sun, Jan 3. Lincoln Conservation Area hike - Leader's Choice Ramble. 5-7 mi. We will be hiking on familiar trails in unfamiliar ways (for this leader!). Meet at 10:30am.

Sun, Jan 3. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. New Year Walk with Arboretum guide on and off the trail, up and down hill, stopping at favorite trees. 10:00am-12:00pm.

Tues, Jan 5. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. Leisurely 4-mi walk to view holiday lights in Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, 6:30pm-9:15pm.

Sat, Jan 9. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Gilson Hill. 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike up and around Gilson Hill, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

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

Sun, Jan 10. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. 1:00pm start. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, a beaver marsh, hills, a true bog, and more. About 2 hours, moderate pace.

Sat, Jan 16. Wildcat Conservation Area, Boxford. Kids and dogs are welcome. Meet at 1:00pm. It will be about 2 hours, easy terrain, moderate pace.

Sat, Jan 16. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Concord River Greenway. 9:45am-12:00pm. Meet by the Hallenborg Ice rink, 10 Good street, Billerica. Easy two hour hike along the old B&M RR the Concord River, Lover's Lane and proposed Yankee Doodle Bike Path, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Jan 16. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 11:15am-2:30pm. [POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN]

Sun, Jan 17. 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.

Sun, Jan 17. Blue Hills, Quincy. 10:00am-3:00pm. 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.

Mon, Jan 18. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm.

Sat, Jan 23. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Jones Forest. 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike through Jones Forest and the Country Club, by Shawsheen River with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Jan 23. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:00am-noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat.

Sat, Jan 23. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 10:30am-1:45pm.

Sat, Jan 30. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Fields. 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike along Narrow Gauge and B&M RR ad Martina Gage conservation land, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Jan 30. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 9.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Sun, Jan 31. Beaver Brook, Hollis NH. Hike/snowshoe, thru woods with beaver ponds and streams. Route will be leaders choice depending on conditions for hiking or snowshoeing.

Feb 2016

Sat, Feb 6. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Warren Manning. 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike through Warren Manning State Forest, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Feb 6. Blue Hills, Quincy. 10:00am-3:00pm. Snowshoe 6 miles in the Chickatawbut section, the most remote area of the Blue Hills Reservation.

Sun, Feb 7. Powisett Farm, Dover. Snowshoe/walk, thru meadows, 1-3pm.

Sun, Feb 7. Pond Meadow, Braintree. Easy/moderate 4-mi. walk/snowshoe. 9:45am-12:00pm.

Sat, Feb 13. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:30am-12:30pm. Meet at the Visitors Center. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks. Driving directions: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor/directions

Sun, Feb 14. Hike/snowshoe in the Silver Lake Area of Hollis, NH. [This hike was cancelled due to anticipated severe cold.] This will be about a 3 mile loop passing by ponds, and wetlands and thru wooded trails. Bring snacks and water.

Sun, Feb 14. The Throne, Groton. 1:00pm. Come hike thru one of the largest contiguous undeveloped parcels in the area, featuring mostly upland forest and a variety of wet lands.

Mon, Feb 15. Blue Hills Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm.

Sat, Feb 20. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Vietnam Veteran Memorial Park. [Registration Required] 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike, Ralph Hill, Concord River, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sun, Feb 21. Blue Hills, Canton. 10:00am-3:00pm. Snowshoe 6 miles, or hike up to 8 miles if no snow, across the golf course, down trails, and around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation.

Sat, Feb 27. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Summit Fox Hill. [Registration Required] 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike, summit Fox Hill, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Feb 27. 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, Feb 28. Sheldrick Preserve and Heald Tract, Wilton, NH. [Rescheduled from Feb 14] Six-mile hike through diverse woodlands and hilly old-growth forest with streams, ponds, ridges, eskers and interpretive points. 9:45am.

Mar 2016

Sat, Mar 5. Hike Beautiful Billerica - The Two Brothers Rocks. [Registration Required] 9:45am-12:00pm. Meet at River View Restaurant for breakfast at 8 am, or park at lot across the bridge, Nashua Road, Billerica. Moderate three hour hike starts at 9:45 am: Great Meadows, Concord River, Governor Dudley Park, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Mar 5. Lincoln Conservation Land, Lincoln. Fast paced, very scenic 8-mile hike to lesser-known areas, including Chapman Pasture, Pigeon Hill, Browning Fields, and Beaver Pond, 10:00am-2:15pm.

Sun, Mar 6. 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.

Sat, Mar 12. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Historic Middlesex Canal. Easy two hour hike, along extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, with focus on camaraderie and local history, access to open space and trails exploration.

Sat, Mar 12. Squantum Point Park to Pope John Paul 2 Park, Quincy/Dorchester. 7-mile walk from Squantum Point Park, along Quincy Riverwalk, across bridge to Boston Harborwalk to Pope John Paul 2 Park, 9:30am-12:45pm.

Sun, Mar 13. McLains Woods, Groton. 1:00pm. Come see this large wild area featuring pretty woods, varied terrain, beaver ponds, and the highest concentration of vernal pools in the area. About 2 hours, moderate pace.

Sat, Mar 19. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile hike/snowshoe, 9:00am-noon.

Sat, Mar 19. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Charles H. Kohlrausch Memorial Park. [This hike was cancelled due to a problem with an abutter.] 9:45am-12:00pm. Easy two hour hike, remember Charles H. Kohlrausch and visit an ancient American Indian burial site along the Concord River.

Sat, Mar 26. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:30am-12:30pm. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks.

Sat, Mar 26. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sat, Mar 26. Warner Trail, Sharon. Trail clearing, from 12-4:30pm. Potluck supper follows in Sharon.

Sat, Mar 26. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, Mar 27. Mine Falls Park, Nashua, NH. 6-mile easy walk along Nashua River, canal with 1886 gatehouse, spectacular waterfall in 325-acre park, from 9:45am-2:00pm.

Wed, Mar 30. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Apr 2016

Sat, Apr 2. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, Apr 3. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Slow-paced nature walk looking for signs of spring in the Bellevue Pond area. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun and interesting natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon.

Sun, Apr 3. Walden Pond/Sudbury River hike on less traveled paths. 6 mi. Meet at 10:30am near restrooms at Walden Pond pkg. lot.

Tues, Apr 5. Historic Streets of Cambridge. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, 6:45-9:00pm.

Sat, Apr 9. Walden Woods, Wright Forest, Concord, MA. Thoreau interpretive path, forest, marshes, vernal pool (frog chorus). 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, Apr 10. Brooks Orchard and Sorhaug Woods, Groton. 1:00pm. This hike features pretty woods, open vistas, a beaver pond, and traversing two of Groton's famous drumlins with views of several more. About 2 hours, moderate pace.

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

Wed, Apr 13. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, Apr 16. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. 10:00am-3:00pm. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, Apr 16. Warner Trail, Cumberland, RI. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner, Wrentham to Diamond Hill.

Sat, Apr 16. Delaney Wildlife Mgt. Area (Stow, MA). We meet at 10:00am, finish by mid-aft. 6-7 mi. Two small stream crossings.

Sat, Apr 16. 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.

Mon, Apr 18. Half-Marathon Walk, Minuteman Nat'l Park, Lexington. Brisk 13-mile walk on Battle Road Trail to Fiske Hill in Lexington, then out to Meriam's Corner and beyond in Concord, and back. 9:30am-3:30pm.

Mon, Apr 18. Boston Marathon Hike. 20th annual hike, eight miles via Arboretum, Allandale and Hancock Woods, Hammond Pond Park to Heartbreak Hill, 9:00am-12:30pm.

Sat, Apr 23. Middlesex Fells, Malden. Hike to cliff-top, waterfall and pond views, from 10am-2:15pm.

Sat, Apr 23. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. Fast-paced 7-mi. hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, Apr 24. Historic Middlesex Canal, Woburn. Level, 3-mi., joint w/Middlesex Canal Association along 2 sections of the historic canal. Info:www.middlesexcanal.org.

Sun, Apr 24. Mt. Misery, Farrar Pond, and adj. conservation areas (Lincoln, MA). 9 mi. [60+ temp. may lessen distance.] Meet at 9:30am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Sun, Apr 24. Ward Reservation, Andover. Approximately 2.5 mile walk through forest and open fields with views of Boston skyline. View solstice stones at top of Holt Hill, highest "peak" in Essex County (elev 420 Ft), and elephant rock at top of Boston Hill.

Sun, Apr 24. Mt. Wachusett (2006'), Princeton. See spring wildflowers in bloom on slow-paced scenic loop hike to summit and back. Total distance about 4 miles with 800 ft. elevation gain.

Wed, Apr 27. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, Apr 30. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:30am-12:30pm. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks.

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

May 2016

Sun, May 1. Warner Trail, Wrentham. 9am-4pm. 10-mi. mod. hike from Wampum Corner to Crocker Pond.

Sat, May 7. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain. Scenic, moderate 5-mi. walk w/many stops to view plants & trees in bloom. 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 8. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm. [Cancelled due to rain.]

Sun, May 8. Joe English Reservation, Amherst, NH. A 7 mile quiet, hilly wander 9:30am-3:30pm through varied woodlands on well maintained trails.

Wed, May 11. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile walk, 10:30am-1:30am.

Sat, May 14. 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, May 15. Rocky Hill Sanctuary and adjoining woodlands, Groton. 1:00pm. This is a great area to hike around in, with a beautiful point on Long Pond, beaver marshes, heron rookerie, a true bog, and more.

Sun, May 15. 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. 9:00am-12:00pm.

Mon, May 16. Fairhaven Bay & Cliffs, Mt. Misery, Concord. 8:00am-11:00am. Fast paced 6.5 mile eclectic and scenic hike with occasional elevation bumps.

Fri, May 20. Historic Streets of Charlestown. Moderate 5-mi. walk including water views and old homes. 6:30-8:45pm. Meet by park across from Blackmoor restaurant in City Square.

Sat, May 21. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. 7:00am-10:30am. Beginner's bird walk 3 miles through the Fowl Meadow and along the Neponset River. 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 21. Horn Pond Mountain and Rag Rock/Mount Mianomo, Woburn. Difficult, steep 7-mile hike including water views, two "mountains" with sweeping vistas, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, May 22. Lincoln (MA)/Concord hike to Sudbury River incl. Adams and Fairhaven Woods, Walden Pond and Pine Hill areas. 10 mi. [60+ temp.may lessen distance.] Meet at 10:00am in Lincoln RR commuter pkg. lot.

Wed, May 25. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, May 28. Blue Hills Wildflower Hike, Quincy. 10:00am-3:30pm. 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. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, May 28. Warner Trail, Sharon. 9am-5pm. 13-mi. mod. hike from Edge Hill Rd. in Sharon to High Rock in Foxboro.

Sat, May 28. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:30am-12:30pm. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat.

Sun, May 29. 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.

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

June 2016

Sat, June 4. Blue Hills Bird Walk, Milton. 8:00am-11:30am. Bird Walk for 3 miles through the Fowl Meadow and along the Neponset River. Joint with Friends of the Blue Hills.

Sat, June 4. Noon Hill and Shattuck Reservation, Medfield, MA. Fast-paced 7-mile hike along part of Bay Circuit Trail with sweeping views from Noon Hill summit along with riverside views along Charles River. 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, June 4. Beaver Brook, Hollis, NH. About a 2 hour hike, as part of the hike we will hike along Beaver Brook Trail, then over the Nichols Trail for a beautiful view from the top. We will then hike back down to the Eastman Trail, for views of Beaver houses and dams. This hike will be on varied terrain.

Sun, June 5. Horn Pond Conservation Land, Woburn. Slow-paced nature walk looking for late spring wildflowers. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history.

Sat, June 11. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. 5.5-mile.walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:30am-2:30pm.

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

Sun, June 12. General Field, Groton - 1:00-2:50pm

Sat, June 18. Middlesex Fells, Winchester. Easy walk in open woods. 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, June 18. Blue Hills "Peak Bagging" Hike, Blue Hills Reservation, Canton. Fast-paced, difficult 7-mi. hike to Buck, Tucker, Hancock, and Hemenway hills with spectacular views throughout, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, June 19. Massabesic Audubon Center, NH. 6 mi. easy wander along wooded trails and lake shore, 10am-3:00pm.

Sun, June 19. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, 9:00am-noon.

Tues, June 21. Castle Island, South Boston. Leisurely 4-mi. walk along harbor, 6:45-8:45pm.

Sat, June 25. Noanet Woodlands, Dover. Morning hike with ponds and views. 9:00am-noon.

Sat, June 25. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 9.5 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Thurs, June 30. East Boston Greenway/Piers Park/Harborwalk/Marine Arts Sculpture Park. 2 hour walk, some history, good harbor views. Option for harborside picnic table dinner at KO Australian bistro ~8:00pm.

July 2016

Sat, July 2. Belmont Woodlands. Brisk, scenic 7-mi. hike including Wellington Hill, Highland Meadow, Weeks Pond, Beaver Brook, and Rock Meadow. 9:45am-1:30pm.

Sun, July 3. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Approx. 5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm.

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

Sat, July 9. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Summer Special!. 10:00am-12:30pm. Easy 5 mile walk on lovely wooded trails, including Middlesex Turnpike remains from the 1800s.

Sat, July 9. Squantum Point Park to Pope John Paul 2 Park, Quincy/Dorchester. 7-mile walk from Squantum Point Park, along Quincy Riverwalk, across bridge to Boston Harborwalk to Pope John Paul 2 Park, 9:30am-12:45pm.

Sun, July 10. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod-stren. approx. 5-mi. hike, hills/rough terrain, 9:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, July 16. Eastern Blue Hills, Quincy. Fast-paced, moderately hilly 7-mi. hike to remote scenic areas including Fox Hill, Kitchamakin ledges, Chickatawbut overlooks, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Sun, July 17. Bedford/Burlington/Lexington Woodlands. Very hilly 6-mi. wander through various conservation & municipal lands. 9:45am-2:30pm.

Sun, July 17. Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to Grassy Pond looking for mid-summer wildflowers and fruits. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sun, July 17. Mt. Auburn Cemetery. 2.5 hr. introductory walk exploring its beauty and history. Theme: Signs & Symbols.

Fri, July 22. "Beat the Heat" Harborwalk walk in the Seaport District and Fort Point, Boston. Moderate-paced 4-mi. walk on waterside walkways of Boston/South Boston with spectacular views, 6:30-9:00pm.

Mon, July 25. 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. Pending favorable weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well.

Sat, July 30. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 9:00am-11:00am. Meet at the Visitors Center. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks, including the trail along the Charles River.

Sat, July 30. 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, July 31. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Approx. 5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm.

August 2016

Fri, Aug 5. Squantum to Thompson Island Walk, Quincy/Boston. Unusual 4-mile sunset walk with spectacular views along sandbar at low tide to one of the Boston Harbor Islands, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Sat, Aug 6. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. beat-the-heat hike, 7:00am-9:00am.

Sat, Aug 6. West Quincy Quarries & Granite Railway. Come by after the Ponkapoag hike... 5.5-mile walk to Granite Railway & quarries, some rock scrambling and steep sections, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, Aug 6. Boston's Back Bay Fens. View museums and cultural institutions; explore the Rose Garden and Victory Gardens. 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sun, Aug 7. Melrose Parks & Conservation Lands. Scenic 8-mi. hike in Pine Banks, Mt. Hood, & adjoining parks, 10:00am-2:30pm. Volcanic remnant, esker, ponds, fine hilltop views.

Sat, Aug 13. Parks & Greenways, Quincy. 7-mile walk w/beach, woods, salt marshes, historic sites, 10:00am-2:30pm.

Sun, Aug 14. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Mod-stren. approx. 5-mi. hike, hills/rough terrain, 9:00am-2:00pm.

Sat, Aug 20. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Fast-paced 5-mile hike through remote areas including views from ledges and water views, 11:15am-2:30pm.

Sun, Aug 21. 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. Meet 10:00am.

Thurs, Aug 25. Lake Waban (Wellesley) walk. 5:45pm-7:00pm. Lake Waban (Wellesley) walk, with optional dinner following. Join us for a walk around lovely Lake Waban on the Wellesley campus. Moderate pace, gentle trail. Afterwards, enjoy a pizza or another dish at nearby Alta Strada.

Sat, Aug 27. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in summer. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history. 9:00am-12:00pm.

September 2016

Fri, Sept 2. Harborwalk, Haymarket, and North End, Boston. Moderate-paced 4-mi. walk along Boston waterfront, Haymarket area, and streets and alleyways of North End, including possible stops at Boston Public Market and/or Bova's Bakery, 6:30-9:00pm.

Sat, Sept 3. Pope John Paul 2 Park to Squantum Point Park Dorchester/Quincy. 7-mile walk from Pope John Paul II Park, along Boston Harborwalk, across bridge to Quincy Riverwalk to Squantum Point Park and back, 9:30am-12:45pm.

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

Sat, Sept 10. 3rd Annual Duxbury Beach Walk. 10:00am-Noon, moderate pace. Lunch afterwards at a local restaurant for anyone interested.

Sat, Sept 10. Squantum to Thompson Island Walk, Quincy/Boston. Unusual 6-mile walk with spectacular views along sandbar at low tide to one of the Boston Harbor Islands, 10:15am-2:15pm.

Sun, Sept 11. Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. 1:30pm-4:00pm. Easy 4 miles on mostly flat terrain, through woods, fields, gardens.

Fri, Sept 16. Waterfront, Historic Streets of Charlestown. Moderate 5-mi walk through Charlestown including water views and old homes. 6:15-8:45pm.

Sat, Sept 17. Boxford State Forest. Easy terrain. moderate pace, kids and dogs welcome, time about 2 hours.

Sat, Sept 17. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham. 10 mile hike w/lunch at scenic pond, 9:30am-2:00pm.

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

Sun, Sept 18. Acton Arboretum. Slow-paced nature walk in search of a variety of late season wild flowers and fruits. The walk will focus on plant ID and natural history. 9:00am-12:00noon.

Sun, Sept 18. The Throne, Groton. 1:00pm. Come hike thru one of the largest contiguous undeveloped parcels in the area, featuring mostly upland forest and a variety of wet lands. About 2 hours, moderate pace.

Wed, Sept 21. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, Sep 24. Nahant Hike. Moderate-paced 6-mi. hike including spectacular views from trails, cliffs, beaches, and oceanside lanes in one of the most scenic towns in the Boston area, 9:45am-1:30pm.

Sun, Sept 25. Minute Man National Park, Concord. Autumn on the Battle Road. Share some revolutionary tales along the Battle Road in the Minute Man Park.

October 2016

Sat, Oct 1. Explore East Boston. [cancelled due to threat of rain and lack of shelter along the route.] Moderately fast-paced walk along the Greenway, Condor Urban Wild, Piers Park and more. 10:00am-1:30pm.

Sat, Oct 1. 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. 9:30am-2:30pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.

Sun, Oct 2. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk, Natick. 10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks, including the trail along the Charles River.

Wed, Oct 5. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile walk, 10:30am-1:30am.

Sat, Oct 8. Hough's Neck, Quincy. Unusual, fast-paced 9-mile hike mostly along proposed Sea to Summit Greenway, including salt marshes, a long path along the top of a dike, hidden ocean beaches, and a former Boston Harbor island, all with spectacular views, 9:30pm-1:30pm.

Sun, Oct 9. Groton Fall Spectacular. 1:00pm. This hike will feature an impressive variety of environments while traversing a large patchwork of open land, all at peak foliage time. We will see beaver ponds, eskers, drumlins, marshes, dry uplands, hemlock groves, open fields, pretty streams, and wide vistas from hilltops.

Sun, Oct 9. Burrage Pond, Hanson. Celebrate the return of TB12 with a pre-game 5-mile hike, 10:00am-12:15pm on abandoned cranberry bog, sandy trails featuring open water and marshland. [Cancelled - rain]

Sun, Oct 9. 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. [Cancelled - rain]

Mon, Oct 10. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond. 4 mi. mod.-paced hike, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, Oct 15. Middlesex Fells, Medford. Slow-paced nature walk looking for late season flowers and fruits as well as winter weeds in the Bellevue Pond area.

Sat, Oct 15. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. 6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views.

Sun, Oct 16. Hale Reservation, Westwood. Easy walk, mostly woods, across a dam & thru a meadow, 1:00-3:00pm.

Sun, Oct 16. Middlesex Canal, Winchester/Medford. 3-mi. level history walk will follow the route of the Middlesex Canal through parts of Medford and Winchester. Sites along the way include the aqueduct and mooring basin, those segments of the canal bed and berm visible off the parkway, and the stone wall of the Governor Brooks estate, in Medford. Meet 1:30pm at Sandy (Shannon) Beach lot at Upper Mystic Lake on Mystic Valley Pkwy., 1.3 mi. N of Rte. 60. Joint w/M'sex Canal Assoc.

Fri, Oct 21. Historic Streets of Boston. [TO BE RESCHEDULED] Leisurely 4-mi walk along historic streets in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End, Bay Village, 6:30pm-9:15pm.

Sat, Oct 22. Wollaston Beach, Quincy. Fast-paced 7-mi walk along Wollaston Beach, Marina Bay, Squantum, 9:00am-noon.

Sun, Oct 23. Hike North Pack Monadnock, Greenfield, NH. A rugged, scenic loop of 6.5mi. via Ted's & Carolyn's trails. 9:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Oct 23. Crow Hill, Leominster, MA. 5 mi. scenic hike on the Mid-State trail from Redemption Rock to Crow Hill and back. Easy pace with good views along the way. Mostly easy woods walk, but with a few steep sections.

Wed, Oct 26. Blue Hills Hike, Milton. Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 10:30am-1:30pm.

Sat, Oct 29. Cutler State Park walk, Needham. 10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Needham just off of Route 95/128), yet expansive reservation. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks/roots.

Sat, Oct 29. Concord Conservation, National Park/Wildlife Refuge Lands. Brisk, beautiful 9-mile hike including Old North Bridge, Reformatory Branch Trail, Great Meadows, and more. 9:45am-2:00pm.

Sun, Oct 30. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. 10:00am-12:30pm. Moderate pace, mostly level trails along Saugus River, marshes, 2 large ponds and 1 rocky hill with view of Boston.

November 2016

Sat, Nov 5. Castle Island, South Boston. Fast-paced seven-mile scenic walk along ocean to Castle Island, 10:00am-1:30pm.

Fri, Nov 11. Blue Hills, Ponkapoag Pond, Canton. Moderate 4 mile hike abound Ponkapoag Pond , 9:30am-12:30pm.

Fri, Nov 11. Historic Streets of Cambridge. 4-mi. walk along historic streets around Harvard and Porter Squares and Huron Village, 6:45-9:00pm.

Sat, Nov 12. Hike Beautiful Billerica - Great Meadows and Two Brother's Rocks. 10:00am-12:30pm. Enjoy nature and camaraderie, laced with environmental and historical tidbits: A five mile easy walk along the Concord River, through Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Timber Creek Conservation Land, Governor Thomas Dudley Park.

Sat, Nov 12. 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, Nov 19. Rock Meadow Conservation Land, Belmont. Slow-paced nature walk through fields and forests to enjoy nature in mid-autumn as the natural world prepares for winter. The walk will focus on plant ID and fun natural history.

Sat, Nov 19. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus. Fast-paced, challenging 5-mile hike with lots of views, 11:30am-2:30pm.

Sun, Nov 20. Walking Tour of Nahant, MA. Approx. 5 mi.leisurely walk thru resort with harbor views.

Sun, Nov 20. Monte Rosa (Grand Monadnock), Jaffrey, NH. Moderate 5-7 mile lollypop hike to Monte Rosa on Grand Monadnock starting on the Royce trail on Gap Mtn. just south of Monadnock. 9:20am-2:30pm.

Fri, Nov 25. 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. Around 7 mi, 5 hours.

Sat, Nov 26. 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, Nov 26. Neponset River Greenway/Milton Hill. 5-mile walk along Neponset River to Hutchinson Field, 9:30am-12:15pm.

Sun, Nov 27. Blue Hills, Milton. Fast-paced and very challenging 5-mi. hike on steep, scenic trails to Great Blue, Little Blue, and more, 9:15am-12:45pm.

December 2016

Sat, Dec 3. Hale Reservation, Westwood/Dover. Fast-paced 8-mi. hike including ponds, cabins, lodges, 9:30am-1:45pm.

Wed, Dec 7. World's End Reservation, Hingham. 5 mile walk, 10:30am-1:00pm.

Sat, Dec 10. 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 17. Cutler State Park walk. [Cancelled due to weather] 10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Needham just off of Route 95/128), yet expansive reservation. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks/roots.

Sat, Dec 17. Beacon Hill Holiday Walk. 10:00am-11:30am. Admire seasonal decorations on Beacon Hill and surrounding neighborhoods.

Sat, Dec 24. Habitat Audubon Sanctuary, Belmont, MA. Slow-paced nature walk through forests and fields and around pond focusing on plant ID of bare trees, naked shrubs and winter weeds as the natural world prepares for winter. We'll also talk about fun and interesting natural history of the plants we see. 9:30am-12:30pm.

Sat, Dec 24. Middlesex Fells - Medford. Fast-paced scenic 7-mile hike including Wrights Pond, Pickerel Rock, Winthrop Hill, Bear Hill, 9:30am-1:30pm. [Cancelled due to expected rain]

Sun, Dec 25. Foss Farms, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and 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.

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

Sun, Dec 25. Lynn Woods, Lynn. Christmas Day Hike. Leader's Choice. 9:00am start.

Wed, Dec 28. Broadmoor Mass Audubon walk. 10:00am-Noon. Join us for a walk in this convenient (Natick on Route 16), yet expansive wildlife retreat. Moderate pace, easy trails with some gentle hills and rocks.

Fri, Dec 30. Holiday Lights Walk, Boston. Moderate 5-mi walk to view holiday lights in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End, with possible stop at Eataly, 6:30pm-9:15pm.

Sat, Dec 31. Blue Hills Skyline Trail, Quincy. Don't wait until New Years's Day to resolve to go out hiking. 6.5-mile hike rocky terrain with a number of steep hills with views. Moderate-rated hike. 10:00am-3:00pm, mainly on Skyline Trail, lunch on Nahanton Hill with great view.