By the light of the silvery moon, AMC Families will join Lancaster Recreation for a night of good winter fun at Dexter Drumlin in Lancaster 6-8pm (aka, George Hill). Follow the footpath lit by the "almost full moon" (full January 21) to the top of the drumlin where will have a campfire and hot chocolate ready to go. Bring your snowshoes and sleds (or not, weather and conditions dependent).
Moderate pace 5-mi. hike/snowshoe around pond, 10:30am-2:00pm. Bring lunch & water. From Rte. 93/128 exit 2A, take Rte. 138 S 0.7 mi. to Ponkapoag Golf Course lot on L. No dogs; non-AMC members $1. If no snow, bring traction device for boots. Storm cancels.
Blue Hills - 5 mile brisk-paced hike along yellow triangle trail with rolling hills, 9:30am-noon. Meet at Houghton's Pond parking lot. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Bring lunch and water. Storm cancels.
Moderate pace 5 mile walk, across scenic sand dunes, and along the ocean beach. Beautiful desert landscapes, include pitch pine forest, views of Essex Bay, and sea birds. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at Woodman's Seafood Restaurant, in nearby Essex, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Crane Beach parking lot. Parking Fee. From Route 128, exit 14 in Gloucester, take Route 133 West for 5 miles. Turn right on Northgate Road. Then, turn right on Argilla Road, follow to beach.
Fast-paced, challenging 6-mi. hike that features a number of "points of interest" in the Central Blue Hills including streams, ponds, cliffs, and open peaks such as Buck Hill, 9:30am-1:45pm. Bring lunch, water, hiking poles, & sturdy footwear. From Rte. 93/128 exit 3 (Houghtons/Ponkapoag), go N 0.5 mi. to stop sign, R on Hillside St. 0.2 mi. to Houghtons Pond lot on R. Rain/snow cancels.
Moderate pace 4 mile walk, around scenic Ponkapoag Pond, with visit to AMC Camp. Pleasant stroll across golf course, on maple tree walkway. Enjoy sit-down break, on the dock at AMC Camp. Walk followed by dinner/social hour at The Lodge Bar & Grill, in nearby Randolph, at around 2:00pm. Meet 11:00am, at Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot. From Route 93/128, exit 2A, take Route 138 South for 0.7 mile. See Ponkapoag Golf Course parking lot on left.
Join Family Outings to explore Walden Pond in Concord, MA. Meet on the porch of the Visitor Center at 1 pm for a 10 minute ranger talk on Thoreau, and then watch an engaging 20 minute Ken Burns film. Then we'll be off to hike and explore the trails around the pond! Hike and trails may vary at leader discretion.
AMC Family Outings Sixth Annual New Years Celebration and Equipment Sale Sunday January 6th at the Thoreau Outing Center at Camp Thoreau in Concord, MA. Come anytime from 10 am to 3 pm. We'll celebrate the New Years with coffee/donuts in the morning and lunch included at 11:30 am with our welcome in the New Year Celebratory cake. Options for snowshoe and XC Ski clinics, walks and hikes throughout the day as well as crafts for the kids, sledding, and, of course, lots of great equipment at prices you cannot beat. Activities and fun for all ages and abilities.
Join Family Outings to explore Walden Pond in Concord, MA. Meet on the porch of the Visitor Center at 8:30 am for a hike around the pond and to explore the trails. At 10 am when the Visitor's Center opens option for 10 minute Ranger talk on Thoreau after which the group can watch a 20 miute Ken Burns film.
5 miles, Leader's Choice. 9:00am-1:00pm. Bring lunch, H2O, and snacks. Dress for the elements. I-95/Route 128 to Walnut Street exit, 4 miles. From Route 1, Walnut Street exit, 2 miles. Turn left on Pennybrook Road to Western Gate parking lot. Cancel if rain.
