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We're Expanding our Guided Hike Offerings to Better Serve the Community
In recent weeks, we have solicited feedback from the Fells community on ways that we can facilitate creating a better, safer experience for Fells users. Based on this feedback, we have acted quickly to expand our group hike offerings this month, and are now programming "social hikes" on the trails all through December.
Join us this month to learn about the Fells, be introduced to a new segment of the park, or to meet other like-minded hikers. And be sure to regularly check our events calendar for updates, as many more guided hikes are coming soon!
Thank you to all those volunteers who have already answered our call for new leaders and offered their time to program these new hike events.
IMPORTANT: Please note that space for all guided hikes is strictly limited, and pre-registration will be required for all group events in the Fells this fall (no on-site registrations will be permitted).
For more information on any event, click on the "PRE-REGISTER HERE" link provided:
Nature Walk with Pete Costello
Pete Costello is the Assistant Curator of the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, an expert in conservation, and a long-time birder:
We’ll walk around the High Fells Reservoirs looking for different animal signs and animal habitats. This area has several vernal pools we can investigate, and the reservoirs can be a great place to to view nature bedding down for the winter.
Sunday, December 12, 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM
Flynn Rink parking lot, 300 Elm St, Medford
Social Hike: Walk Around Wrights Pond with Tom Champoux
About Tom: "I've been hiking in this part of the Fells for nearly 10 years, hiking with my dog 5 or 6 days a week, covering about 500 miles per year. I know most of the area trails really well, and often keep my eyes peeled for all critters large and small. I also love geology and other areas of natural sciences."
This will be an easy/moderate hike around Wrights Pond and the adjacent trails and areas of the Fells.
Sunday, December 12, 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM
Flynn Rink parking lot, 300 Elm St, Medford
Social Hike: Find the Lost Silver Mine with R.J. Russell
We’ll go on a quest to find the legendary lost silver mine of the Fells. It’s not much to look at now, but we’ll trek to the spot where years ago some prospectors once tried their luck. We’ll cross Lawrence Woods, go over Ram’s Head hill, and explore the heart of the southern Fells as we follow the blue blazes of the Cross Fells Trail. On the way home, we’ll pass by some fantastic waterfront views on the aptly named Reservoir Trail.
Sunday, December 12, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Medford HS Parking Lot, 489 Winthrop St., Medford
A Winter Walk in the Fells with Winchester Trails
Join us for a winter walk in the Fells in the Long Pond area. We will look for signs of life and discuss survival strategies, but most of all enjoy the beauty of the forest in the winter.
Tuesday, December 14, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Long Pond Parking Lot, opposite #532 South Border Rd., Winchester
Social Hike: Walk at Greenwood Park with Tom Clark
About Tom: "I’m Tom Clark a long time walker/hiker of the Fells. Since I was a young boy peddling through the Fells and now retired just simply enjoying its beauty with benefits of exercise. I found that the hiking helped me adjust from my usual busy work schedule to a peaceful solitude with nature as well giving me some healthy benefits that prepared me for full joint replacement surgery’s and full recovery. I grew up in Malden and have made Medford my home for the last 45 years.
Our goal is to meet fellow trail walkers, maybe get some exercise, socialize and enjoy the beauty the Middlesex Fells Reservation has to offer."
Tuesday, December 14, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Greenwood Park parking lot, opposite Stone Zoo, Stoneham
Social Hike: Women's Morning Hike with Karine Thate
About Karine: "I've been a frequent visitor to the Fells for the last 12 years; and a volunteer trail adopter with Friends of the Fells for the last 5 years. I'm a university administrator and former science educator, who loves being outdoors in all seasons."
What better way to start the day? Join a small group of women for some fresh air, exercise and conversation. We'll travel a variety of trails in the southern part of the Fells, staying west of I-93, aiming for 60-75 minutes of moderate to brisk walking.
Wednesday, December 15, 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
South Border Rd. parking lot (across from Jeremiah Cir.), South Border Rd., Medford
Social Hike: Workout Walk with R.J. Russell
Skyline Trail – Southern Section: After crossing Lawrence Woods and visiting the old 90mm site, we’ll catch the white blazes of the challenging Skyline trail and follow it through the southern Fells, visiting Panther Cave, Wright’s Tower, and many other hilltops and views along the way. On the way home, we’ll pass by some fantastic waterfront views on the aptly named Reservoir Trail.
This will be a moderately paced hike that will get the blood pumping!
Saturday, December 18, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Medford HS Parking Lot, 489 Winthrop St., Medford
Celebrate the Solstice at Bellevue Pond with Boot Boutwell
The Winter Solstice arrives at 10:59 am today! We have arrived at the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year.
We’ll take a stroll through the Bellevue Pond area and take a walk up Pine Hill to Wright’s Tower to get a good look at the sun. We’ll talk about the winter solstice and what it means using poetry, lore and science. And as usual, we’ll also focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history about the plants which we see.
Tuesday, December 21, 9:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Bellevue Pond parking lot, South Border Rd., Medford
To ensure the safety of all group work, DCR has established new guidelines for group projects/events in the parks. We will adhere to these guidelines for the foreseeable future:
- Groups will be limited to a maximum of 15 individuals (including participants, staff, and instructors)
- Pre-registration will be required for all events (no onsite registration will be offered).
- In order to allow other interested individuals to attend our hikes, please contact us to cancel registrations as soon as possible if schedules change.
- Projects/events will not exceed 2 hours in duration
- Face masks or face coverings are recommended, and
- Participants must adhere to social distancing guidelines and attempt to remain 3 feet apart
For more information and resources regarding these guidelines, please visit the DCR’s Volunteers in the Parks page.
The Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation is dedicated to the
protection and harmonious use of the Fells; promoting awareness,
policies, and programs to honor and preserve the ecological, historical, and
recreational resources of this urban forest reservation.
