SUMMARY:

Come on along for a fun winter hike in the always beautiful and fascinating Arnold Arboretum.  Beginning at the main entrance, our hike will take us throughout the entire preserve for about four miles.  Highlights will include taking in the spectacular views of Boston and surroundings from Bussey and Peter's Hills, ascending the summit of Hemlock Hill, and viewing the magnificent tree and and shrub specimens.  We'll also explore a few little known corners and examine some of the oldest trees there.  The Arnold Arboretum is an almost 300 acre treasure operated by Harvard University on land owned by the City of Boston.  A national Historic Landmark, it's one of the finest examples of landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted.  Because of the vagaries of Boston weather, please dress with the appropriate outdoors gear, wear good hiking shoes and bring a liter of water.  After our extensive walk, we'll head over to the nearby, vibrant Jamaica Plain Center where we can have a good schmooze at a local eatery.         

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We'll meet at the main entrance to the Arnold Arboretum at 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130.  You can use that address for Google Maps and GPS.  Parking is free along the main road (Arborway).  It's a 10 minute walk from the Forest Hills Station of the MBTA's Orange Line.  We'll meet at 1 pm on the main steps in front of the brick Adminstration/Bussey Building, which is just inside the main gate at the right.