SUMMARY:

You won't want to miss this beautiful spring hike through the Arnold Arboretum - nature is really bursting there now & it is truly spectacular! Beginning at the main entrance, we'll walk throughout the entire preserve for about four miles.  Yes, this may be a "bunny hike," but we'll be well rewarded with seeing some of nature at its finest, especially the flowering and fragrant lilacs, azaleas and rhododendrons.  We'll also take in spectacular views of Boston from Peters and Bussey Hills, ascending the steep, pine-clad slopes of Hemlock Hill, and examine the always awesome and magnificent tree specimens.  The Arnold Arboretum is a 280-acre treasure operated by Harvard University on land owned by the City of Boston.  It's one of the finest examples of landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted, and it's a National Historic Landmark.  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 have the option to head over to nearby Jamaica Plain Center where we can further schmooze at a local eatery (hopefully local favorite the Galway House).         

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We will meet at 1 pm at the Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130.  You can use that address for your GPS.  Parking is free along the main road (the Arborway).  It's a 10 minute walk from the Forest Hills Station of the MBTA's Orange Line.  We will meet on the main steps in front of the brick Hunnewell Visitor Center, which is just inside the main gate at the right.  For parking, you can find a spot on Arborway in front of the Arboretum or in the neighborhood just to the east (across the Arborway) of the Arboretum.  If you park in the latter, you can walk across the Arborway, where there is a walk signal to use.