ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Arnold Arboretum Winter Hike

Hiking - Easy

DATE: Jan 31, 2026
END DATE: Jan 31, 2026

Event Location: Boston MA

Trip Leader(s)


Gandalf
Thornton, NH United States,

TrailBlazer
Thornton, NH United States

Meeting Time: 10:30 AM

Max # People: 50

Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level:

Easy

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Summary

This winter hike at The Arnold is a perfect way to boost your health, reconnect with friends, and meet new adventurers.

Why The Arnold?
The Arnold Arboretum is one of Boston’s greatest treasures and a world-class resource. Part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace (yes, the same visionary behind NYC’s Central Park), the Arboretum hosts one of the globe’s most carefully curated living collections of temperate trees and shrubs across 265 acres of natural-style landscape. It’s stunning in every season—especially in winter.

About the Hike
This hike is adaptable for all fitness levels—great for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. It’s a supportive environment if you're unsure what level you’re ready for—we’ll help you gauge how you feel, and you can shorten your hike at any time. Winter hiking is all about adjusting to the day’s conditions.

  • Distance: 4.1-mile loop
  • Elevation Gain: 230 ft
  • Highlights: Summits of the two major hills with winter views of the Boston Skyline and more
  • Pace: Moderate, comfortable strolling
  • Estimated Time: ~3 hours
  • Terrain: Mix of trails and paved roads

After the hike, if there’s interest, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for a late lunch.

What to Bring
Dress in layers—hats, gloves, and winter hiking boots are a must. The hilltops can feel fresh!
Bring your pack if you'd like feedback on how it fits for future White Mountains trips or want to test out new holiday gear. If you have Microspikes in case we encounter any icy surfaces, it doesn’t hurt to bring them.

Meeting Spot & Timing
We’ll start at the Main Gate on Arborway, and restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.
Please don’t be late—our policy is to wait only 15 minutes past the start time for registered hikers. If you can’t make it, kindly remove yourself online.

New to GO?
This is a fantastic event to dip your toes in (well, inside warm boots!). We’d love to meet you.

Hope to see you there!
~ Mike & Jon

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Driving: Easy!  Google Maps/GPS “125 Arborway, Boston, MA” and it will get you there by driving or public transportation.  On-street parking is limited, but there are municipal parking lots a couple of blocks away on Burroughs Place.  

Via the MBTA Orange Line to Forest Hills Station and exit through the Arnold Arboretum door. Continue west on Arborway [toward MA 1] to the gate.

Trip Leader(s)

Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
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TrailBlazer

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
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members signed up for this event

regularguyma

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


BOSTON, MA


United States
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SEBill

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Boston, MA


United States
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SEALI

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Boston, MA


United States
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sustaining member
Natick228

Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate


Natick, MA


United States
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btmitch

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


South Boston, MA


United States
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sedonahikerman

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Plainville, MA


United States
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HikerBiker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Manchester, NH


United States
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wbarfus

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Dorchester, MA


United States
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ScottyKH

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Dedham, MA


United States
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JR

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
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guest member
Justjim

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Boston , MA


United States
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sustaining member
LarrySoreLegs

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
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pmgnoho

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
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Eli02116

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Boston, MA


United States
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guest member
Kippsdad

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Marlborough, NH


United States
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outsider

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


hanover, MA


United States
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Mark S

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Manchester, NH


United States
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AdrIanB

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


West Roxbury, MA


United States
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guest member
EdHarrington

Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate


Jaffrey, NH


United States
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ADKMTNHiker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Hudson, MA


United States
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