Helen Weatherall - 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Boston: Including Coastal and Interior Regions, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island

THIS BOOK and a frighteningly great many of the most wonderful places in Massachusetts likely would not exist as open space if it wasnt for Charles Eliot, landscape architect and founder of the Trustees of Reservations. He did not work alone, but his accomplishments certainly demonstrate the vast difference one inspired individual can make to the betterment of the world. In getting to know each of these 60 hikes, I grew even more aware of the vulnerability of Massachusettss natural places (including state parks!) and both humbled and heartened by the enormous amount of work myriad organizations are doing to preserve them. In the interest of fostering support, I would like to shine a halo of light on all those at the Essex County Greenbelt Association, the Sudbury Valley Trustees, the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust, the Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS), the Trust for Public Land, the Charles River Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Audubon Society, Friends of Lynn Woods, Friends of Middlesex Fells, Friends of Hemlock Gorge, Friends of Manchester-Essex Woods, the Waters family of Sutton, everyone behind the Bay Circuit Trail (Eliots baby), the Wapack Trail, the Mid-State Trail, The Trustees of Reservations, and the gutsy, huge-hearted members of every last conservation commission in the state. Gratitude to friends and family who have maintained interest and support helped carry this book to fruition. Thanks to my tremendous brothers, Bobby and Alexander. Thanks, too, to my father, Robert Weatherall (who gave me his strong legs, curiosity, love of trees, and propensity for taking the long scenic route); thanks to my trusty and courageous hiking companion, Katy (my 14-pound terrier who always knows the right way), and with my deepest respect, appreciation, and love, thanks to my husband, Christopher.

Welcome to Menasha Ridge Presss 60 Hikes within 60 Miles. Our strategy was simple: First, find a hiker who knows the area and loves to hike. Second, ask that person to spend a year researching the most popular and very best trails around. And third, have that person describe each trail in terms of difficulty, scenery, condition, elevation change, and all other categories of information that are important to hikers. Pretend youve just completed a hike and met up with other hikers at the trailhead, we told each author. Imagine their questions, and be clear in your answers.

Youll get more out of this book if you take a moment to read the Introduction explaining how to read the trail listings. The Topographic Maps section will help you understand how useful topos will be on a hike, and will also tell you where to get them. And though this is a where-to, rather than a how-to guide, those of you who have hiked extensively will find the Introduction of particular value. As much for the opportunity to free the spirit as well as to free the body, let these hikes elevate you above the urban hurry.

All the best,
The Editors at Menasha Ridge Press