Callahan State Park spring hike - April 8, 2026

 HIKE REPORT

 

Wednesday, 8 April 2026, Callahan State Park spring hike

Hike Leader:  Alan Cantor

5.5 miles, 10:00 am start from Framingham, MA

Hikers (14):  Alan, Betsy Harper, Ernie Glickman, Gerry Sheetoo, Judy Perrin, Kristina Leclaire, Lorraine Gotlib, Lynell Stromberg, Marie Keutmann, Melissa Norton, Phyllis Evan, Richard Vignoni, Steve Hoffenberg, and Zach Woods. 

 

We had an absolutely beautiful day for the Wednesday Wander (our new name for the activity that once was done on bikes) hike.  We hiked in Callahan State Park, in Framingham - Red Tail to Backpacker and Bear Paw trails.  The AllTrails link is here.  It’s a winding and looping 5.5 mile hike with a few moderate climbs, some nice views, and just one small stream to ford.

 

From the sounds coming from behind, there were many spirited conversations.  It’s the best of WW - an activity that promotes the social connection as much as the fitness.  Richard declared it the best hike of the season.

 

Report by Alan Cantor.

Loop around Ponkapoag Pond early spring hike - April 1, 2026

Loop around Ponkapoag Pond early spring hike -  April 1, 2026 

Hike Leader: Elsa Lawrence

~4.4 miles, 10:00 am start from Canton, MA

Hikers (11): Elsa, Aiko Pinkoski, Annemarie Altman, Barbara Martin, Dee Galacki, Jeffrey Wallen, Judy Perrin, Kristina Leclaire, Molly Schaeffer, Phyllis Evan, and Zach Woods.

 

As we were gathering to start the walk, the question was when would the rain stop.  We started walking with rain jackets and some people had umbrellas which were quickly collapsed as the rain let up.

 

We were fortunate to have a still day with beautiful views of the pond, the Blue Hills, and a number of birds, including a pileated woodpecker and red wing blackbirds.  The wide trails enabled us to walk two or three abreast for conversations.

 

Eight of us went to Thyme in Canton center for a delicious, post-hike Mediterranean lunch.

Report by Elsa Lawrence.