Boston Region
1399 Bennington Street, East Boston
Friday, November 27
9:30 am-10:45 am
Rain date: Saturday, November 28, 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Meeting location: Information Kiosk Sign in the parking lot of Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Join park staff for a 1.5 mile walk around Belle Isle Marsh Reservation. Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is truly an oasis in the heart of the city, you will get to see the Boston skyline and Logan Airport, and it is extremely likely that you will see planes fly overhead, along with various birds and other wildlife. On a yearly basis over 250 different species of birds visit this site! This Gratitude After Gravy offering is for everyone, all ages and all abilities. The reservation is accessible; the terrain at the reservation is relatively flat, the hike will remain on the reservation's stone dust pathways, and all boardwalks and lookouts that are visited have thresholds. Two porta potties are available, one of which is accessible. Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Please leave pets at home.
Free parking is available in the lot on site, if lot is full, participants can park anywhere outside of the entry to the reservation along Bennington Street.
Public Transportation: MBTA Blue Line to the Suffolk Downs stop. Cross at the pedestrian crossing and turn left. The entry to the reservation will be about 4 minutes down on your right.
Central Region
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
Saturday, November 28
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meeting Location:Rice City Pond parking area (bit.ly/ricecitypond)
Meet at the Rice City Pond parking area (bit.ly/ricecitypond). This hike is ~3 miles over a rugged forest surface with moderate inclines. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Bathrooms and water are not available at this site. Programming is subject to change or cancellation. For the most up to date programming information, call (508) 278-7604 or visit bit.ly/blstupdates.
205 Westboro Road, Upton
Friday, November 27
Self-Guided Gratitude After Gravy Hike at Upton State Forest
Go at your own pace and enjoy the Healthy Heart Self-Guided hike at Upton State Forest. From the parking area, head to Park Rd and follow down the road, then turn left onto Dean Pond Rd. Enjoy a few moments by the pond, then return up Middle Rd, continue on the path to Loop Rd and back to the parking area. Upton State Forest has a rich CCC history! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water.
North Region
4 Gott Avenue, Rockport
Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29
Self-Guided Gratitude after Gravy Hike at Halibut Point State Park
Show your gratitude on this self-guided hike at Halibut Point State Park: Babson Farm Quarrying History self-guided tour brochure . Walking at your own pace about one mile around our wide gravel path you’ll see evidence of past quarrying. Learn how they moved large granite stone and made incredible buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last! Stops at significant sites will help you understand what all the holes, steel anchors, and pieces of granite are. Enjoy extraordinary views from the “overlook” a grout pile looking over the Bay! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water. No parking fees.
South Region
840 Hillside Street, Milton
Friday, November 27
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
Meeting Location: Houghton Ponds Visitor Center
Skip the malls and work off some of that extra turkey with a gentle guided 3-mile hike through the beautiful Blue Hills. Discover how the forest readies itself for winter and enjoy the peace and community of a nice walk in the woods! Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring drinking water. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rain, snow, or icy trails.
194 Cranberry Road, South Carver
Friday, November 27
1:00 pm- 2:30 pm
Meeting Location: Myles Standish State Forest Interpretive Center at 194 Cranberry Road, South Carver
Join park staff for a guided 2.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Walk around the Easthead Reservoir loop trail keeping an eye out for fall wildlife. Please dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring drinking water and a snack. Best for adults and children 10+. Meet at the Headquarters parking lot at 194 Cranberry Road in South Carver. Hike is free with no parking fees. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rain, snow, icy trails, or high winds. Call hike leader Amy at (508) 272-9376 for more information. Hike co-sponsored by the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest.
204 Union Street, Hingham
Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29
Self-Guided Gratitude After Gravy Hike at Wompatuck State Park
Take a pleasant stroll on the 1.1 mile Healthy Heart Trail at Wompatuck State Park. This flat, paved walk takes you through beautiful New England woodlands. Great for the whole family. This is a self-guided walk will be marked with white flagging tape: enjoy at your leisure. Restrooms, water, and free parking are available in the Wompatuck State Park Visitor Center. Please dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring drinking water.
West Region
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
Friday, November 27
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
Meeting Location: Front entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center
Get moving this holiday weekend and connect with nature and local history! Join us for a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles-long, on a level paved surface. Makes for an easy stroll for adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center and ends with hot chocolate in the Great Hall. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels.
1500 West Street, Amherst
Friday, November 27
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Meeting Location: Map Kiosk outside of the Notch Visitors Center
Best for ages 5 and up. Bring the whole family and hike off that Thanksgiving pie and gravy! Choose between an easy 2-mile hike or a more challenging 4-mile hike, both featuring casual interpretation along the way. Not up for a hike? Hang out inside the Notch Visitor Center, cozy up by the wood stove, and enjoy self-guided activities while others hit the trail. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and a snack. Hot drinks will be served after the hike. Meet at the kiosk outside the Notch Visitor Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions will cancel the hikes.
Water Supply
Wachusett Reservoir Gate 39 (Intersection of South Meadow Rd. & Rt. 110, Clinton, MA)
Friday, November 27
Self-Guided Gratitude After Gravy Hike to the Wachusetts Dam
Self-Guided hike starts at Gate 39
Enjoy exercise and fresh clean air on a walk along the Wachusett Reservoir on this easy, self-guided 2.75 mile roundtrip walk. Check out the Story Map before your walk or use it to follow along. Use the digital guide's multimedia stops to learn about the reservoir's history. Enjoy the view over the water for reflection of the engineering marvels that provide clean drinking water to millions. The trail leads to the historic early 1900s Wachusett Dam and fountain, a powerful landmark to pause for appreciation before your return walk.
To protect this vital public drinking water supply, dogs and domestic pets are not allowed (service animals welcome). Please practice leave no trace etiquette to keep the watershed clean.
| Last updated: | November 3, 2026 |
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