Boston Night Hikes: The Franklin Park Wilderness on December 18th
Meet fellow urban hikers and explore the “wilderness” of Franklin Park after dark on a 2.4-mile hike from Green Street Station to Drawdown Brewing, with some bonus green spaces and oddities along the way with Walking City Trails.
Boston is a city of trails…and urban hikers. What better way to meet fellow city ramblers than by going on an adventure together during the magic hour? After their inaugural winter run in early 2024, Boston Night Hikes are back! Hosted by Miles Howard (founder and lead organizer of Boston’s Walking City Trail), these free group hikes are a unique way to discover Boston’s rustic beauty while connecting with residents and visitors alike.
On this 2.4-mile hike, you’ll meet in the MBTA’s Green Street Orange Line station (by the fare gates) at 6pm on Thursday 12/18 and we’ll pick up the Walking City Trail to expore the most rustic and richly forested section of Franklin Park; with a few off-trail detours to visit some of the curiosities and beautiful sights hidden within the park. Eventually, we’ll emerge from the park near Egleston Square and conclude with drinks at Drawdown Brewing, which is located near the Stony Brook Orange Line station and the 42 bus route.
The hike will include a mixture of paved paths and dirt paths, with some stairs in places. While difficulty is subjective, the distance and alternatively flat and sloped terrain make this one an easy-to-moderate hike.
There’s no signup cost for Boston Night Hikes; though Walking City Trail donations make our work possible and are enormously appreciated! All you need to do is RSVP via this form and show up. There’s also no group size limit for these hikes. (We had over 40 people on this same hike last December!) So if plans change and you can’t make it, don’t sweat it. There will be more Night Hikes in 2026.
This hike will be a snow-or-shine event, unless there’s dangerous weather forecasted for the evening, such as extreme cold, a Nor’easter, or hypothermia conditions like freezing rain. If that happens, then the hike will be rescheduled for a future date and everyone who has signed up will be notified of the date change by email.
RSVP by entering your name and email here!
NIGHT HIKE FAQs
If you like to hike with trekking poles for stability, I recommend bringing those too! They can be helpful at night.
Clothing-wise, I suggest wearing comfortable insulted walking shoes or boots. For upper/lower body warmth, consider dressing in the classic “three layer system.” First, put on an insulating base layer like thermal tights. Second, add a second intermediary layer for warmth, such as a vest or a fleece. Slide into a jacket with wind resistance, and you’re good to go. (You can always discard and put on layers as needed.) Oh, and wear a warm hat too! Keeping your head warm will help the rest of you stay warm amidst winter conditions.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
