CONTACT  |   JOIN  |   AMC  |   AMC ADVENTURES   

Upcoming Chapter Activities

Sort form               
Search form
Search form
Upcoming Activities: 21 | View/Filter All Activities »
Click on the Register links to learn more and/or sign up for activities. ✧ Some activities may be full, waitlisted, or closed as the date of occurrence approaches. Others may not be open for registration just yet. Click or tap on the Register links to determine status. ✧ Check activities and volunteer opportunities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet posted here.

Hidden Sunderland - Quiet Cycling

Location: Sunderland, MA
Date: 22‑Oct‑2024
Activity: biking
Difficulty: [4] moderate »
Register »
See the rural aspects of Sunderland and enjoy some very quiet roads. There will be a couple of challenging, but short climbs. We ride counter-clockwise in this loop through Montague Center, Turners Falls and Old Deerfield. The ride will be at a pleasant pace as we continue to work our way to the end of the 2024 cycling season. We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 12-13 mph average regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way.
If we don't know you, you will be contacted once you register and asked to answer a few screening questions. You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist e-bike (no throttle) in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube or tubeless tire kit to fix a flat. Once confirmed, you will be sent a detailed information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary guidance. The information sheet is sent either two or three days prior to the ride.

Tuesday Hike - Appalachian Trail

Location: Lee, MA
Date: 22‑Oct‑2024
Activity: hiking
Difficulty: NA
Register »
This is an end-to-end 8-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail from Webster Road in Tyringham to Route 20/Lee. The hike begins with several small ups and downs over rocks and roots on a narrow path thru hardwood forests. Footing improves after the first few miles. The group will hike the spur trail to Upper Goose Pond Cabin where we will eat lunch. We will then ascend and descend to the AT crossing over the Mass Turnpike. We will finish at the Jacobs Ladder Trailhead on Rt. 20.
Overall elevation gain/loss is less than 500 ft. Water crossings are on small bridges.
A car spot will be required. We will meet at the AT parking lot on Route 20 in Lee, MA. Please be ready to go at 8:30 AM. The parking lot has a kiosk advertising the Jacob's Ladder Highway. The carpool to the hike start is about 7 miles.

Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley

Location: Hadley, MA
Date: 23‑Oct‑2024
Activity: climbing
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Join the Western MA Mountaineers for an evening climbing at Central Rock Hadley. It should be a fun evening of socializing and pulling on the amazing routes set by the local CRG team. There is no fee from our committee but CRG does charge either a monthly membership fee or day pass fee.

Normalizing Diversity in the Outdoors with Marian May Perez

Location: Online DEI Speaker Series
Date: 24‑Oct‑2024
Activity: lecture
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Have you ever been in a room full of people and realized you're the only person who isn't the same as everyone else? What about doing something you love or are passionate about and having someone or groups of people praise you for being one of the only "ones" doing it? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you might relate to what Marian May Perez has to say about their experience as an adult, understanding that the outdoors lacks diversity. If you answered no, you might be interested in listening to what May has to say about normalizing diversity in the outdoors. Join Marian May Perez, who has spent their career in the outdoor industry finding purpose in community and advocacy.
May spent 15 years primarily working in the retail and education space, building their career as a Single Pitch Instructor. They are now the co-founder and Executive Director of Rise Outside, a non-profit guide service outside of New Paltz, NY. Rise Outside's mission is to create mentorship opportunities for diverse outdoor leaders and fund programming for groups who have traditionally encountered barriers to realizing their potential outside.

WMA Annual Meeting Celebration

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 25‑Oct‑2024
Activity: meeting
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Join the Western MA Chapter Annual Meeting Bash as we celebrate our chapter and its leaders on Friday evening October 25 from 5-9 PM at the Summit View Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. Our guest speaker will be Karen Foster, Executive Director of All Out Adventures in Northampton.
We will start the evening with appetizers and a cash bar at 5 PM. Our buffet meal will be served between 6 and 6:45 PM followed by our speaker and our awards program which includes recognition of the Most Valuable Volunteers from each Activity as well as the presentation of the Appie of the Year Award.
The cost of the meal is $25.00 per person. The menu includes two meat options, vegetarian lasagna, salad, side dishes and dessert. The event is open to all, whether you are an AMC member or not.
Registration is a two-part process. See the registration page for details.
About our speaker: Karen Foster joined the team at All Out Adventures as a Program Leader in 2004 and has been the Executive Director since 2007. The non-profit All Out Adventures was founded in 2001 with an organizational goal to break down the barriers to participation in outdoor recreation. Since its founding, All Out Adventures has paddled, hiked, skied, skated, camped, and more with thousands of people throughout Massachusetts. Their programs are open to people of all ages, experience levels, and abilities. Most of its programs are either at no cost to participants or are a nominal fee. Our chapter works with All Out Adventures to further AMC's goal to get everyone Outdoors!

Holyoke’s Historic Canals & Dam Tour

Location: Holyoke Heritage State Park, MA
Date: 25‑Oct‑2024
Activity: walking
Difficulty: [3] easy »
Register »
Join the DCR interpreter for a 2-hour walk along Holyoke's canal system. We explore history, engineering prowess, mill operation and the power of water as we walk along parts of the first and second level canals of this fascinating planned industrial city.
Distance: 2.0 miles. Meet at the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather Severe weather cancels.

Wildlife Transect at Lands North & South of Rt 23

Location: Berkshires, MA
Date: 26‑Oct‑2024
Activity: conservation
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Our transect this time will take us to Appalachian Trail lands we've not explored before off Rt 23. We'll spend about half the time in the Trail lands north of Rt 23 and the other half in the Trail lands south of Rt 23. We'll be out all day so dress for the season and weather. Bring lunch, snacks, water to drink. No experience necessary, pace is slow, mostly off trail. Bad weather cancels.

20s/30s Interchapter Hike at Red Apple Farm

Location: Phillipston, MA
Date: 26‑Oct‑2024
Activity: hiking
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Join the Worcester and Western MA 20s & 30s for a fall hike at Red Apple Farm! This hike will be of easy to moderate difficulty. We will hike 4-6 miles at a moderate pace with minimal elevation gain. Along the way, we will enjoy local farming history and the remaining foliage. We will end the hike with an optional stop at Red Apple Farm (where we will be parked and from where the trails originate), a fourth-generation family farm with their own apples, pumpkins, and more as well as hard and regular cider, BBQ, and ice cream. Enjoy the best of fall in New England all in one place!
This hike will start in the morning; expect to be on the trail for a couple of hours. Proper hiking footwear (closed toed, with laces, in good condition) and is required. No dogs, please. Additional information, including meeting time and place, will be emailed to those who register. If you have any questions, please email one of the leaders. 20s & 30s is a group within AMC that is dedicated to encouraging people in their 20s and 30s to enjoy the outdoors.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Egremont

Location: South Egremont, MA
Date: 26‑Oct‑2024
Activity: trail work
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail in Egremont, MA. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line.
Work is off-trail, occasionally in heavy brush and up and down hills. Expect some wet areas, too. Some stooping to clip back brush to maintain a clear line of sight along the boundary. We also refresh yellow blazes on trees with paint which will permanently mark clothing, so don't wear your favorite trail duds. Do wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and muddy. Long pants required; long sleeves and work gloves recommended.
Tools such as loppers are provided or you may bring your own. Dress for weather conditions. Bring lunch/snacks and water to drink. Expect to spend the full day in the woods. Constant rain will cancel.

Fall Foliage at High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Shelburne Falls, MA
Date: 27‑Oct‑2024
Activity: hiking
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Hike is 6 miles and includes several overlooks, including Beaver Pond and the Shelburne Tower at the summit of Massaemett Mountain. Shelburne Tower features a tall narrow staircase for which headlamps are needed during the day since not all areas get sufficient light from windows. The top offers far views of the northern CT River Valley.
Frequent elevation change/hilly terrain throughout the hike. Mostly moderate with some steeper trails. Trekking poles recommend. Optional after hike visit to nearby Shelburne Coffee.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Sheffield

Location: Shay's Rebellion Monument, MA
Date: 27‑Oct‑2024
Activity: trail work
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail in Sheffield. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line.
Work is off-trail, occasionally in heavy brush and up and down hills. Expect some wet areas, too. Some stooping to clip back brush to maintain a clear line of sight along the boundary. We also refresh yellow blazes on trees with paint which will permanently mark clothing, so don't wear your favorite trail duds. Do wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and muddy. Long pants required; long sleeves and work gloves recommended
Tools such as loppers are provided or you may bring your own. Dress for weather conditions. Bring lunch/snacks and water to drink. Expect to spend the full day in the woods. Constant rain will cancel.

Lithia Springs Hike

Location: Lithia Springs, MA
Date: 29‑Oct‑2024
Activity: hiking
Difficulty: NA
Register »
This out-and-back hike to beautiful Lithia Springs pond is approximately 6 miles with 700' of elevation gain. Our pace will be a moderate 1.5 mph with the objective of having a relaxing lunch at the pond and enjoying the day (weather permitting of course).

Wildlife Transect, Gore Pond Area

Location: Berkshires, MA
Date: 02‑Nov‑2024
Activity: conservation
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Our transect will take us to Appalachian Trail lands we've not explored previously in one of the more remote sections of the Trail lands in Mass. We'll be out all day so dress for fall weather conditions.
Bring lunch, snacks, water to drink. No experience necessary, pace is slow, mostly off trail. As access to the area is a good distance from our start point and is up a steep climb, plan on a full day ending around 4PM.

Annual West Springfield Levee Cleanup

Location: West Springfield, MA
Date: 03‑Nov‑2024
Activity: conservation
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Once again sturdy volunteers are called upon to help remove trash alongside the Westfield River along the River St. Levee near the Big E. Annual cleanups have made a significantly positive impact on the 10+ years of neglected trash along the trails and riverbank. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with the City of West Springfield who always goes above and beyond to assist.
Gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and light snacks provided. Please bring your own filled water bottles. Parking is through the Levee gate or you may park on a side street across the road.

Tri-State Hike: Taconic Crest and Hopkins Memorial Forest

Location: Williamstown, MA
Date: 05‑Nov‑2024
Activity: hiking
Difficulty: NA
Register »
9.5 miles, moderate-to-strenuous terrain, moderate pace. About 1700' elevation gain. This hike begins on the Carriage Trail in the Hopkins Memorial Forest, a 2600 acre reserve owned and maintained by Williams College. It then connects to the Upper Loop Trail and the Birch Brook Trail, and finally feeds into the Taconic Crest Trail in New York. We will take that extension and continue on to see the "Snow Hole," a bedrock chasm that sometimes holds snow and ice well into the summer months.
We backtrack on the TCT and return to Hopkins on the Birch Brook trail; complete the Outer Loop and then back on the Carriage Trail to our cars.

Recycling Facility Tour

Location: White River Junction, VT
Date: 08‑Nov‑2024
Activity: conservation
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Join us to tour Casella's Recycling Facility to follow the full lifecycle of our recyclables, collected at the Highland Center, transported to this sorting facility, and sorted and baled for reuse in the U.S. and around the world. Members of our operations team will join us to gain firsthand insights into the complexities and innovations behind comingled recycling. This tour is a part of our ongoing efforts to pursue best practices in sustainable operations. Understanding the functional side of recycling will empower our team to implement more effective waste management practices.
AMC is dedicated to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We currently do not account for many of our indirect emissions, such as those from purchased goods, waste disposal, and downstream transportation. For example, the resources used to grow food served at the Highland Center, the packaging materials for that food, the trucking to deliver the food, the transport trucking for waste, and the decomposition of waste in the landfill all contribute to our carbon footprint. While we do not measure these indirect emissions in our operations, the most sustainable approach is clear: reduce waste first, then prioritize reuse, recycling, and composting, with landfilling as the last option.

Gym Bouldering/Dry Tooling Night

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 13‑Nov‑2024
Activity: climbing
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Come join the AMC Western MA Mountaineering Committee for a night of gym bouldering and dry tooling at the Climb Monadnock Gym! All experience levels are welcome. There is an entry cost to the gym. Reduced fees available (15% off day passes).
We will meet by the entrance at 6PM. If you arrive late, come find us around the gym in green wristbands! In addition to registering, first time participants and spectators must complete the liability waiver. We kindly ask that you complete this form on the website before arriving. Having the forms completed in advance will help streamline the check-in process and get the group climbing faster.
If you plan on dry tooling, you will need your own tools (regular ice tools are fine), a helmet, and gloves. If you have climbing shoes you should bring them too (no boots on the wall), but you can rent them if you don't have them.

Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley

Location: Hadley, MA
Date: 20‑Nov‑2024
Activity: climbing
Difficulty: NA
Register »
Join the Western MA Mountaineers for an evening climbing at Central Rock Hadley. It should be a fun evening of socializing and pulling on the amazing routes set by the local CRG team. There is no fee from our committee but CRG does charge either a monthly membership fee or day pass fee.

Hikes With Tykes

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: multiple opportunities
Activity: walking
Difficulty: [3] easy »
Register »
If you are the parent, grandparent or primary caretaker of a wee one, birth to 2 years, you are invited to join an AMC Western MA bimonthly hike series geared to get you and your little one out on the trail in and around the Connecticut River Valley. Momma Kayla and Nanna Dawne are planning guided, easy stroller or baby backpack hikes in the afternoon on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month beginning on April 8th. This is a way for you and your child to connect with nature and other parents and child caretakers in a safe, inclusive way with trained AMC hike leaders.
Once we have an established registered group list we will email you with the specifics about time and location for each bi-weekly Monday hike. Click on the Register link to learn more. Let's get these little tykes out!

Chapter Member at Large

Date: ongoing
Activity: chapter officer
Difficulty: NA
Learn More »
Bring your curiosity and creativity to support the Chapter's mission! This volunteer is a key member of the Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom) and learns about the workings of the Chapter, while helping deepen member engagement with AMC's mission and Chapter activities at the local level.
Bring your curiosity and creativity to support the Chapter's mission! The Member At Large is a key member of the Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom) and learns about the workings of the Chapter, while helping deepen member engagement with AMC's mission and Chapter activities at the local level.
The Member At Large is a versatile role, allowing involvement in a wide range of projects, including new initiatives. This volunteer works closely with the Chapter Chair and Vice Chair, and collaborates with ExCom members to support Chapter goals. The Member At Large position has a term of two years (multiple terms are possible depending on chapter by-laws).
To find out more or to express your interest, please write to info@amc-wma.org. We'd love to hear from, and about, you!
AMC's 12 chapters, run by volunteer Executive Committees, support the organization's mission on the ground by leading trips, offering outdoor skills and leadership training courses, and creating opportunities for conservation action and stewardship at the local level. These dedicated volunteers help activate their communities, often launching people on a path toward greater engagement with AMC's mission of protecting and enjoying the outdoors.

Chapter Vice Chair

Date: ongoing
Activity: chapter officer
Difficulty: NA
Learn More »
Looking for the satisfaction of using your skills to help people Be Outdoors in western Massachusetts? Explore chapter governance in this support role, learning about all areas of the AMC Western MA Chapter, its activities, and the AMC organization.
AMC Western MA Chapter welcomes all interested candidates to inquire, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. The Chapter Vice Chair supports the Chapter Chair in leading the all-volunteer Chapter Executive Committee to advance the agreed-upon goals and serves for two consecutive years with the expectation that they will move into the Chapter Chair role after the Chair's two-year term. This position also serves as a liaison between the Chapter and the larger organization of AMC-with the Chair, they represent the organization at the local level and are an essential link between the staff, the Board of Directors, and the local Chapter members and volunteers.
Areas that the Vice Chair will, or might be, involved with include:
  • Attends and provides input in monthly Executive Committee meetings
  • Recruitment and nomination process for Executive Committee members
  • Event coordination, including Annual Meeting and Annual Planning Meeting
  • Other projects as agreed upon to advance the Chapter goals
  • Opportunity to attend weekend retreat at AMC property and AMC Summit with Chapter funds
  • Participates on the Chapters Committee (Chairs, Vice Chairs, Regional Directors, and Volunteer Relations staff), including attending meetings and providing input (three regular planning meetings, including two in person, and occasional online meetings due to organizational updates)
  • Coordinates with various Chapter committees as needed
Ongoing orientation is provided by the Chair, Regional Director, and Volunteer Relations staff!
Preferred qualifications:
  • Must be a member of the AMC or become a member before election
  • Organized, good communicator, willing to learn new things, willing to work with a diverse group of individuals; responds promptly to email and voice communications; is a team player
  • Attention to detail while maintaining a broad view of Chapter and AMC goals and needs
  • Access to a computer and some degree of computer proficiency for document management and information flow, or be willing to learn and utilize online resources
  • Enthusiastic promoter of the Chapter and the AMC!
Time commitment: ~5 hours per week.
AMC Western MA Chapter welcomes all interested candidates to inquire, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. We look forward to hearing from you at info@amc-wma.org. Thank you!
AMC's 12 chapters, run by volunteer Executive Committees, support the organization's mission on the ground by leading trips, offering outdoor skills and leadership training courses, and creating opportunities for conservation action and stewardship at the local level. These dedicated volunteers help activate their communities, often launching people on a path toward greater engagement with AMC's mission of protecting and enjoying the outdoors.
Back to top