Upcoming Chapter Activities

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[20s/30s] Tree Identification at Long Mountain

Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify the native trees of MA? In an era of instant phone ID, getting to know our local trees more slowly through observation tends to stick a lot better - and builds a deeper relationship with the ecological communities we live in! Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a relaxed educational hike in the Long Mountain area of Mount Holyoke Range State Park!

Long Mountain and Rattlesnake Knob Loop

For this 5.5-mile hike with 1,400 ft of elevation gain, we'll traverse the easternmost and less frequented trails of the Holyoke Mountain Range. The first half of the hike will be the most challenging as we move through the elevation gains and losses between Long Mountain and Rattlesnake Knob. The second half of the hike will be smooth with less elevation change as we hike back to the trailhead. The terrain will be rocky with plenty of exposed roots. There will be a short, steep scramble at one point during the hike.

Wildlife Transect-West Rd & Housatonic River Areas

A mid-summer check on what the wild residents of our Appalachian Trail lands are up to. We will first check the area off West Rd where we saw signs of very active bear presence earlier this year. Then we will relocate to the trail lands along the Housatonic River in Sheffield to see how this agricultural area is being used by wildlife.

Morning Mindfulness Walk on the Norwottuck Rail Trail and Connecticut River Dam

Drop in and slow down - connecting more intentionally with the land, ourselves, and each other as we share the present moment. During this mindfulness walk, we'll move at a slower pace, gathering with the intention of cultivating stillness, listening with curiosity, and remaining open to whatever arises within ourselves and in conversation.

Trail Maintenance, A.T. on Mt Williams

We will be working with youth from Overland Summers to perform routine maintenance on the section of the A.T. north of Mt Williams. We will focus on clearing debris and rebuilding drainage channels that direct rainwater off of the trail, reducing erosion. Work will be primarily digging with hand tools and occasionally carrying rock weighing up to 50lbs. We may also clip back some brush from alongside the trail. Work will extend as far as 1 mile uphill on rough trail from the meeting location.

[20s/30s] Ruggles Pond Loop

Join other 20/30s on a leisurely stroll around Ruggles Pond in the Wendell State Forest. The hike will be approximately 2 miles long and will circle around Ruggles Pond. The trail is mostly flat with some gradual hills, some portions may be muddy or buggy. This is a popular destination for birding and watching wildlife.

Introduction to Trail Sustainability - Evening Guided Hike

Have you ever wondered how hiking trails are maintained? Do you ever notice rock steps or switchbacks on your hike and wonder who put them there? Do you want to learn about trail sustainability in a changing world? Join us for a scenic morning, ~4mi loop hike to Mt Norwottuck & Horse Caves. AMC staff will guide you along the New England National Scenic trail and teach you about the role trail crews play in protecting public land.

Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville

Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.

[20s/30s] Mineral Hills Quarry Loop Hike

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for a late afternoon hike through the Mineral Hills Conservation Area! We'll be hiking a pleasant loop around the area through the forest, with great views of the quarry and a small summit.

New Members Trail Stewardship Day on the NET

Are you a new member of the AMC Western MA Chapter? This hands-on stewardship day on the New England National Scenic Trail is a great way to get started. Designed with our first-year members in mind, this event offers a welcoming introduction to the community while giving you a chance to get outside, meet fellow members, and make a direct impact on the trails you'll come back to again and again.

Painting Upper Goose Pond Cabin: Day 1

We'll be painting the south facing side of Upper Goose Pond Cabin, a much beloved overnight facility for hikers on the A.T. Work will consist first of scraping off any loose paint, then applying a fresh coat of bright red paint. Some work will be on ladders, but there's plenty of square footage that can be covered standing on the ground.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 13

Section 13: Summit of Mt Greylock to Rte 2/State Rd, North Adams (6.3 miles). Elevation change: 2800 ft. Rain date: Sunday, August 9, 2026. This northernmost section of the MA AT features a long, steady descent from the summit of Mt Greylock (3,491 ft) to the valley below. The trail first descends toward Mt Williams, offering occasional viewpoints, continuing past the Wilbur Clearing Shelter, thence on to Mt Prospect, another scenic ridge along the route. The trail descends steeply past the Mt Williams Reservoir. As the trail nears North Adams, it transitions from the forested ridges to more developed terrain, following Phelps Avenue to Rte 2 (State Road), where there is an AT trail parking area.

[20s/30s] Camping Weekend @ Noble View

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for a casual camping weekend at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA — an AMC property tucked into the hills of the Westfield River watershed with a big trail network, shaded tent sites and platforms, open fields, and fire rings. The weekend is unstructured: hike the trails, head out to the nearby climbing areas, play yard games in the field, lounge at camp, or some combination of all of the above. We'll come together Saturday evening for a shared meal/group cookout around the fire. We have the full site to ourselves - it'll be an all 20s/30s crowd.

Intermediate Rock Climbing Class: Weekend 2 of 2

This is the second weekend of our Intermediate Rock Climbing Course. Weekend 2 will put the skills from the first session into practice on multi-pitch climbs in the Gunks. Participants will reinforce the core systems of seconding a leader, including belaying, following and cleaning gear, anchor transfers, belay station management, rope handling, rappelling, and efficient movement as a team on longer routes.

Painting Upper Goose Pond Cabin: Day 2

We have this second day of painting work in case we get rained out on Saturday, or if there's more painting to do. Same info applies. Approx 1/2 mile uphill moderate hike to the work site. We'll plan on some swimming time after we wrap up work for the day.

Wilbur Campsite Maintenance

We'll perform routine maintenance on this AT campsite. Work includes smoothing and edge maintenance of several tent pads, installing some new signage, cleaning and resetting the fire ring. General brush clipping around the site. Work is with hand tools.

Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Hike

Come join me on this out and back 5-mile hike on the Keystone Arch Bridges trail in Chester which follows the West Branch of the Westfield River and will bring us to four of the historic Keystone Arch Bridges, the first series of stone arch railroad bridges built in the U.S. These magnificent bridges, reaching heights of up to 70 feet, were built in the 1930s and some of them are still in use. We may be lucky enough to see a train pass by!

Quiet Cycling in the Southern Berkshires

Enjoy cycling quiet roads in the southern Berkshires. This 24-mile ride has about 1,000 feet of ascent as we make our way from Sheffield to Alford.

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: Bartholomew’s Cobble

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike at Bartholomew's Cobble, a National Natural Landmark, learning about ferns, the ecological diversity that happens when multiple soil types are present, unique insects, a very large cottonwood tree, and floodplain forests along the way. Starting at the parking lot, we will take a route initially along the Housatonic River and the floodplain forest at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike. We will then ascend a moderate incline to the scenic vista at the top of Hurlburt's Hill. After taking in the view and breaking for water and conversation, we will return to the trailhead via Tractor Path.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 14

Section 14: Rte 2 to VT border (8.2 miles). Elevation change: 1760 ft. Rain date: August 16. This section marks the transition from MA to VT with a challenging but rewarding ascent. Beginning at Rte 2, the trail climbs steeply through dense forest, passing the Sherman Brook Campsite. As it winds through Clarksburg State Forest, the path offers a mix of rugged terrain and shaded woodlands before reaching Eph's Lookout, a scenic viewpoint with expansive vistas. The journey continues to the Vermont border.

[20s/30s] Tour de Ponds Backpacking Trip

Join AMC Western MA 20s/30s for a late summer backpacking trip in the Green Mountain National Forest! Over two days, we'll hike around 15 miles over some rolling hills, "tour" some secluded ponds, and climb up Stratton Mountain, where we will find views of the valley below.

Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville

Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Join LGBTQ+ people to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. We're calling this TGIF! — Thank Gays It's Fife! Float down the river in your preferred vessel: kayak, standup paddleboard, inner tube, canoe, inflatable rainbow unicorn, or whatever your heart desires. No prior training required!

Cycling the Berkshires: Great Barrington to Southfield

Join us for a beautiful but challenging 28-mile ride that begins just south of downtown Great Barrington. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Sheffield and Southfield, including a section riding along the border between MA and CT. Besides the rural scenery, a highlight of our ride will be a stop at the Southfield Store, where we will take a break for a snack or lunch. (The café is locally known for excellent food and coffee.)

[20s/30s] Wicked White Water Wiver Wafting

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s for a day of whitewater rafting with Zoar Outdoor! We will be rafting down a Class II section of the Deerfield River (with one Class III rapid). Lunch provided. $120 a person; payment is required by 7/20.

Ride the Actual Farm Roads in Hatfield

Ride on gravel and dirt roads (hard packed, loose dirt, a little sandy) through the farm fields of Hatfield. This ride will have a special opportunity for a nice lunch in a wonderful setting at Black Birch Vineyard after the ride.

Pioneer Valley From Above - Mt Tom Historical Hike

Join AMC Staff on a hike up Mt Tom via the New England Trail! We will stop at viewpoints along the way and talk about the history of the Pioneer Valley region, the New England Trail, Mt Tom, and more! This will be a ~4 mile out-and-back hike from the Mt Tom Upper Pavilion, with about 950 ft of total elevation gain.

Northfield Mountain

Please join us as we hike Northfield Mountain to the reservoir and enjoy the extreme views to the west. The trails are open in the summer months for a variety of uses such as mountain biking and horseback riding, but we will stick to the hiking trails completing approximately a five mile loop, on moderate terrain, with 1200 feet of elevation gain.

Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville

Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.

Holyoke Revitalization Tour

Discover how a city originally designed as an industrial mill town is being reimagined. Visit innovative businesses and developers that have - and are continuing to - put new life into old buildings. Building owners provide guided tours. Easy walking tour, 1.5-2 miles, ends at Choo Choo's restaurant.

Summer Saturday Spin Along Ashuwillticook Rail Trail!

Celebrate Lanesborough Day with a beautiful bike ride on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (paved). A leisurely, 24-mile (up and back ride) through towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, MA. The trail is between the Mt Greylock and Hoosac Mountains. The Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River abut much of the trail offering views of abundant wildlife.

Holyoke’s Historic Canals and Dam Tour

Join the park interpreter for a 2-hour walk along Holyoke's canal system. Explore the history of this fascinating planned industrial city. Tour starts with a bit of historical background. Along our route see headraces, tailraces, intakes, a Boyden Turbine assembly, flywheels, and get an eyeball tour of the Holyoke dam complex. Maps of the canal system are available. Distance: 2.0 miles.

Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville

Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Join LGBTQ+ people to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. We're calling this TGIF! — Thank Gays It's Fife! Float down the river in your preferred vessel: kayak, standup paddleboard, inner tube, canoe, inflatable rainbow unicorn, or whatever your heart desires. No prior training required!

Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville

Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.

[Women+] Connecting Women, Connecting With Nature

Women, please join the AMC Western MA Chapter's 5^th annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature, women's only, weekend retreat at Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation in Russell, MA. (on the Russell Pond not far from Noble View). We have scheduled a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor pursuits in the hope of attracting women to the joy and rejuvenation of the outdoors.

[20s/30s] Monroe State Forest Backpacking Trip

Join AMC Western MA 20s/30s for an early fall backpacking trip in Monroe State Forest! Over two days, we'll hike around 9 miles over some rolling hills, along some babbling streams, and up Spruce Mountain, where we will find views of the valley below.

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: Monument Mountain

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike to Monument Mountain, learning about the chestnut blight, pillows and cradles, old growth trees, a historic cave, pine weevils, and signs of past agriculture along the way. Starting at the Monument Mountain Trailhead on Stockbridge Rd, we will take the Hickey Trail at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike. We will then take Peeskawso Peak Trail along the ridge, stopping at the peak for water, snacks, and views. We will continue south and join up with the Mohican-Monument Trail to return to our cars, learning more ecology on the way.

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: Vernon Town Forest

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike to the black gum swamps in the Vernon Town Forest, learning about the chestnut blight, the great New England hurricane of 1938, and some very old black gum trees along the way. Starting at the Basin Rd Trailhead, we will take a meandering and rolling route through the Vernon Town Forest. We will visit several old growth black gum swamps throughout our hike.

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: Pisgah State Forest

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike in Pisgah State Forest, learning about grafting, the great New England hurricane of 1938, old growth forest, and pillows and cradles along the way. Starting at the Kilburn Pond Trailhead, we will take a route up to Mount Pisgah, before looping along the Pisgah Ridge and Town Forest Trail.

Chapter Conservation Chair

Are you passionate about conservation issues and the outdoors? Come help support the AMC and Western MA Chapter's conservation mission and goals as chair of the Conservation Committee. The Conservation Chair is a member of the Western MA Executive Committee responsible for organizing and directing the Conservation Committee, coordinating conservation events, managing related budgets and supplies, and serving as the liaison to the Chapter Executive Committee.

Chapter Chair, Family Programs

The AMC Western MA Chapter is looking for a Volunteer Family Programs Chair to join our Executive Committee! We're an active, welcoming chapter, and this role is a great opportunity to support family-friendly outdoor adventures across western MA.

AMC 150th Anniversary Challenge

Are you up for a challenge? The Western MA Chapter wants YOU! To help celebrate AMC's 150th anniversary in 2026, we challenge you to participate in 150 miles "worth" of activities between January 1 and October 31, 2026. Those who meet the challenge will receive a special commemorative patch and a shout-out at our Fall Social and Annual Meeting.

Outdoor Leader Fundamentals

Interested in becoming an AMC Outdoor Leader? This on-demand virtual, self-paced course provides core information and application activities on fundamental topics such as participant review, leadership and interpersonal skills, conservation, and emergency management. It's intended to convey our expectations about the responsibilities and essential interpersonal and judgment skills of being an Outdoor Leader and prepare you for additional training and guided practice. By the end, you will have planned your first activity as an AMC Leader in Training.