Upcoming Chapter Activities

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[Women’s+] Hike Mount Grace

Hike an approximately 4-mile loop including the summit of Mount Grace and Bennet's Knob. This is a moderate hike with approximately 800 ft elevation gain. We will take a break at the summit where hikers will have the option to climb the fire tower for an open view of the surrounding region.

Mount Monadnock via the Pumpelly Trail

The Pumpelly Trail is the longest trail on Mount Monadnock - a 9-mile round trip with about 1,965 feet of elevation gain. After winding through forest, the trail begins to climb, often steeply over rocks. After rising above treeline, it becomes very exposed all the way to the summit. If we are lucky, we will be able to see all the way to Boston from the top.

[Women’s+] Class 1, Sunset Flat Water Paddle on Littleville Lake

Ply peacefully over the waters that cover the lost villages of Dayville and Littleville. With a perimeter of 4.8 miles, this lake was created when the Littleville Dam was constructed for flood control. On this approximately 2-hour paddle along the edge, we will talk history, view wildlife and enjoy the sunset. Refer to the registration page for more information.

Cycling the Berkshires: Stockbridge - Alford Ramble

If you've never experienced the Berkshires on a bicycle, it's about time you did! This challenging 32-mile ride begins in Stockbridge, MA. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Stockbridge, Housatonic, Great Barrington, Alford, West Stockbridge, and Lenox. These are among the most picturesque towns in the Berkshires. The planned route will involve approximately 2000 feet of total elevation gain (about 62 feet per mile), and there are several sections with grades over 5%.

Lithia Springs Hike & Swim

Join us for an intermediate 5–6 mile hike along the south side of the Holyoke Range. We'll begin at the trailhead on Lithia Springs Rd in South Hadley and climb to the ridge of the Holyoke Range. From there, we'll follow the ridge between Mt Hitchcock and Taylor Notch before descending toward Lithia Springs Reservoir, where we'll stop for lunch and an optional swim, then return to the parking area.

Introduction to Sport Single Pitch Climbing

Join us for a full-day, hands-on workshop designed to introduce climbers to the fundamentals of sport single-pitch climbing. This course is perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation in outdoor climbing techniques, safety, and etiquette. Refer to the registration page for more information.

[20s/30s+] WhatsApp Group

Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group, where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! Feel free to introduce yourself when you join - including your name, where you're from, what outdoor activities you enjoy, and (if you like) a photo and the name of a pet you love.

NH Hikes: North Pack and Pack Monadnock

Summit North Pack and Pack Monadnock out and back from the north. On a clear day enjoy views from both summits with the opportunity to climb the fire tower on Pack Monadnock during lunch. Distance is approx. 7.5 miles with 2,150 elevation gain. We will take breaks for viewpoints, interesting flowers, wildlife and photos.

[20s/30s+] Flatwater Paddle at Tully Lake

Join us for a relaxed 20s/30s+ paddle at beautiful Tully Lake in Royalston, MA - a scenic reservoir surrounded by quiet forest, coves, and small islands. This trip is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike who want a mellow day outside on the water. We'll meet at the Tully Lake Campground to check in and get set up with rental boats (or you may bring your own). Paddling begins after a brief safety talk, and we'll spend about 4 hours on the water. We'll first head up the Tully River before returning to the lake and exploring its shoreline and islands, all at a relaxed pace. All participants must properly wear a PFD at all times while on the water.

Clearing Trail Near Sherman Brook

The laurel ha3 been vigorously growing for the past several seasons on the Trail north of the campsite. It's like hiking through a car wash in wet weather. We'll clip it back with hand and power tools to restore the 4ft wide hiking corridor.

Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature Women’s Retreat

Please join the AMC Western MA Chapter's Fourth Annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature, women's only retreat. 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. Some of the planned activities include forest bathing, watercolor painting, bird walking, yoga, plant/tree identification, and hiking, as well as a campfire with music. Refer to the registration page for more information.

Outdoor Leadership Training (Hiking)

Join us for a fun, hands-on Outdoor Leadership Training session designed to build on AMC's self-paced online Outdoor Leader Fundamentals course. Whether you're an aspiring trip leader or just curious about what leadership on the trail looks like, this in-person training will offer a friendly, low-pressure environment to practice your skills and learn from your peers. Refer to the registration page for what to expect.

[20s/30s+] Amethyst Brook Conservation Area

Join other folks in their 20s/30s+ for an early evening walk/hike in the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area on Tuesday, September 9! We'll meet at 5:30 PM at the trailhead for a relaxed 1.5-hour hike. Expect just under 2 miles of hiking, with modest elevation gain/loss, great company, and a chance to unwind outdoors. After the hike, we'll optionally head to Hangar Pub & Grill in Amherst for dinner.

Yoga Flow With Heidi

This session of gentle and flowing yoga on the side of Russell Mountain is designed for all ages and abilities. While enjoying the view of the Pioneer Valley and the mountain breeze, Heidi Taberman will guide us in relaxation, breathing and de-stressing movement to help the body and the mind. Bring a mat or blanket and water.

NH Hikes: 52WAV Mount Cube

Hike to Mount Cube on the Appalachian Trail. 7.5 miles on mixed terrain, with some steep sections, including rock scrambles and approx. 2,800 elevation gain. Moderate pace with breaks to enjoy viewpoints. On the NH 52 with a view list, the summit offers far views of the surrounding mountains.

Cycling from Bernardston MA to Guilford VT

Join us for a delightful 38-mile road ride from Bernardston to Guilford, VT and back. We will be travelling on beautiful rural roads with low traffic. The route is almost entirely on paved roads, but we will travel on a 1.5-mile dirt road through Fort Dummer State Park to reach our mid-ride lunch break at the Guilford Country Store. The dirt section is hard packed and should be fine for regular road bikes with regular tires and wheels (i.e., no gravel biking equipment needed). In total we will climb approximately 1900 feet over the course of the ride with some steep grades over 9%.

NET Section 7: The Seven Sisters Holyoke Range

NET Section 7, also known as the 7 Sisters of the Holyoke Range, is a point to point hike of 5.5 miles that features a mix of scenic views and forested climbs. The hike begins at Bare Mountain off Rte 116 and runs south towards Mt Hitchcock and the final summit of Mt Holyoke, with picnicking and excellent views from the historic Mt Holyoke Summit House. This is a rigorous section of the NET with an elevation change of +2125ft/-1728ft. Enjoy the fall wildflowers and stand on the summit that Thomas Cole, famous Hudson River School painter stood!

[20s/30s+] Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area

Join other folks in their 20s/30s+ for an early evening walk/hike across the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area! We'll meet at the Cooke Ave parking area, carpool to the North Farms Rd trailhead, and begin our hike along the boardwalk toward the lake. The Lake Trail will bring us to the dam, which we'll cross before continuing along the trail and Boggy Meadow Road, which will return us to the Cooke Ave parking area. The ~2 mi hike (including shuttling) will take ~1.5 hours, and is relatively flat. Expect it to be a little muddy at times, particularly along the Lake Trail and a section of Boggy Meadow Road.

After the hike, we'll head to the Toasted Owl (Northampton) for dinner, totally optional, but a great way to keep the conversation going!

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. Multiple opportunities are available between May 23 and September 19. Refer to the registration page for more information.

AT Boundary Maintenance, Blotz Rd

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. For this project, we'll be working with folks from the American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation crew as well as expert staff from ATC.

Eyes to the Skies

With a waxing crescent moon aglow, and Saturn at its brightest, join the Russell Public Library, AMC Western MA Outings, and the Springfield Naturalist Club to behold the wonders of the early fall sky using the new telescope from the library of things. This event will take place from 6:30-8:30 behind the Russell Public Library. Families are invited to join a guided reading of the book "Look Up," on the Library's StoryWalk^® beginning at 6:30 (sponsored by the Hilltown Family Center), as well as other in the dark activities for kids. There will be popcorn and cider for all.

Wildlife Transect, Cady Brook Area

We last visited Cady Brook to check on wildlife activity in January 2023. So it's time to see if the beaver have returned and restored any of the dams, if the moose have been visiting, and who has been up to what. Make sure to bring along your curiosity!

AT Boundary Maintenance, Cheshire

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail in Cheshire. We'll be working with folks from the American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T.

Noble View Trail Skills College 2025

Join the trails community for three days of learning, sharing, and connecting at Noble View Outdoor Center in Western Massachusetts!

BNRC The High Road End-to-End Hike

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) and its partners opened the first segment of The High Road in 2021. This eight-mile path along Yokun Ridge, connecting trails from Pittsfield to Lenox, provides hikers with an opportunity to explore a scenic and ecologically diverse woodland. Featuring three scenic vistas, expansive woodlands, stone and water features, the Yokun Ridge Trail offers a special way to travel through diverse landscapes. This hike will require a short shuttle.

Open Area Maintenance - Shays’ Rebellion Area

We will mow and cut back selected open areas to promote native plant growth. We'll be working with both hand and power tools.

[20s/30s+] WhatsApp Group

Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group, where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! Feel free to introduce yourself when you join - including your name, where you're from, what outdoor activities you enjoy, and (if you like) a photo and the name of a pet you love.

Wildlife Transect, Mt Bushnell / Dolomite Ledges Area

This will be our first transect in this area; the east facing slopes of the Mt Bushnell area. We will approach the area from Jug End Rd and climb uphill west as far as we can looking for tracks and sign of what wildlife is using the area. Make sure to bring along your curiosity!

Close Upper Goose Pond Cabin

We'll close this iconic hiker stopover for the season. We'll clean up the inside, move some firewood, put shutters on the windows, take the dock out of the water, and float out some surplus materials. There will be sweeping, cleaning, carrying and general tidying.

AT Corridor Boundary Work - Sheffield, Day 1

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us in maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working between Rt 7 and the Sheffield-Egremont Rd in Sheffield, MA, southern Berkshire County. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight - no painting required.

AT Corridor Boundary Work - Sheffield, Day 2

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us in maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working between Rt 7 and the Sheffield-Egremont Rd in Sheffield, MA, southern Berkshire County. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight - no painting required.

[Women’s+] Peak Fall Foliage on Mount Tom

Hike approx. 6 miles (+1,000 ft. elevation gain) to the summit of Mt Tom at a moderate pace. Enjoy views of neighboring peaks, towns and local farmland during peak fall foliage!

AT Corridor Boundary Work - Sheffield, Day 3

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us in maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working between Rt 7 and the Sheffield-Egremont Rd in Sheffield, MA, southern Berkshire County. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight - no painting required.

[20s/30s+] WhatsApp Group

Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group, where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! Feel free to introduce yourself when you join - including your name, where you're from, what outdoor activities you enjoy, and (if you like) a photo and the name of a pet you love.

[20s/30s+] Thanksgiving at Noble View

This is an unstructured weekend focused on shared meals, downtime, and connection. During the day, you can explore Noble View's hiking trails, read or knit by the wood stove, or join a board or yard game before winding down around a campfire in the evening. We'll cultivate a sense of camaraderie by helping with meal prep, dishes, and light cabin cleanup over the course of the weekend. Refer to the registration page for details.

Chapter Vice Chair

Are you someone who likes to see the big picture? Spend time getting to know your Chapter operations and how the larger AMC organization works while preparing to take over the role of Chapter Chair. You need to be good in motivating people to work as a team, have great organizing skills, be able to delegate tasks, and most importantly, have a passion for AMC. If this sounds like you please contact the Western MA Chapter Chair at chair@amc-wma.org.