Upcoming Chapter Activities

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  Title   Activity   Difficulty   Date    

High Ledges Audubon Sanctuary

The Shelburne Ridge and the trails in the High Ledges Audubon Sanctuary are a lovely place to hike, with some stellar views (and possibly some colorful foliage) along the way. On this 6-mile hike, we will visit the Shelburne Fire Tower and make a loop around the outer perimeter of the wildlife sanctuary. Our hike takes us along miles of beautiful stone walls and skirts an abandoned beaver pond. Footing is generally good, with the exception of one short, steep section, where we will be scrambling up rocks.

Hale Fields Edge Clearing

The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts traverses the edges of 4 fields formerly part of the Hale farm in Tyringham. For this project we'll clear deadfalls, large brush, vines and low hanging branches along the edges of these fields to keep the fields open. This will allow the full fields to be mowed by brush hog late in the season.

Granville State Forest: Hartland Hollow Rd & Hubbard River

Hike on discontinued Hartland Hollow Road in Granville and on the Hubbard River Trail in Granville State Forest. The road descends along Pond Brook with its numerous small waterfalls. Hubbard River Trail climbs uphill alongside the Hubbard River. A carspot is required for this hike. Hike is about 5 miles.

Mt Greylock - Visitor’s Center to Rounds Rock Loop

We'll take the Woodason Spring Trail to the Rounds Rock Trail and back down by the Northrup Trail. Approx 7.5 miles on easy to moderate terrain. We walk through a variety of ecosystems and will possibly see beaver activity. We also pass an approx. 70-year old airplane crash site. Nice views at Rounds Rock where we will have lunch.

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling

This is a new type of activity intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 14 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be RELAXED. The pace will be comfortable (9-11 mph average), and we will keep the group together.

A.T. Corridor Boundary Maintenance - Day Mtn (Part 1)

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. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line.

Transition Gym to Rock Climbing Class

One day of instruction to be held at Chapel Ledge. Lots of climbing time!

Garden Walk

Join us to explore Chauncey Allen Park and Grandmother's Garden. Paths are wide with gravel surface and/or pavers. Dress for the weather. Some areas are in full sun and others in the shade. Please message leader for any important weather updates, or changes.

20s & 30s A.T. Corridor Boundary Maintenance - Day Mtn (Part 2)

Join the 20S & 30s crew to explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail on the trail lands around Day Mtn in Dalton. This is the second day of work on this boundary line, so sign up for Saturday May 4 or Sunday May 5 or both. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary 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.

Upper Goose Pond Cabin - Opening Maintenance

We'll be getting Upper Goose Pond Cabin ready for the season. Work will include ferrying materials to the Cabin in a small boat, installing a new door, improving drainage, installing the dock, cutting/splitting firewood. The new door and gravel for the drainage will come in by small boat, and be carried up from the landing to the Cabin. We'll remove the old fire door an install the new one - some modest carpentry work required. The dock needs about 4 people to carry into the water, so some boots/water shoes would be handy. The drain needs to be dug out and gravel laid under the pipe to aid in the flow.

Chester Blandford State Forest

Enjoy spring flowers as we hike in the Chester Blandford State Forest! We will hike about 6 miles, up the H. Newman Marsh Trail to the Memorial Trail, then on trails, logging roads and park roads down to Sanderson Brook. Finally, we will return to Sanderson Brook Road for a stop at Sanderson Brook Falls before returning to the cars.

Afterwork Hike: Mineral Hills Conservation Area

Mineral Hills is a hilly forest with dramatic ridge-top views, wetlands, beaver ponds, and an abandoned rock quarry. Meet at 5:30 to hike at 5:45. Conclude the day with 2-2.5 miles on moderately steep but hilly terrain including quarry lookout.

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling

This activity is intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 15 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be Relaxed. The pace will be comfortable (9-11 mph average), and we will keep the group together.

Tyringham Cobble A.T. Spring Cleaning

We will work alongside Trustees staff and local volunteers on a muddy area near Tyringham Cobble. We'll be clearing drainages and installing bog bridges. Some carrying of heavy materials and light carpentry. Approx 1/2 mile easy hike to work area. Other work will include clipping brush to maintain open viewpoint areas.

Water Creatures in the Stream

Come splash in the stream behind the Russell Public Library for some outdoor spring FUN! With nets and magnifying field microscopes, we'll see water creatures up close and personal. If wading is not for you, we'll have white examination trays with rocks and mud for your investigation. Also included will be a guided Storywalk^® of "Over and Under the Pond". A copy of the book and a RAFFLE for a FREE book for one lucky participant to take home will be available at the library!

Blowdown Blitz

We thought it was going to be a mild winter - but that last storm really did a number on the A.T. We need at least two work parties to clear blowdowns blocking the trail in the central and northern Berkshires. We will work in 2-3 person teams with A.T. Sawyers to clear downed trees from the Trail. No chainsaw experience is required, we need "swampers" to clear cut trees and limbs and to manage trail visitors near the work areas.

Climbing Anchors Course

Join us for a day of instruction for an introduction to climbing anchors. Learn the skills necessary to build anchors safely for top rope climbing outside! The weather is here and it is time to be outdoors enjoying the incredible world of technical rock climbing.

Erosion and Bog Bridges Near Jerusalem Rd

We have 8 to 10 bog bridges to replace just in a muddy area south of Jerusalem Rd. We'll also address erosion caused by nearby overflowing brook. Work involves carrying materials approx 1/2 mile to work site, some minor digging, and light carpentry.

Twenty Five Miles of Farms and Quiet Roads Warm-Up for Experienced Cyclists

Join us for a scenic 25-mile ride in the Pioneer Valley towns of Hatfield, Whately, and Deerfield. The ride starts out on flat terrain in South Deerfield for a good warm-up and then has some nice hills for getting those legs in climbing shape (total of 600 feet of ascent). We make our way through Hatfield and Whately and eventually return to South Deerfield.

Sweet Spring, Maple Syrup Hike

Families and casual hikers are you ready to indulge in what spring has to offer in the hilltowns of western Massachusetts? Join us for a hike on the Conwell Property Trail in Worthington (part of Hilltown Land Trust) and then partake in a sugar house buffet at High Hopes Farm in Worthington. The hike is rated as an easy, 2.3 mile, out and back gently rolling route with a water crossing. Following our hike, we will return to our cars to ride the short distance to High Hopes Farm Sugar House to enjoy the buffet.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Tyringham

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. 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. Expect some wet areas, too. Some stooping to clip back brush to maintain a clear line of sight along the boundary.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Becket

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. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush along the boundary of National Park Service lands between the Mass Pike and Upper Goose Pond, including a likely stop for lunch at the Upper Goose Pond cabin.

Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Have you ever wondered what it's like to paddle a kayak on a turbulent river? This is your chance to "test the waters" in a supported environment with experienced volunteer coaches.

Rail Trail Walk

Join me for a casual walk along the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. Meet at the trail entrance ramp along Main Street in Westfield at the corner of the Stop and Shop parking lot. We'll walk south from there to the Hedges Ave underpass to view the Heroes mural. Option to continue on or return to the start. Please contact leader with any questions or weather updates.

Intermediate Whitewater Paddlers

Paddle a 5-6 mile section (Fife section) of Class II whitewater on the Deerfield River with some instruction. You will need a whitewater boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet, water shoes and appropriate clothing (wetsuit or drysuit). We will do some instructional in eddys. This trip will focus on eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and basic paddling strokes.

Open Upper Goose Pond Cabin

We will open this near-famous hiker stop for the season. Remove shutters, sweep and clean, touch up paint, set up kitchen. We may need to install the dock, so check with leader if water wear may be needed.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Dalton

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. The day will involve 1 mile of on-trail hiking to the work site, about 1 mile of actual boundary work off-trail, and a 2 mile trail walk to return.

Hike North Half of CT NET Sec 18

This hike will be a loop on CT NET Section 18 north of Penwood State Park. The route we'll hike will include the NET and trails on adjacent lands including the James Property, part of Simsbury Land Trust, and Wilcox Park, one of Bloomfield's Town Trails. The hike will be about 5 1/2 miles and elevation gain about 400 feet. The trail traverses a ridge and there are rocky areas as well as some wet areas.

Berkshires - Spring Warm Up Ride

Join us for a relaxed 20-mile warmup ride on (mostly) quiet and scenic country roads in the southwest corner of the Berkshires. Starting in Great Barrington MA, we'll ride a clockwise loop passing through Sheffield and Egremont. We will sustain a relaxed riding pace of 11-13 mph, and the total elevation gain over the course of the ride will be under 800 feet (about 40 feet per mile). The terrain will be rolling, with a handful of climbs and some grades of about 5%.

Remove Potentially Hazardous Trees at South Wilcox Shelter

There are several dead/dying trees in the area around this campsite. We will assess and remove trees as necessary. Work is primarily for certified A.T. Sawyers, but others are welcome to join us, as there will be plenty of cut material to move. Work will involve lifting, dragging, rolling logs and carrying away small limbs into the surrounding woods. Worksite is a 1/2 mile hike off trail.

Berkshires - Great Barrington to Connecticut

Back by popular demand, one more Berkshire ride! This challenging 33-mile ride starts in the bustling town of Great Barrington. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Sheffield, Ashley Falls, CT, and S. Egremont with 1,700 feet of total elevation gain. Beautiful views of the Berkshire hills (and some cows). We will sustain an average riding pace of 12-14 mph.

Maintenance & Repair at South Wilcox Campsite

The porkies have been busy at this this historic shelter. We will carry in lumber to replace the porcupine-chewed planks on the shelter floor. We'll also carry in a new bear box to replace the rusted out old one.

Clear Waterbars North of Rt 23

Support the A.T. - keep it in good shape for the future. Today we'll be maintaining waterbars (drainage channels) on a short section of the the A.T. that climbs moderately above the trailhead at Rt 23. Waterbars provide essential drainage that keeps this section of trail from washing out and turning into a trench. They need regular cleaning.

Privy & Campsite Maintenance: Hemlocks & Glen Brook

We will work on emptying the composted material from the Hemlocks privy, and also move the Glen Brook privy over its empty bin. Not as gruesome as it sounds. The composted stuff doesn't smell (much) and is ready to be carried off and scattered into the woods. Then the outhouses need a few folks to slide them into their new position - ready for a busy hiking season. We'll also perform some light maintenance at both sites.

Trail Rehab - A.T. Blue Blaze at Rt 20

Classic Trail Work: The blue blaze trail that connects the Rt 20 parking area to the northbound A.T. is sliding down the hill. We'll dig back into the hillside in several locations to build a more stable tread.

20s/30s Evening Paddle

Join the 20s & 30s Committee on a paddling trip from Holyoke Rows on the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River in Holyoke is scenic flatwater with moving current. This is a weekday evening trip with moderately-priced kayak rentals available, or you may bring your own boat. We will be on the water from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, but try to arrive by 4:30 to select a rental boat, paddle, and PFD, or unload your own boat. After the paddle, depending on interest, we may gather at a nearby spot for food and/or drink.

I Spy Signs of Spring Nature Hike

Families can you spy signs of spring? Join us for a hike to a vernal pool at Noble View Outdoor Center. The hike is rated as an easy, 1.8 mile, out and back route. On the way there we can spy on plants and animals waking up for spring. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch to have at the View following the hike. Visit the registration page to learn more.

Cheshire Variety Pack - A.T. Maintenance

We'll be working in several locations near Outlook Ave in Cheshire, MA. We'll set a new sign for Reynolds Rock, clip back some brush to make access to the rock more friendly. We'll stand up a new trailhead kiosk "downtown" in Cheshire. Remove a nearby illegal tree stand, if there's time remaining in the day.

Trail Rehab North of Fernside Rd

We'll rebuild some water bars and repair some steps on this steep, often muddy section of trail between Shaker Campsite and Fernside Rd. Short hike to the work area carrying heavy tools. Digging, bending, stooping. Some rock carrying off-trail. Expect to get a bit muddy on this one.

Hoosac Range Trail

Join us for a lesser known hike in the Northern Berkshires. We'll visit Sunset Rock and Spruce Hill which both offer open views of Greylock and surrounding mountains. This will be out and back with a total of approximately 6 miles with 850 ft. of elevation gain. Terrain is overall moderately challenging/ intermediate with a few steeper spots.

Whitewater Class II Fife Section

Paddle a 5-6 mile section (Fife section) of class II whitewater on the Deerfield River with some instruction. You will need a whitewater boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet, water shoes and appropriate clothing (wetsuit or drysuit). We will do some instructional in eddys. This trip will focus on eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and basic paddling strokes.

Kayak Instruction: Strokes and Safety

Paddling instruction classes offered for beginners and those who have been paddling but without prior formal instruction. Barton Cove, situated on a beautiful rocky peninsula jutting into the Connecticut River, is an ideal place to learn how to paddle. There is plenty of parking, boat rentals are available onsite and the cove is protected from the wind and any possible currents. Participants will be given instruction on land initially, then together we will venture into the cove.

Whitewater Class II Fife Section

Paddle a 5-6 mile section (Fife section) of class II whitewater on the Deerfield River with some instruction. You will need a whitewater boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet, water shoes and appropriate clothing (wetsuit or drysuit). We will do some instructional in eddys. This trip will focus on eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and basic paddling strokes.

Hikes With Tykes

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.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course

The ability to apply basic backcountry first aid is vital for any outdoor enthusiast, whether it's for yourself or others. Moving beyond urban first aid, this course teaches the skills necessary to identify and treat medical issues common to wilderness settings and to prepare for long-term care scenarios. Includes hands-on practice and lectures. Learn more on the registration page.

Hiking Chair

The volunteer role of the Hiking Chair is to support leaders in offering a variety of hikes to AMC members and other participants, with a safe, fun, inclusive, and welcoming approach. A love of the outdoors and excellent organizational skills are a key fit for this position.