Upcoming Chapter Activities

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Wildlife Transect, A.T. Lands in Beartown State Forest

Late winter / early spring transect to check on what the wild residents of our Appalachian Trail lands are up to. While we will be covering a portion of Beartown SF that we've covered before, most of our time will be in the area east of the National Park Service lands recently added to Beartown SF. This area has a variety of habitats and is relatively remote so we are apt to see some cool stuff!

Gym Climbing - Central Rock Gym Hadley

Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 5:30 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.

[20s/30s] Sugar Shack Breakfast & Chesterfield Gorge Hike

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for a spring equinox outing that combines a classic Western MA sugar shack breakfast with a scenic hike at Chesterfield Gorge. We will start the morning at High Hopes Farm for an all-you-can-eat hearty sugar shack buffet. High Hopes Farm is a rustic sugar shack with a fireplace and beautiful river views. The buffet is $20 per person (+ tax) and typically features pancakes, french toast, eggs, home fries, sausage and bacon. After breakfast, we will drive about 7 minutes to Chesterfield Gorge for our hike.

Northern Berkshires - Hoosac Range Hike

Enjoy a winter outing on a lesser known trail 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.

Winter Book Club

Join us for a special virtual book discussion featuring "The Nature Fix"! The Western MA Chapter is excited to announce the third and final Winter Book Club discussion featuring "The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative" by Florence Williams. This enlightening exploration reveals the profound impact that nature has on our well-being, demonstrating how our connection to the natural world can enhance happiness, health, and creativity.

[20s/30s] Bray Lake Role-Play Ramble

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on Saturday, March 29 for an easy 2-mile loop around Bray Lake in Holyoke. This mostly flat, wooded trail circles the lake and offers peaceful water views and a pleasant early-spring setting. Late March conditions may include mud, lingering ice, or wet sections, so please come prepared for variable footing.

Mount Race & Racebrook Falls

Join us for an especially scenic 7-7.5 mile hike with approx. 2,000 ft elevation including 2 tall waterfalls and the open summit of Mount Race. Difficulty is overall moderate (intermediate) with some steeper sections including rock scrambles and stream crossings.

Hike Back in Time to the Forgotten Valley

Hike back in time to "The Forgotten Valley" (Knightville Basin), with AMC leader Dawne Piers Gamble, leader in training Matt Barden, and local Huntington historian Chad Donavan-Hall. Chad will offer narration of the families, homes and points of interest such as the Black Panther Ski Area, located in the former villages of Knightville and Indian Hollow before construction of Knightville Dam. Pack a picnic and plan to continue the history conversation at the scenic picnic area at the base of the dam following the hike until 1:00 PM.

Stony Ledge Loop, Mt. Greylock State Reservation

We will be hiking up the Haley Farm Trail to Stony Ledge. The first two miles will climb steeply until we reach Stony Ledge where you will get to enjoy some of the most outstanding views in the Berkshires looking at the "Hopper", Mts Greylock, Fitch, Williams, Prospect and Saddle Ball, and the Green Mountains in the distance. After our lunch stop, we will continue down Sperry Rd and take the Hopper Trail back to the cars.

[20s/30s] Eastman Brook Conservation Area and 3 Amigos

Join other folks in their 20s/30s+ for an early evening walk/hike along the Robert Frost Trail to the Eastman Brook Conservation Area on Thursday, April 9! We'll meet at 5:30 PM at the trailhead for a relaxed 1.5-hour walk. Expect easy (but potentially wet!) terrain, great company, and a chance to unwind outdoors. After the hike, we'll head down the road to 3 Amigos for dinner — totally optional but a great way to keep the conversation going.

A.T. Corridor Boundary Work - Dalton 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 Grange Hall Rd and Tully Mountain in Dalton. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight, and painting yellow blazes along the boundary. We will be working off-trail, mostly in remote areas.

East Branch of the Westfield River (Porkbarrel Section)

Join the Western MA chapter on this whitewater trip of the mostly roadless East Branch of the Westfield River, commonly referred to as the Porkbarrel Section. During the snowmelt and wet weather, there are several waterfalls that pour into the river, adding to the allure.

A.T. Corridor Boundary Work - Dalton Day #2

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us for the second day of this project maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working between Grange Hall Rd and Tully Mountain in Dalton. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight, and painting yellow blazes along the boundary. We will be working off-trail, mostly in remote areas.

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: Elders’ Grove

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike to Elders' Grove in Mohawk Trail State Forest, learning about basal fire scars, stump sprouts, spring ephemerals, and exceptionally tall trees along the way. Starting at the Zoar Picnic Area, we will take the Elders' Grove Trail along the river at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike.

Compass Skills for AT Corridor Monitors

This compass class is designed for Appalachian Trail (A.T.) corridor boundary monitors but others are welcome if space is available. We will be working off-trail in National Park Service lands surrounding the A.T. in Great Barrington/Monterrey, MA. We will be using compasses and original survey maps to locate the trail land boundaries and survey monuments, ignoring the yellow paint markings. Each participant will have a chance to plot and follow a compass course between monuments. Bring your own compass if you have one, but additional compasses will be available for use. We will also spend some time working with GPS phone apps (Gaia and Google Maps) to plot a route from the boundary to the trail and vice versa.

A.T. Corridor Boundary Work - Gulf Rd

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 north of Gulf Rd. in Dalton. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a clear line of sight, and painting yellow blazes along the boundary. We will be working off-trail, mostly in remote areas.

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

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike along Summit Trail at Wantastiquet Mountain, learning about basal fire scars, stump sprouts, and glacial and flooding impacts along the way. Starting at the Wantastiquet Monadnock Trailhead, we will take the Summit Trail, at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike. We will then take an old carriage road along the Connecticut River to a viewpoint looking south along the river.

AMC 150 AT from Northwest Camp to Guilder Pond

Starting at Northwest Camp near the CT/MA border, the hike heads north on the A.T. toward Sages Ravine — a stunning, moss-covered gorge filled with cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. The trail ascends gradually through this lush forested area, making Sages Ravine an ideal spot for a rest before the steeper climb ahead. From there, the A.T. climbs Mt Race (2,365 ft), where hikers are rewarded with spectacular ridgeline views to the east. Sheer cliffs and open ledges offer breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and the Housatonic Valley.

AMC 150 Guilder Pond AT to Appalachian Trail Parking at Kellogg Road

Starting at Guilder Pond parking area, the trail passes by a quick view of scenic Guilder Pond and then shortly coming to a two side trails, one leading to Hemlock Shelter and the other to Glen Brook Shelter. Continuing north, the A.T. begins a gentle descent along the east slope of Mt Undine (2203') and then climbs a gradual ascent to reach the wooded summit of Mt Bushnell. The trail crosses two intermediate summits and reaches Jug End summit at the north end of the ridge, affording a spectacular view. After a gradual descent from Jug End summit, the A.T. reaches a crest of rock, the "jug's end," with steep outcrops and extensive open views to the northwest and southeast. On a clear day, Mt Greylock is clearly visible on the northern horizon.

[20s/30s] Backpacking the Appalachian Trail

Join AMC Western MA 20s/30s for a spring weekend backpacking trip along a quiet, forested stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires. Over two days, we'll hike nearly 19 miles through classic New England woods, with rolling ridgelines, seasonal stream crossings, and peaceful sections of remote trail.

Noble View Outdoor Celebration

Come celebrate the rich history, vibrant present, and exciting future of Noble View and our Western MA chapter - we hope to see you there! To celebrate the past, we will feature a historical display along with guided hikes to remnants of earlier activity on the property, including the old ice pond and the charcoal kiln. The present will be celebrated with a lively potluck and BBQ at 3:00 PM. The chapter will provide the BBQ, and guests are invited to bring salads and desserts to round out the meal. Following the potluck, we will recognize the chapter and present awards to some very deserving members. Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 Relay Ride from Washington, MA to Noble View Outdoor Center

Join us for a 27-mile mixed surface ride (~70% on road and 30% unpaved dirt/gravel roads, with roughly 2,000' of climbing) through the beautiful Berkshire hills of western MA. While the overall route trends downhill, there are short, intense uphill segments of climbing, so this activity is most suitable for riders comfortable with going uphill. Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 Westfield River Class 1 Paddle

For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, join Deb and Dawne for a 5 or 12 mile paddle trip down the Westfield River from Russell to Westfield or West Springfield, MA. Our leg will link a celebration at AMC;s Noble View Outdoor Center the day before with a leg of the New England Trail the day after. We start with a car spot, then paddle through swiftwater currents with occasional river obstacles that require maneuvering - exact conditions will depend on river flow. The 5-mile leg ends at Whitney Field in Westfield, with 12 mile paddlers portaging around the Westfield dam (wheeled portage possible), and ending with a 200-yard portage at the Robinson State Park take-out in West Springfield. Safety boaters with whitewater experience are encouraged to join.

AMC 150 NET Section 5 Hike

For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, we'll be hiking Section 5 of the New England Trail northbound from Rte 202 to 141 in Holyoke. This hike features varied landscapes, including hardwood forests, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout. We'll take breaks to enjoy the views of the farmland below and the Berkshire foothills in the distance.

AMC 150 NET Section 4 Hike

For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, we'll be hiking Section 4 of the New England Trail northbound from Old Holyoke Rd in Westfield (at the gate) to Rte 202 in Holyoke (park facing southbound). This hike features a mix of ups and downs with occasional steep sections. There are some beautiful scenic spots along the ridge and a lovely vernal pool as we trek on the border of Bear Hole in West Springfield for much of the hike.

AMC 150 NET Section 6 Hike

For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, we'll be hiking Section 6 of the New England Trail, which is one of the more spectacular sections located in the Mt Tom range! The trail heads northbound from Rte 141 in Holyoke to Rte 5 in Easthampton. This hike features varied landscapes, ridge-lines, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout.

AMC 150 Connecticut River Paddle, Hatfield to Northampton, MA

Join the Western MA Chapter and All Out Adventures for a 12-mile flatwater paddle on the Connecticut River from Hatfield downriver to the Oxbow in Northampton, with a shorter 6-mile option available. This scenic flatwater paddle is rated moderate because of the distance, though we will have some current to help us along. Expect to see bald eagles, geese, ducks, herons, and maybe beaver or otters. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome.

AMC 150 Holyoke Range Seven Sisters and Mt Norwottuck

Join us in May to celebrate 150 years of AMC with the AMC 150th Relay - a 1,500-mile journey from VA to ME. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event, or sharing your AMC story. Together, we'll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure. For this leg of the relay, we'll be hiking sections 7 and 8 of the New England Trail. This iconic section will traverse the Seven Sisters of the Holyoke Range and continue with Mt Norwottuck and ending at Mt Harris Rd. An alternative stopping stop can be arranged at the Notch Visitors Center prior to the hike's start.

[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!

AMC 150 NET Hike Wendell to Farley

Join us on this moderate 9.3 mile hike of Section 15 of the New England Trail (NET). We will start from Lake Wyola at the Wendell Depot Rd parking lot and hike to Farley Village at Rte 2. The trail gradually descends into Wendell State Forest, passing Ruggles Pond, Lyons Brook, and Mormon Hollow Brook, on its way to Farley. Much of this section lies in Wendell State Forest on the south slope of the Millers River Valley.

AMC 150 Farley Ledges Rock Climbing Day

Join us at Farley Ledges for an evening of cragging in celebration of AMC's 150^th Anniversary Outdoor Relay! We'll climb classic Western MA rock, tell tall tales that get 5.10 every time they're retold, and add our vertical contribution to the AMC 150 relay route. Newer outdoor climbers (with some gym or outdoor experience) and seasoned rope guns are all welcome. Refer to the registration page for more information.

National Trails Day Family Hike on the NET

Join us for our second annual New England National Trail family hike at Mount Tom. We will be joined by local nature leaders in a stroll up to Goat Peak via the NET with an activity or two up our sleeves. The 1/2 mile trail to the viewpoint is rugged and has a steady incline, which makes the hike suitable for kids 5 and up. On the way down, we will take the old road back to the pavilion area. If we have enough interest, a second, longer hike up to the Eyrie house ruins may be added (a bit over 1 mile one way-same road back down.)

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: William Cullen Bryant Homestead

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike in the William Cullen Bryant Homestead Forest, learning about old growth forests, signs of previous agriculture, and pine weevils along the way. Starting at the parking lot, we will take the Rivulet, Pine Loop, and Sugarbush Trails at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike.

[20s/30s] Intro to Backpacking Workshop

Curious about backpacking, but not sure where to start? Join us for a relaxed, hands-on introduction at AMC's Noble View Outdoor Center. This weekend workshop blends practical skills with friendly, low-key instruction to help you gain confidence and comfort in the backcountry. Refer to the registration page for more information.

[LGBTQ+] Pride Day on the River Dryway Run

Join LGBTQ+ people and enjoy the Dryway section (class 3-4) of the Deerfield River in northwest Massachusetts. This is not a step up trip. Please have a solid roll in moving water, successful experiences on New England class 4 rivers and/or the Dryway. Contact the trip leader to discuss if you're unsure. Bring your own gear.

[Women+] Reflection Hike in the Southern Berkshires

Join this Women+ group as we meander through the fields, rocky outcroppings, wetlands, woodlands and spectacular views of the beautiful, bio-diverse Southern Berkshires in MA. This generally easy, 4-mile hike with an elevation of 469 ft will take approximately 2.5 hours. Along the way we will pause to read and reflect on Elizabeth Freeman, the celebration of Juneteenth (the end of slavery in America) and this nation's complicated history with freedom. Following the hike there will be an optional drive to the burial site of Elizabeth Freeman and lunch at Main St Cafe.

[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!

[LGBTQ+] Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking Weekend

Join other LGBTQ+ kayakers for this 2-day skills clinic on the Deerfield River in MA to celebrate Pride Month. This clinic is for people who already have experience whitewater kayaking at any level, from beginner through advanced. Refer to the registration page for eligibility criteria and more information.

[20s/30s] Wessels Series: Rhododendron State Park

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike in Rhododendron State Park, learning about rhododendrons, black gum trees, the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, and many signs of previous agriculture along the way. Starting at the parking lot, we will take a meandering route amongst the Rhododendron State Park at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike. We will then hike at a conversational pace to Little Monadnock Mountain before returning to the trailhead.

[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!

[Women+] Sunset Flat Water Paddle on Littleville Lake

Ply peacefully over the waters that cover the lost villages of Dayville and Littleville. Join us for an Affinity, Women+, Class 1, Flat Water Paddle on Littleville Lake located on the middle branch of the Westfield River in Chester and Huntington MA. 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.

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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.

A.T. Hike Series 2026

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail — all 2,197.4 miles, 5 million steps, and 14 states of it — from GA to ME? Maybe it's a bucket list goal, or maybe you just love the idea of a challenge, breathtaking views, and the thrill of the trail.

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.