Upcoming Chapter Activities

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[20s/30s] Tour de Ponds Backpacking Trip (Rescheduled)

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.

[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 (located on 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.

Autumnal Equinox Hike on the NET

Come celebrate the autumnal equinox (aka the first day of fall) with a hike up to the peak of Mt Holyoke that will provide gorgeous views of the Connecticut River, Mt Tom, and the mountains to the west and north. We will start on Section 7 of the New England Trail in Hadley and climb to the Skinner Mountain House at the summit of Mt. Holyoke. The trail is a steady climb with a few rock scrambles.

[20s/30s] Leisurely Walk at Ashley Reservoir

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for an easy evening walk along Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. The trail is flat gravel; we'll meander 2-3 miles along the water, through some wooded stretches, and across the causeways that divide the ponds.

[20s/30s] Relaxing Roll at Ashley Reservoir

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for an evening gravel ride around Ashley Reservoir! We'll ride around the reservoir to experience unique causeways and explore some of the adjoining Holyoke side streets. The ride will be at a conversational pace and will wrap up as dusk approaches. Sunset around the reservoir is absolutely gorgeous and there are plenty of feathered wildlife to observe!

Mt Tom Historical Hike via NET - Evening

Join AMC Staff on a hike up to Mt Tom via the New England Trail! We will talk about the history of Mt Tom and take a look at the site of the old Summit House! This will be a ~4 mile out-and-back hike from the Mt Tom Upper Pavilion, with about 1200 ft of total elevation gain.

Crystal Mountain Campsite Privy Work

We will be converting the privy at the Crystal Mountain campsite from a pit privy to a moldering type. This involves constructing a ~2ft tall "crib" of stacked lumber on the ground to hold the waste, rather than it being deposited into a pit. Contained above the ground, the waste can decompose (moulder) relatively quickly; in a pit, it would linger for years, even decades. Using a moldering privy keeps the environment cleaner, smells less and doesn't require a new pit to be dug every three to four years. Nearly all privies on the A.T. are of this type.

[30s/40s] Unquomonk Hill, Big View | Rainy Moon Hot Cocoa

Come on out for this short easy night hike! This is a 1.5 mile loop in Williamsburg. The forecast calls for temps in the 50s and rain so please come ready for the cold and wet.

Accessible Hike | Fort River Birding and Nature National Recreation Trail

This virtually flat path winds through the forest and along the Fort river. There are many spots to stop on a bench to rest and reflect. We will go at a modest pace appropriate for the group.

[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.

Noble View Wood Splitting Day

Join us at Noble View Outdoor Center for a beautiful day of splitting logs! It's right around that season where we're harvesting our wood and stockpiling for the fall and winter season. Help us out by splitting and organizing our firewood for our campground and cabins!

[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.

Wildlife Transect, County Rd to Finerty Pond Area

On this occasion, we'll be checking what the wild residents of our Appalachian Trail lands are up to in the County Rd to Finerty Pond area of October Mtn SF. This area has an interesting mix of forests of various types, open and wooded wetlands and of course Finerty Pond. Thus we are apt to find a wide variety of wildlife sign.

Complete Crystal Mountain Privy Work

We will be completing the work begun on September 23. Most, if not all, of the materials have been moved to the site. We'll complete the construction and mount the privy onto the crib. Work involves simple construction with basic hand tools. A brief period of heavy lifting by everyone is required to move the privy onto the new crib - this requires a minimum of 4 people.

[20s/30s] Apple Picking & Art in the Orchard

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for an afternoon at Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton: apple picking, large-scale outdoor sculpture, and good company. Park Hill's Art in the Orchard is a self-guided sculpture trail winding through the fruit gardens, featuring 30+ works by local and regional artists. Stroll through at your own pace, pick some apples, or just come hang out.

Trail Stewardship Day on the NET

Join us for a hands-on stewardship day of trail work on the New England National Scenic Trail! With this project, we will be constructing a rock staircase to improve trail sustainability. This event offers a welcoming introduction to the community while giving you a chance to get outside and make a direct impact on the trails you’ll come back to again and again.

[30s/40s] Amethyst Brook Conservation Area

Join other folks in their 30s and 40s for an early evening walk/hike the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. We'll meet at 5:30 PM for a relaxed 1.5-hour hike. Expect just under 2 miles of hiking, with modest elevation gain.

New England Trail (NET) - Richardson Cabin

Join us for an out-and-back hike on the New England Trail to Richardson-Zlogar Cabin. Hike is approximately 5 miles on moderate to rolling terrain with 846 ft of elevation gain. We will hike to the top of Stratton Mountain in Northfield, MA, where we will enjoy our lunch at Richardson-Zlogar Cabin with views of Mt Monadnock and Mt Grace.

Mount Tom and Whiting Peak

Hike to the summits of Mount Tom and Whiting Peak. Enjoy views of neighboring peaks, towns, local farmland and early fall foliage.

[30s/40s] Canoe to Hike | Bardwell’s Ferry to Stillwater Bridge, Mohican - Mohawk Trail

If you enjoy river trips without a car portage, small waterfalls, elaborately engineered bridges, steep muddy slopes, bald eagles and USGS monitors this one is for you! This canoe to hike trip goes 3.5 miles down the lower Deerfield river and back to the put in along the adjacent Mohican - Mohawk Trail.

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. ABOUT HALF OF THIS 15-mile RIDE IS ON DIRT AND GRAVEL. This ride will have a special opportunity for a nice lunch in a wonderful setting at Black Birch Vineyard after the ride.

[30s/40s] Chesterfield Gorge Reservation

Join other folks in their 30s/40s for an early evening hike at Chesterfield Gorge Reservation. We'll meet at 5:30 PM at the trailhead for a relaxed 1.5-hour walk exploring the gorge and surrounding woods. Expect easy to moderate terrain, good company, and a chance to unwind outdoors.

[20s/30s] North Sugarloaf Night Hike

Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike up North Sugarloaf and along the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail! After the hike, those who are interested in a bite to eat or something to drink will be welcome to join us at 3 Amigos in Amherst.

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 and there will be some nice autumn color.

Western MA Volunteer/Leader Social

Join other AMC Western MA activity leaders and volunteers for an evening social at Powder Hollow Brewery in South Deerfield. Whether you've been leading trips for years, just completed your first, thinking about getting started, or contributing in other ways — maintaining trails, helping with the website, staffing events — come hang out, meet your fellow volunteers, and dream up new trips and other ways to strengthen this wonderful community!

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 cafe is locally known for excellent food and coffee.)

Accessible Hike | Beaver Brook

Join us for an accessible hike at Beaver Brook in Haydenville! Come explore the new trustees property's accessible trails/cart paths through the former golf course's fields, wetland and forest.

Fall Wood Splitting Day at Noble View

Join us at Noble View Outdoor Center for a beautiful day of splitting logs! It's right around that season where we're harvesting our wood and stockpiling for the fall and winter season. Help us out by splitting and organizing our firewood for our campground and cabins!

Hudson River Gorge Whitewater Paddling

This paddling trip runs down the Indian River and through the Hudson River Gorge for 15.4 miles. It begins on the Indian River and flows ~3 miles to its confluence with the Hudson River. This is a classic scenic trip in the Adirondacks and the fall foliage should be a bonus.

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%.

Art On The NET - Hiking and Creating

Create art of nature with AMC Staff and the New England Trail's artist-in-residence, Alex Salsberg! Join us for a peaceful ~3 mile out-and-back hike through the hemlock forests of Northfield Mountain to a scenic overlook on the Erving Ledges. We will be drawing our surroundings; the plants, animals, views, and whatever else you may see on the trail!

Close Upper Goose Pond Cabin

Autumn is soon upon us, and it's time to close up Upper Goose Pond Cabin for its winter nap. We'll sweep and clean, install shutters, carry the dock out of the water, put the canoes away, take down the "Cabin Open" sign and do some minor maintenance.

Robert Frost Trail Sections 2 & 3

From Notch Visitor Center the RFT follows the NET up toward Mt Norwottuck. The RFT branches off from the NET just east of the Horse Caves skirting the north slope of Mt Norwottuck. It then cuts south and reconnects with the NET in the saddle between Mt Norwottuck and Rattlesnake Knob. There are sweeping views in three directions from Rattlesnake Knob.

Gym Climbing at CRG Hadley

Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 6:00 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.

[20s/30s] Interchapter Fall Fest: Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail Quorum Venture

Join other folks in their 20s/30s for an afternoon gravel ride around the Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail and the Quinebaug River Rail Trail! We will start in Southbridge and make our way through Dudley - eventually sneaking across the border into CT before heading back. The rail trails also have a few interesting connections to old railroad lines that we will take breaks at to explore. On our way back from Dudley, will we explore the newest addition to the Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail in Southbridge before returning to the trailhead.

The Fabulous World of Fungi: A Beginners Guide

Step into the secret world of fungi! On this leisurely walk, we'll discover mushrooms, brackets, puffballs, lichens, and other fungi hiding in plain sight. Along the way, we'll learn simple tricks for identifying what we find and explore the remarkable lives of these often-overlooked organisms.

Harlem Valley Rail Trail Harvest Venture

Join us for a beautiful autumn bike ride on the paved Harlem Valley Rail Trail! A leisurely, 26-mile (out and back ride) through towns of Copake Falls and Millerton to explore the northern half of the full trail. The trail goes through a mix of open fields, forest, and wetlands!

Top Rope Anchors Refresher/Hands-on Practice

Join the AMC Western MA Chapter for a one-day Top Rope Anchors Refresher & Hands-on Practice day at Rose Ledge in Erging, MA! This course is specifically for climbers who have taken our Anchors Course in the past year, and who wish to get supervised hands-on experience and mentored anchor building practice. Participants must have a basic working knowledge of the gear/materials required for anchor building, SERENE principles, building and cleaning anchors on bolts (especially the quad), and building and cleaning natural anchors (especially the v-rig with tether), which were all taught in our Anchors Course.

[30s/40s] Kiddo Friendly | Camp Chesterfield | Fall Wilderness Campout

Come join us for a kiddo friendly campout weekend at the Ashmere Project's Camp Chesterfield Wilderness Camp. I can't wait to enjoy the lean-tos after mosquito season is over! Plan 'A' is to park across the lake and do a short paddle (with camp's boats) to the lean-tos. It is also possible to drive to the lean-tos and camping areas from a separate gated entry.

Wildlife Transect, Cady Brook Area

It will be a bit over a year since we last looked in this area, but a check is in order because of prior history. This area has been inactively used by wildlife for a number of years, after years of activity by beaver, moose, otter, etc. So, we'd like to keep an eye on this area more frequently than we typically do.

[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.

[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.

Wildlife Transect - Mass Pike / AT Bridges Area

We've been studying how wildlife are using our trail lands in the Mass Pike / AT Bridges area for a couple of years now with periodic wildlife transects and trailcam monitoring. But it's time to redo our wildlife transect in the area to get an updated picture of how wildlife are using the area. So if this is an aspect of conservation you're interested in, please join in the effort.

Gym Climbing at CRG Hadley

Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 6:00 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.

Wildlife Transect - Jug End Ridge, West Side

At this point we're well into fall and the wild residents of our trail lands are preparing for winter. With that in mind we'll be looking for fresh signs of that activity as well as older durable sign from earlier in the year. We've not done a transect in this area so could be some interesting stuff.

[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.

[30s/40s] Camp Chesterfield | Pre Thanksgiving Wilderness Campout

Come join us for a campout weekend up at the Ashmere Project's Camp Chesterfield Wilderness Camp. We're gonna eat turkey in the woods! There are two camp sites: The upper site with 4 lean-tos (Adirondack shelters), latrine, nearby running cold water spigot, and fire pit will be for folks who want a quieter site. The lower site with 3 lean-tos (Adirondack shelters) is where folks will likely be up later in the evening. Communal meals will be prepared at the lower camp (a few hundred yards away from the upper camp).

Wildlife Transect - Beartown SF, Wilcox North Area

Getting to be winter time and most if not all the leaves are down making a fresh pallet on the forest floor on which to view and interpret tracks and sign. This can be a bit challenging but also rewarding as older tracks and sign are covered up so what we see is relatively fresh. This time we'll check on the activities of our wild residents in the Wilcox North shelter area.

Social and Annual Meeting

It's that time of year again! Let's gather to share stories about our adventures in 2026 - the 150th anniversary of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Join us for a FREE social gathering and short business meeting of the Western MA chapter. We'll honor outgoing Executive Committee members, elect our new committee chairs, review the year's accomplishments, and share plans for 2027. We'll also honor this year's Most Valuable Committee members and present the Appie, which recognizes a volunteer's ongoing, long-term service to and leadership in the chapter.

[20s/30s] Friendsgivingmas at Lonesome Lake Hut

Join other Western MA folks in their 20s/30s for our inaugural Friendsgivingmas Potluck at Lonesome Lake Hut in Franconia Notch State Park! If you've been curious about winter hiking/camping, this is about as approachable an introduction as it gets. We have the whole hut reserved for the night (sleeps 48). The hike in is a gentle ~2 miles. The main hut is heated by wood stove through the evening, with unheated bunkrooms right next door. There's a full kitchen with ovens and a range; the leaders will arrive early to roast a turkey or ham. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Gym Climbing at CRG Hadley

Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 6:00 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.

Wildlife Transect - AT June Mtn Area

Last of the year chance to get out and see what the residents of our trail lands are up to on the first day of winter. Our transect area will be in one of the more remote areas of our trail lands with a wide variety of terrain and habitat so we're apt to see a wide variety of sign of different wildlife.

AT Shelter Adopter, Wilbur Clearing

The AT Committee is seeking an Adopter for the Wilbur Clearing Shelter and Campsite on Mt Greylock. Duties include several visits between April and November, with more or less monthly visits during peak use (June, July and August). The adopter will check on condition of the facility, remove any accumulated trash, service the moldering privy and promptly report their trip to their Coordinator.

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.