Upcoming Chapter Activities

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[20s/30s+] Paddle + Hike @ Tully Lake

Join us for a relaxed 20s/30s+ paddle and hike at beautiful Tully Lake in Royalston, MA - a scenic reservoir managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, surrounded by quiet forest, coves, and small islands. This trip is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers/hikers alike who want a mellow day outside on the water and trail. We'll begin the day with a morning paddle and follow it up with a casual afternoon hike, but participants are welcome to join for either or both activities depending on their interest and availability.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 7

From the trail crossing on Main St in Tyringham, we'll enter a peaceful forest of rolling hills and occasional clearings, with scenic views of Tyringham Valley. The trail continues through dense forest, with gradual ups and downs, and as you near Rte 20, it becomes slightly rockier with occasional roots. The descent leads to the road crossing at Rte 20 in Lee, MA, near the Mass Pike (I-90).

[Women’s+] Climbing Day

Join us for a day of women's top-rope rock climbing. Pack your climbing gear and lunch! Equipment required: harness, helmet, belay device (loaner equipment is available). Technical skills: familiarity with tying into a rope and belaying.

Turners Falls - Northfield

This is a moderately challenging ride starting in downtown Turners Falls. The ride is 24 miles in length over rolling terrain. Total elevation gain on the ride will be about 1300 feet. All roads are paved. When we reach Northfield (the northernmost point on our route), we'll stop at Mim's Market and the Northfield Creamie for lunch. We'll return via beautiful rural roads before we descend back into Turners Falls.

Cheshire Reservoir Paddle

Robert Frost Series #6, Section 12

A true high‐point tour of Mt Toby, this 7.5-mile stretch first rockets up old logging roads to Bull Hill's rocky summit, then follows a ridge past its 872-ft north knob before descending into Green Swamp. A series of stream crossings and a bypass around Roaring Mountain lead you to the fire tower atop Mt Toby, where panoramic views reward the climb.

The final descent threads beneath telephone lines, skirts spruce stands, and drops to the main woods road at Reservation Rd. Expect steep ascents, mossy ledges, mixed hardwoods, and open summits — this is one of the trail's most rugged and rewarding sections.

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.

Wednesday Night Climbing - Central Rock Gym

Come join us for an evening of socializing and pulling on the routes set by our local staff at Central Rock Hadley. If you have never climbed at CRG they will require you to certify on belaying. This gym will also require you to be a member or pay for a day pass. There is no fee from our committee.

[Women’s+] Juneteenth Reflection Hike in the Southern Berkshires

Join this Women+ group as we meander through the fields, rocky outcroppings, wetlands and woodlands of the beautiful, bio-diverse Southern Berkshires in MA. Along the way we will pause to read and reflect on the African American and Black people’s celebration of Juneteenth and America's complicated history with freedom.

Privy Moves - Maintaining Privies at A.T. Campsites

We will be moving the privies at Shaker Campsite and Wilcox South Campsite to new locations. Work involves digging with hand tools and lifting and moving the outhouse several feet to a new site. Work may involve incidental contact with human waste. We will start at Shaker Campsite, approx 1/2 mile down hill from the meeting location. Upon completion, we will drive approx 30 mins to the access to Wilcox South Shelter, and hike another 1/2 mile down hill to that work site.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 8

This 5.8-mile trail offers a rewarding mix of scenic beauty and physical challenge with an 800-foot elevation change. The journey begins on County Rd and quickly brings hikers to the summit of Wailing Mountain. From there, the trail descends gradually, passing the serene and beautiful Finerty Pond and crossing the gently flowing Mountain Brook. The descent continues toward Becket Mountain, reaching its 2175-foot peak before steadily making its way down. The trail then crosses Yokum Pond/Becket Rd and concludes at Rte 20.

Anchor Building Class

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.

[LGBTQ+] Pride Day on the River Dryway Run

Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Dryway section (Class 3-4) of the Deerfield River in northwest MA. 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.

VT Hikes: Mount Ascutney

Hike 6-7 miles including scenic waterfalls and cascades to the summit of Mount Ascutney. Option to climb the fire tower for 360 views during lunch!

[20s/30s+] Outdoor Leadership Training

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

Robert Frost Series #7, Sections 13 & 14

This final stretch of the Robert Frost Trail, Sections 13 & 14, climbs twice, first up Stoddard Hill's open, rocky woodlands - complete with vernal pools and birch groves-then, after a steep ridge scramble and stream crossing, descends to Rt 63. A brief road link brings you to Spaulding Brook Rd, where Section 14 ascends Spaulding Brook's gorge to the dramatic Pigpen Ledges rock amphitheater. North of the ledges, the trail follows a rolling ridge through hemlock and mountain-laurel forests before dropping out to East Chestnut Hill Rd and ending at Wendell State Forest HQ on Wendell Rd. Along the way, enjoy panoramic summit views, rich bird habitat, and a real taste of central New England's rugged backcountry.

Mountain Laurel Hike at Mt Tom

We will meet at the Visitors Center at Mt Tom and hike on Section 6 of the New England Trail to Goat Peak with views of Easthampton, then go up the fire tower for a 360-degree view of the Connecticut River Valley and the Holyoke Range. This section is short but fairly steep. From there, we will continue on the trail to another peak with views of the Oxbow on the Connecticut River, then on to view the Eyrie Ruins, the remains of a hotel that was built in 1861 and burned down in 1901. The Mountain Laurels should be in full bloom and are everywhere throughout the park.

Wednesday Night Climbing - Central Rock Gym

Come join us for an evening of socializing and pulling on the routes set by our local staff at Central Rock Hadley. If you have never climbed at CRG they will require you to certify on belaying. This gym will also require you to be a member or pay for a day pass. There is no fee from our committee.

Easy & Fun Thursday Bike Ride

Enjoy a pleasant 18-mile bike ride on flat roads in Sunderland amongst the farms. The most important aspect of this ride is that you enjoy yourself as you ride along with others. If we don't know you, you will be contacted once you register and asked to answer a few screening questions.

[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.

Hike to Upper Goose Pond Cabin

Join us for a 4.3 mile round-trip relaxed-pace hike to the cabin (725' elevation gain). The route follows the Appalachian Trail for about 0.5 mile where it crosses the Mass Pike and starts a steep uphill for about a 0.5 mile, and then levels off and descends until it reaches the blue-blazed trail that continues to the cabin. A caretaker will be at the cabin starting in May, and hopefully we can get a guided tour. Will definitely have our lunch outside on the porch or even down at the pond for some gorgeous views and possibly have a dip.

[Women’s+] Mount Norwottuck and Atkins Farms

Join us on a 5-6 mile hike to Mt Norwottuck, Horse Caves and maybe Rattlesnake Knob. Mostly moderate terrain with some steeper sections including moderate scrambles. The trail passes through dense, rocky woods to several open vistas.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 9

The trail begins with a short but steady climb to the summit of Bald Top Mountain, offering rewarding views before leveling out along a ridgeline. Hikers traverse the expansive and picturesque October Mountain State Forest, winding through a mix of hardwoods and evergreens that provide shade and a peaceful atmosphere. The route passes the October Mountain Shelter, a popular rest stop for thru-hikers, before crossing Pittsfield Road in Becket. The final stretch continues through rolling terrain, ending at Blotz Road. While long, this section is relatively gentle, making it an enjoyable hike for those looking for a less strenuous but scenic Appalachian Trail experience.

Paddling Instruction at Barton Cove - Strokes and Safety

Paddling instruction class offered for beginners and those who have been paddling but without prior formal instruction. Also suitable for those who want to brush up on their paddling and safe boating skills. Participants will be given instruction on land initially, then together we will venture into the cove. This class will be led by AMC Western MA paddle leaders who have been trained as paddling instructors by the American Canoe Association. The day will include instruction and practice in the basic paddle strokes (forward and reverse strokes, turns using sweep strokes or rudders, draw strokes for lateral travel) and a paddle trip around the cove. Paddling games on the water will reinforce skills.

Repair the A.T. at West Rd

We will restore the sidehill treadway on approx. 200 yards of the Appalachian Trail near West Rd in Sheffield. We will be working with youth from the Overland Adventures service crew. Work includes digging with hand tools to level the treadway and restore it to its original profile to provide a stable walking surface and reduce erosion.

Examine the Local Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has a global impact, as well as affecting many local areas. We will explore with a guest presenter from Williamstown Rural Lands. We'll hike three miles along the Taconic Crest & Shepherd's Well Trails while we learn how the local climate has shifted through the history of Williamstown, MA. From views across Mt Greylock and along the Taconics, we see evidence of wildly different past climates. At the weather station, we will observe how scientists monitor climate change today.

Replace and Repair Bog Bridges Near Pittsfield Rd

We will be replacing, resetting and relocating bog bridging near Pittsfield Rd in Washington, MA and other sites further south. Work will involve carrying lumber up to 1/4 mile on uneven, wet and/or muddy ground, some light carpentry, and digging with hand tools.

[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.

Tour of the Pioneer Valley

Enjoy a 29-mile ride at a moderate pace (12-13 mph average) across all four of the Pioneer Valley Hamptons. Soon after we get started, you'll experience some enjoyable long and steady climbs with complementary descents. However, most of this ride is on rolling terrain on quiet roads surrounded by farms and thick woods.

Bennington Trailfest

Join me at this free event for hikers and the community! Free food and entertainment, info tables, used gear swap, "trail of fortune" prize giveaway, and more. Learn about the amazing hiking resources in southern VT and northern MA, learn tips and tricks from thru-hikers and community members, and more. Stop by the Appalachian Mountain Club - Western Massachusetts table to learn more about our activities!

Cycling the Berkshires: Tyringham Valley

Join us for a challenging 31-mile cycling tour on quiet country roads in the southwest corner of the Berkshires. The scenery is spectacular and well worth the sweat. From our starting point in Lee, MA, we'll ride through the breathtakingly beautiful Tyringham valley. When we reach the end of the valley, we'll be glad we're warmed up as we tackle a demanding one-mile climb up to the plateau. We'll head west through Monterey and cross into Great Barrington, turning north to cycle through the scenic Monument Valley to Stockbridge. A few short but stiff climbs still await us as we finish the last few miles of our route and return to our start point in Lee. In total we will climb approximately 2,000 feet over the course of the ride.

[20s/30s+] Camping Weekend at Mt Greylock and Film Night at Tanglewood

Join us for a classic Berkshires weekend designed for 20s/30s+! We'll pitch our tents at Pittsfield State Forest Friday evening and spend Saturday hiking to the summit of Mount Greylock, MA's highest peak (3,491 ft), via the scenic Cheshire Harbor Trail. Expect a steady climb through mixed hardwood forest and a rewarding summit view that stretches across five states.

[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.

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%.

[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: 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.

[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.

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.