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Hiking Committee

The Hiking (formerly Outings) Committee organizes general, non-technical events such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backpacking trips. We have a very long list of hiking trips. Most hikes occur on weekends, but we do have a tradition of Tuesday hiking trips as well. Check out our schedule!

Thanks to the leaders for leading this hike - what beautiful snow-covered scenery and that view of Quabbin was amazing! – Nancy

Thanks to the leaders for leading this hike - what beautiful snow-covered scenery and that view of Quabbin was amazing! – Nancy

Sometimes, in the winter, our "hiking" trips suddenly become "snowshoeing" or "cross-country skiing" trips. Such is life in New England!
We're always looking for trip leaders, especially those with new ideas for trails to hike. If you're interested, please contact our Hiking Chair.

Joining a Hike

Please read the AMC Trip Policy (PDF) before joining a trip.
Be sure to bring lunch and liquids, bug repellant and sunscreen, and clothing and footwear appropriate to the conditions. When car-pooling, please offer a contribution to the driver for fuel costs.
To find out more about a scheduled hike or to sign up, contact the leader, coordinator, or other person listed for that trip.

Upcoming Activities

Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.

Hike at Bear Hole, West Springfield

Location: West Springfield, MA
Date: 16‑Dec‑2025
Register »
Hike on Chumbawumba Trail and Bear Hole Reservoir Loop. Visit the site of the Bear Hole Resort (which existed from 1890 to 1906) and bear cage. Length of hike 6 miles. Elevation gain 600 feet. Trails are generally smooth surface with exceptions where there is loose gravel and rocky grades.
Bring lunch, snacks and water - at least a liter. Dress in layers and avoid cotton garments. Wear closed toe hiking boots. Traction devices (MicroSpikes or similar) are recommended that everyone bring in winter as icy conditions may be encountered. If you use them, bring hiking poles.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Solstice Hike on the NET

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 21‑Dec‑2025
Register »
Come celebrate the shortest day of the year with a three-mile solstice hike on the New England Trail to watch the sunset over Westfield, followed by a social gathering at a local restaurant nearby. The hike will start on the NET Section 5 in Holyoke, continuing on another trail then meeting back up with the NET for the last mile to finish the loop. At about 2.5 miles, we will be on a ridge where we can view the sunset over Westfield and Hampton Ponds and make a solstice toast. On the other side of the ridge there is a beautiful view to the north and east, where Mt Monadnock is visible on a clear day. After the sunset, we will hike the last half mile to the cars.
Since it will be dusk, headlamps or flashlights are recommended. After the hike, we will gather at 7B's in Westfield for a beverage, appetizers, or dinner, which is about 2 miles from the hike location. I will provide some hot cocoa to share during the sunset. Feel free to bring another beverage of your choice. This hike will last about 2 hours with 625 ft of elevation. Parking will be along the street and is limited. Please carpool if possible.
The trail has some moderate ups and downs and is rocky at times, so poles would be beneficial for balance. Bring a hat and gloves, and dress in non-cotton layers that will wick moisture. Wear close-toed shoes with a good grip or hiking shoes/boots. If there is snow on the ground, microspikes would be helpful. Rain or severe weather will cancel.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Mt Norwottuck

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 23‑Dec‑2025
Register »
Join us for a spirited holiday hike to Mt Norwottuck and Rattlesnake Knob. Approximately 5 miles with 1,036 feet of elevation. Varied terrain with lots of ups and downs hiking through woods, climbing a few rock scrambles, and passing through the infamous horse caves. We will follow the New England Trail and North Side Trail making a loop so no car spotting. Rewarding views at the summits.
Please bring a lunch, water, snacks, poles if you use them, and light traction in case we run into some icy areas.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Best of Mt. Tom Reservation!

Location: Easthampton, MA
Date: 30‑Dec‑2025
Register »
Want to see some of the hidden gem trails of Mt Tom Reservation beyond the ridgeline while getting a sense of the varied terrain and history of Mt Tom? This hike is for you! We will hike through various ruins and off the beaten path trails while observing Mt Tom flora and potential fauna along the way.
This hike will be 6-7 miles with +/-1500 elevation gain. This hike will begin from the Mt Tom Visitor's Center. Refer to the registration page for more information.

Hike Leaders Activity & Social

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 01‑Jan‑2026
Register »
Join us on January 1st for a flexible winter hike in the North Amherst area, including sections of the Robert Frost Trail. This will be a true "choose-your-own-adventure" winter outing. Depending on conditions, we may hike, snowshoe, or even cross-country ski. Expect anywhere from 2–6 miles of winter travel through some of the area's most beautiful woods and fields.
Please come prepared for winter conditions (microspikes required; snowshoes or skis encouraged if the snow cooperates). Final route, distance, and pace will be determined the day before the outing based on trail and weather conditions. This event is also a social gathering for Western MA hike leaders and prospective leaders.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

NH Wapack Trail: Barrett Mountain to Pratt Mountain

Location: New Ipswich, NH
Date: 17‑Jan‑2026
Register »
Hike approx 8.5-9 miles on the Wapack Trail just over the MA NH border including Barrett Mountain, New Ipswich Mountain, Pratt Mountain and other view points which can be especially scenic in winter. Overall difficulty rating is vigorous due to elevation gain, winter conditions and endurance needed to be out hiking 5-6 hours. Terrain is mixed moderate - steep.
Full winter gear including insulated boots, snowshoes and/or microspikes required depending on conditions. Snowstorm/rain date is Sunday 1/18. Leaders may modify the hike based on conditions such as low temperatures or snow depth. We will aim to turn around at a time the allows for finishing in daylight but headlamps are needed just in case due to the short winter days. Registered participants will receive an email confirming details a few days before the hike.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Pittsfield State Forest

Location: Pittsfield, MA
Date: 20‑Jan‑2026
Register »
This is a moderate climb along the beautiful Lulu Brook to pristine Berry Pond (2,150' elevation), the highest natural body of water in MA offering stunning views.
We will hike at a comfortable pace to keep the group together. Snowshoes may be required. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions to include: waterproof winter boots, appropriate layers for warmth, extra layer for when we stop for lunch. Hiking poles, if you have them, are very useful in winter conditions. Bring sufficient water and/or hot drink, lunch and/or snacks. We will check trail conditions before the hike to determine if snowshoes are required.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 AT from Northwest Camp to Guilder Pond

Location: Mount Washington, MA
Date: 17‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
Continuing north, the trail ascends Mount Everett (2,624 ft), the highest peak in the southern Berkshires. Though steep, the climb is relatively short, and the summit — once topped by a fire tower — provides excellent views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Descending from Everett, the trail winds through a peaceful, wooded area before reaching Guilder Pond, a serene high-elevation lake surrounded by evergreens. A short side trail leads to a picnic area and a scenic loop around the pond.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

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

Location: Sheffield, MA
Date: 18‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
The trail then begins a steep zigzag descent over rock ledges and eventually crosses Jug End Rd alongside two stone walls and an open pasture before coming to MA41. A gradual ascent brings the trail into the trees along a woods road atop a ridge.
The trail crosses a series of bog bridges to higher ground and another ridge, then over Hubbard Brook on a large bridge before arriving at Egremont Rd, where across the street, a kiosk and stone monument commemorate the last battle of Shays' Rebellion in 1798. Leaving the monument, we travel on a grassy farm road through active farm fields and enter the woods, climbing and descending a hill before crossing West Rd.
The trail then follows the edge of a swamp, before crossing the swamp on a series of bog bridges and railroad tracks (use caution when crossing). Following the embankment for a short distance, we cross the field to US 7. The trail then enters an overgrown field and an active farm field, meanders along the banks of the Housatonic River, enters the woods briefly, and emerges at another active farm field. The trail skirts the edge of the field to the end of our section at Kellogg Rd.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 NET Section 5 Hike

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 25‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
The hikers from the previous leg of the relay, NET Section 4, will meet us at the start of the hike to pass on the AMC 150 Commemorative Banner. You can register separately for this hike if you wish to do both sections. We will meet at the end of the hike to spot cars, then drive to the starting point to begin our hike. Come join the fun and be part of this historic event!
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 NET Section 4 Hike

Location: Westfield, MA
Date: 25‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
We'll take breaks to enjoy the views and and wildlife we may encounter. This section is popular with Westfield residents who have several areas of neighborhood access, including with ATVs, so we will also encounter areas of erosion from misuse.
We will meet the hikers for the next leg of the relay, NET Section 5 (on Apremont Way), to pass on the AMC 150 Commemorative Banner. You can register separately for this hike if you wish to do both sections. We will meet at the end of the hike to spot cars, then drive to the starting point to begin our hike. Come join the fun and be part of this historic event!
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 NET Section 6 Hike

Location: Easthampton, MA
Date: 26‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
We'll take breaks to enjoy the views of the farmland below and the Berkshire foothills in the distance. The hikers from the previous leg of the relay, NET Section 5, will meet us at the start of the hike to pass on the AMC 150 Commemorative Banner. You can register separately for this hike if you wish to do both sections.
We will meet at the end of the hike to spot cars, then drive to the starting point to begin our hike. Come join the fun and be part of this historic event!
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 Holyoke Range Seven Sisters and Mt Norwottuck

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 28‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
This is a strenuous hike due to elevation changes and rocky terrain. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents and descents and also gentler flat or rolling rambles. Along the way, hikers experience stunning panoramic views over the Pioneer Valley and into Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. 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 and appreciate the natural beauty this hike offers. Refer to the registration page for more information.

Activity Schedule

All activities are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions. Check activities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet shown here. Not all activities may be posted yet.
Executive 20s/30s A.T. Management Bicycling Communications Community Engagement Conservation Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling Training and Education
Snowshoers in Wendell State Forest
  LANI GIGUERE
Hiking Committee members hiking along a river
  JEANNETTE PIERCE
Summit of Mt Greylock
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

A.T. Hike Series

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail – all 2,197.4 miles, 5 million steps, and 14 states of it – from Georgia to Maine? Join us this summer and early fall for an exciting and challenging hiking series covering the 90 miles of the A.T. in Massachusetts.
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