The Western MA Exchange Archive

SPEAK UP FOR ROADLESS FORESTS »

August Camp is an AMC-led camp that is traditionally held somewhere in the northwestern United States. Each year, it brings together AMC members from chapters around the country for a week of hiking, adventure, good food, and community. This year's location in the Northern Cascades provided an incredible backdrop, with dramatic mountain peaks, expansive valleys, and views of glaciers around nearly every corner. The weather and wildfire smoke did provide a few challenges. Smoke from fires in eastern Washington forced us to change several hiking plans, but the flexibility of the camp leaders allowed us to find alternative adventures and make the most of the conditions. On the clearer days, the mountains were spectacular, and the views were well worth the effort. For me, August Camp has begun to feel a little like going home. Although I am still a relative newcomer to the camp, there is something special about returning each year and recognizing familiar faces, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. There is always someone eager to head out on another hike, share a story around the fire, or sit down for a conversation after a long day on the trail. That sense of community is one of the things I enjoy most about August Camp. The mountains provide the setting, but it is the people who make the experience memorable. I was especially happy to share the experience this year with Deb and Margot as hike leaders and to have such a strong Western MA AMC presence. After a week of mountain peaks, smoky skies, glacier views, campfire conversations, and miles on the trail, I returned home already looking forward to the next August Camp.

This was a successful first time campout for more than half the families. One mom reported that their 4-year old was persistently asking if they could go camping again! Thank you Dawne Piers-Gamble, a Family Programs volunteer, for organizing it! MORE PHOTOS »

The group hiked 1.5 miles to the staging area then organized, cut, and carried the lumber about a half mile to the tent site. Many thanks to the volunteers who worked so hard to help with this project! Work will continue into the fall to build the structures. Stay tuned for details or check the Outdoors Connector for new postings. MORE PHOTOS »

You are invited to join Mass Audubon and the New England Forestry Foundation for a webinar on Wednesday, September 9th from 12-1 PM to learn more about a unique funding opportunity available to landowners with forested properties in northwest MA. Would you like help implementing some of the recommendations that your forester offered in your forest stewardship plan? Landowners often find that taking the next steps with their forest management plan can be overwhelming and expensive. The Forest Climate Resilience Incentive pilot program is designed to help landowners pay for these next steps and provide technical assistance during the planning process. If you have 10 acres or more of forested land in the Woodlands Partnership region of northwest MA and have an approved stewardship plan, you likely qualify for this unique program. Funds will be available until they are exhausted, however all practices much be completed by June 2028. To learn more or to receive a direct invitation by email with the meeting details, please contact climateforestry@massaudubon.org. REGISTER »

This course is great for people of all experience levels and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You'll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You'll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments! This is a fast-track, two-day course that certifies you in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. REGISTER »

This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, transwomen and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves. The cottages at Noble View are no longer available for use or lodging, so we have moved the fun to the Scout camp giving folks the option to stay in a bunkhouse cabin or camp in their own tent. You are welcome to settle in on Friday night to catch up with old, or make new friends over a light dinner. Saturday will be packed with a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor activities, 3 delicious meals and camaraderie. The fun and food will continue until the early afternoon on Sunday. If you have joined us before, you know the transformational calm that comes about from a weekend well spent with good women. If this is your first time, we welcome you. Just click below to register. REGISTER »

After the hike, Jeannette's cousin Dave Pierce, opened the historic Chester Railway Museum for a private tour. Dave is president of both the Chester Foundation, which operates the museum, and the Friends of the Keystone Arches. Dave shared so much about the construction of the bridges including that they were designed and built by George Washington Whistler, the husband of Whistler's mother of the famous painting. Dave was instrumental in getting the bridges and the museum added to the list of US Historic Landmarks, putting them in the same category as Mt. Rushmore! The group also viewed the caboose which is available to rent for overnight stays, and the recent addition of the famous dining car from the former Bernie's restaurant in Chicopee. The dining car was moved from Chicopee last December and can be rented for events. Thank you Dave for sharing your impressive expertise with us! MORE PHOTOS »

The AT Committee has a few more projects on the schedule for you to join: 22-Aug-2026: Drainage Improvements to UGPC Access Road (contact at@amc-wma.org for more info) 23-Sep-2026: Crystal Mountain Campsite Privy Work 26-Sep-2026: Complete Crystal Mountain Privy Work

New volunteer Lori Duga shared the experience with her first trail maintenance day and her wonderful photos! Here's what she had to say: "I found my dream volunteer role: crushing rocks! In all seriousness, trail maintenance! Digging, leveling, building hiking trails and meeting people with the same interest as me. Today we began building a stone staircase on the NET: New England Scenic Trail, section 2 in MA. It will probably take all of next season, but camping platforms and a privy are to be built as well. I just learned so much today! I love that!!!" Thanks Lori, the other volunteers, and Connor and Audrey for working all day in the heat to make our trails better and safer! FACEBOOK »

FACEBOOK VIDEO »

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This book is a gorgeous exploration of perspective, perception, and the passage of time, with an underlying environmental message that is timely and poignant. The book has a rhythmic, calming narrative about the stone and its place in the world with a changing environment and stunning illustrations of cut paper, pencil, collage, and paint. So bring the kids and enjoy this one mile accessible trail as you read the story. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view of the valley at the picnic table near the large cottage. Noble View Outdoor Center is located at 635 South Quarter Road, Russell, MA. Follow the gravel road about a half mile to the parking lot. The All Persons Trail starts there.

This month marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our longtime free email service is no longer available, so we've moved to Constant Contact, a platform that will allow us to create more engaging and informative newsletters. While the delivery method has changed, our mission hasn't. We'll continue sharing upcoming activities, and you'll also receive updates on special events, chapter news, volunteer opportunities, and other happenings throughout the Western Massachusetts Chapter. Our first Constant Contact newsletter was sent on Monday, July 27th. If you didn't receive this mailing and would like to receive them, please subscribe here. Before subscribing, please check your spam or junk folder in case the newsletter was filtered there. We look forward to keeping you informed — and, most importantly, to seeing you outdoors with us! SUBSCRIBE »

There's a lot happening in the Western Massachusetts Chapter! Whether you're looking for a special event, hoping to try something new, or simply want to stay connected with what's going on, we've got something for you. This month we're excited to announce that registration is now open for our popular Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature Weekend, highlight the many opportunities available through our Paddling Committee, and introduce our new Constant Contact Chapter Activities and Updates newsletter to help you stay informed about activities, events, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Read on for details. Happy Summer,
Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Join Our New Chapter Updates Newsletter

Since 1999, we've sent a weekly email highlighting upcoming chapter activities, along with links to the Outdoors Connector (AMC's activity registration site) and the Western Massachusetts Chapter Activities page. Our goal has always been simple: make it easy for you to discover adventures and stay connected with our chapter. This month marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our longtime free email service is no longer available, so we've moved to Constant Contact, a platform that will allow us to create more engaging and informative newsletters. While the delivery method has changed, our mission hasn't. We'll continue sharing upcoming activities, and you'll also receive updates on special events, chapter news, volunteer opportunities, and other happenings throughout the Western Massachusetts Chapter. If you have never received our former Tuesday Hiker emails you can subscribe here. Our first Constant Contact newsletter will be sent on Monday, July 27. We've automatically subscribed many people from our previous email list. If you don't receive the first newsletter and would like to get them, please subscribe here. Before subscribing, please check your spam or junk folder in case the newsletter was filtered there. We look forward to keeping you informed and, most importantly, to seeing you outdoors with us!

Registration Now Open for the Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature Weekend

The AMC Western MA Chapter is pleased to invite you to register for our 5^th annual, Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature Weekend, September 18, 19, 20, 2026 at the Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation on Russell Pond in Russell, MA. This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, transwomen and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves. The cottages at Noble View are no longer available for use or lodging, so we have moved the fun to the Scout camp giving folks the option to stay in a bunkhouse cabin or camp in their own tent. You are welcome to settle in on Friday night to catch up with old, or make new friends over a light dinner. Saturday will be packed with a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor activities, 3 delicious meals and camaraderie. The fun and food will continue until the early afternoon on Sunday. If you have joined us before, you know the transformational calm that comes about from a weekend well spent with good women. If this is your first time, we welcome you. Just click here to register.

July Committee Highlight - the Paddling Committee

The Paddling Committee's goals are to get people on the water, teach safe boating skills, and build a community of paddlers who enjoy the waterways of western MA and elsewhere. Our programs have been growing this year with outstanding leaders and new participants, including new leaders in the Albany area. We run training programs to teach basic flatwater and whitewater boating skills to kayakers and canoeists. This year's flatwater clinic was held on July 7 at Barton Cove in Gill, MA. A whitewater clinic for LGBTQ+ folks was held on the Deerfield River in June 27-28 and a beginner whitewater clinic for 20s/30s folks took place July 18-19. Credit for these programs goes to AMC paddle leaders who have trained as paddling instructors with the American Canoe Association. A series of well-attended trips for LGBTQ+ whitewater paddlers on the Deerfield River Lower Fife Brook section happens monthly on Friday afternoons, May through September. And a new series of evening park-and-play whitewater sessions on the Tariffville section of the Farmington River is starting up. Learn more about our Paddling Committee including upcoming activities on the Paddling Committee's webpage.

Fourteen hikers joined AMC Western MA hike leaders Jeannette Pierce and Kathy Kindness, and AMC staff member William Poole, for a relaxed 4 mile hike with gorgeous views of the East Branch of the Westfield River. While this was geared towards new members, all were welcome and the hike included folks from their twenties to eighties. Hiking is for everyone! Come join the fun! MORE PHOTOS »

The group learned about the importance of sustainable trails: why they exist, how they are maintained, the role that trail crews play in keeping them sustainable, and the involvement of land managers. We have another trails sustainability hike planned on this section of the trail on the evening of Wednesday August 5th. Check out AMC Outdoors Connector for more! AMC OUTDOOR CONNECTOR »

With summer in full swing, we would like to highlight the Chapter's Paddling Committee. Led by Co-chairs Deb Weisenstein and Bonna Wieler, the Committee plans a variety of paddling activities in the warmer months of the year. The Paddling Committee's goals are to get people on the water, teach safe boating skills, and build a community of paddlers who enjoy the waterways of western MA and elsewhere. Our programs have been growing this year with outstanding leaders and new participants, including new leaders in the Albany area. We run training programs to teach basic flatwater and whitewater boating skills to kayakers and canoeists. This year's flatwater clinic was held on July 7 at Barton Cove in Gill, MA. A whitewater clinic for LGBTQ+ folks was held on the Deerfield River on June 27-28 and a beginner whitewater clinic for 20s/30s folks will be held July 18-19. Credit for these programs goes to AMC paddle leaders who have trained as paddling instructors with the American Canoe Association. The AMC 150 relay came through MA in late May, and we organized two paddling legs. One was on the Westfield River, linking AMC's Noble View Outdoor Center and the New England Trail. The other was 12 miles of the Connecticut River in Northampton with our partner organization All Out Adventures. A series of well-attended trips for LGBTQ+ whitewater paddlers on the Deerfield River Lower Fife Brook section happens monthly on Friday afternoons, May through September. And a new series of evening park-and-play whitewater sessions on the Tariffville section of the Farmington River is starting up. We have a women's flatwater paddle coming up July 24. Learn more about the Paddling Committee and find upcoming activities to join.

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We would like to share an opportunity for New England Trail (NET) volunteers and hikers who are interested in helping AMC's community science efforts. This is the New England Nature Watch, a project that AMC and NET partners administer using the iNaturalist app. The New England Nature Watch project was launched in 2021 and allows you to provide data on plants in the NET corridor to AMC. This helps us better understand the effects of climate change on plants along the trail, such as changes to flowering times and species distribution. INaturalist is an app that allows you to identify nearly any plant or animal you find. The app assigns a location and date of the photo taken and catalogs it online, where the iNaturalist community will help to confirm the identification. It can be downloaded on the App store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android devices. Once you've downloaded the app, you can join one or more projects that the AMC is monitoring: the New England Nature Watch, Flowers and Fauna of the Appalachian Trail Corridor, and the Northeast Alpine Flower Watch. Once you've joined the project, all you have to do is be near the NET, the Appalachian Trail corridor, or anywhere in the Northeast and take a photo of the plant or animal you want to identify. We have over 5,500 total observations of 570 species so far, and we hope you all are able to contribute!

YOUTUBE »

Highlights of the hike included huge pine trees, beautiful fern groves, a large cellar hole, lots of wildflowers, and a perfect lunch spot along the Clam River. Did you know that the Chapter offers hikes every Tuesday? Check it out on the Chapter Activities page of our website. MORE PHOTOS »

There are five more hikes in this annual series, ending on August 15^th in Williamstown. Come join the fun! UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

When you open the map just click on the canoe icon for information about that location - a description of the lake or pond, photos, a website when available, and directions. Everything you need to plan your next paddling outing. And remember, the Chapter offers many opportunities for guided paddling outings in Western MA. You can see the full list on our Chapter activities page. Just click on the paddling icon and come join the fun! UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

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Be on the lookout for these unusual plants on your next outing and share your photos if you find one (don't forget to tag us). As always, we remind you to follow the principles of Leave No Trace: take only photos, leave only footprints.

Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive unless provoked. If you see a rattlesnake on the trail stay at least 6 feet away. If you inadvertently get too close they will usually shake their tail as a warning and slither away. Rattlesnake bites are rare in MA, but if bitten you should seek medical attention immediately. And as always, keep your dog on a leash to avoid disturbing a snake. Rattlesnakes are considered endangered, meaning it is illegal to kill them. Mass Wildlife is tracking the population so if you see one you are encouraged to report it to them at natural.heritage@mass.gov. LEARN MORE »

We are continuing our AT Hike Series through August. Search for upcoming trips on the hiking committee's webpage. MORE PHOTOS »

INATURALIST »

We have road and gravel cycling, hiking-from relaxed to vigorous, backpacking, paddling, climbing, book club hikes, socials, and activities for 20s/30s - something for everyone! UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

Many thanks to Cosmos, Jon, Eileen, and Warren for their hard work to make the trail safer on a hot day! Visit the committee's webpage to learn more about their work and the upcoming projects they have scheduled. MORE PHOTOS »

The group started at Lake Wyola and headed north on the trail to Ruggles Pond in the Wendell State Forest. A large lakeside pavillion provided the perfect halfway spot for lunch before heading back to Lake Wyola. It was a wonderful surprise to see all the mountain laurels that were still in bloom! Some of the hikers enjoyed a delightful dip in the lake to cool off after the hike and one took off in his kayak. The Western MA Chapter leads a hike every Tuesday, and other days as well. Come join us! MORE PHOTOS »

Join AMC staff on the morning of July 18th or the evening of August 5th for a scenic 4-mile loop hike to Mt Norwottuck & the Horse Caves on MA NET Section 8 to learn about the importance of trail crews work in protecting public land.

What a month it has been! From celebrating AMC's 150^th anniversary on trails, rivers, roads, and at Noble View Outdoor Center to recognizing the volunteers who care for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), our chapter continues to show what can happen when people come together around a love of the outdoors. This month we're sharing highlights from the AMC 150 Relay, introducing you to the work of our A.T. Management Committee, and inviting someone with a passion for families and the outdoors to help lead our Family Programs. As always, we welcome our new chapter members! Looking forward to SEEING you on one of our many adventures! Happy Summer,
Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

AMC 150 Recap

After months of planning, the AMC 150 Relay entered MA on May 17 with a 6.2-mile hike from Northwest Camp to Guilder Pond, then made its way through western MA over 16 days before crossing into Worcester County. Thirty-two Western MA leaders planned 14 adventures with 224 participants. We hiked, backpacked, paddled, and climbed our way along the A.T., the Westfield and Connecticut Rivers, the New England Trail, and roadways through Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties before passing the official AMC 150 banner to the Worcester Chapter to continue its way through MA and on to NH. We also enjoyed a fabulous celebration at Noble View Outdoor Center, welcoming the cyclists on a 26-mile ride from the town of Washington to Russell with much fanfare, a barbeque, and a 150^th anniversary cake. The western MA segment of the relay functioned as a regional showcase of the chapter's outdoor community: it connected trails and waterways with volunteer leadership, conservation, and accessible ways for people to participate in AMC's anniversary. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this epic celebration a huge success! Follow the relay in real time and view photos of the relay segments.

June Committee Highlight: The A.T. Management Committee

This Committee of the Western MA Chapter is charged with the maintenance and management of the A.T. in MA, including many of the associated side trails. The 14 volunteers on the Committee work with the National Park Service and Mass DCR on this effort, coordinating and supporting the efforts of around 100 individual volunteers. Opportunities for volunteering are available in many different areas:

• Regular trail maintenance: Clearing pathways, clipping brush, painting blazes, mowing, etc.
• Overnight facilities maintenance: Monitoring and maintaining camps, shelters, campsites, privies, etc. along the Trail.
• Corridor monitoring and boundary maintenance: Keeping the boundary of trail lands marked and monitoring for any misuse.
• Natural resource monitoring: Visiting more than 50 sites to document the presence of rare, threatened or endangered plants and the habits of wildlife.
• Cultural resource monitoring: Visiting, researching and documenting the remains of historic structures and sites on Trail lands and monitoring them for any changes.
• Supporting A.T. Communities along the Trail: North Adams, Cheshire, Dalton, Lee, and Great Barrington.
• Connecting with sponsored or organized groups using the Trail and its overnight facilities: Providing information about group use regulations and best practices.
• Working with land managers and other staff: Proposing and designing major maintenance and repair projects on damaged or eroded sections of the Trail.

We are incredibly grateful for all the hard work the A.T. Committee volunteers put into maintaining the incredible and beautiful A.T. in MA! Learn more about the A.T. Committee and find upcoming projects to join.

Volunteer Opportunity: Family Programs Chair

The AMC Western MA Chapter is looking for an enthusiastic individual interested in helping families spend time outdoors. The Family Programs Chair coordinates family-friendly outings and events, supports volunteer leaders, and helps grow a welcoming community for new generations of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Experience organizing events is helpful, but enthusiasm, communication, and a love of the outdoors matter most. Learn more about the Family Programs Committee or email Chapter Chair, Kathy Martin (chair@amc-wma.org) for more information about this exciting opportunity!

Work may include brushing, corridor clearing, drainage touch-ups, and general tread maintenance. No experience is required. Training and tools will be provided. Participants should bring snacks, lunch, water, gloves, and safety glasses. As part of the day, we will also briefly send off the AMC 150 Relay Riders as they begin their ride from Hiram to Freeport. REGISTER »

Experience organizing events is helpful, but enthusiasm, communication, and a love of the outdoors matter most. Learn more about the Family Programs Committee and email our Chapter Chair, Kathy Martin at chair@amc-wma.org if you're interested in this exciting position!

Each month we highlight one of the committees in the Western MA Chapter, to showcase who our volunteers are and what they do, and to highlight Chapter programs, recreational activities, and volunteer opportunities. This month we're featuring the A.T. Management Committee. This Committee of the Western MA Chapter is charged with the maintenance and management of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in MA, including many of the associated side trails. The 14 volunteers on the Committee work with the National Park Service and Mass DCR on this effort, coordinating and supporting the efforts of around 100 individual volunteers. Opportunities for volunteering are available in many different areas:

• Regular trail maintenance: Clearing pathways, clipping brush, painting blazes, mowing, etc.
• Overnight facilities maintenance: Monitoring and maintaining camps, shelters, campsites, privies, etc. along the Trail.
• Corridor monitoring and boundary maintenance: Keeping the boundary of trail lands marked and monitoring for any misuse.
• Natural resource monitoring: Visiting more than 50 sites to document the presence of rare, threatened or endangered plants and the habits of wildlife.
• Cultural resource monitoring: Visiting, researching and documenting the remains of historic structures and sites on Trail lands and monitoring them for any changes.
• Supporting A.T. Communities along the Trail: North Adams, Cheshire, Dalton, Lee, and Great Barrington.
• Connecting with sponsored or organized groups using the Trail and its overnight facilities: Providing information about group use regulations and best practices.
• Working with land managers and other staff: Proposing and designing major maintenance and repair projects on damaged or eroded sections of the Trail.

We are incredibly grateful for all the hard work the A.T. Committee volunteers put into maintaining the incredible and beautiful Appalachian Trail in MA! Learn more about the A.T. Committee and find upcoming projects to join.

Only three fine riders joined us, but summer vacation season tends to slow things down a bit. The five of us enjoyed a nice lunch afterwards at Wild Roots in Sunderland. A pleasant way to spend the morning! MORE PHOTOS »

We enjoyed sunny skies, delicious food, laughs, and friendship as we shared memories of Nan's tenure at Noble View. Nan took meticulous care of the property and grounds, and managed the large Chapter events that were held there. Whether she was weilding a chainsaw, a spatula, or a glue gun, she was always ready to do what was needed with a big smile and a can-do attitude. We wish her safe travels and happy adventures as she embarks on the next chapter of her life! You will be missed Nan! MORE PHOTOS »

This common plant, considered a weed by many, has a variety of medicinal and edible uses. Young, tender leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach, offering high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K. Freshly crushed leaves are widely used as a poultice to quickly relieve bee stings, mosquito bites, rashes, and minor cuts. And, the dried leaves can be used in soothing teas or infused into topical skin salves. Good to know if you're ever out in the woods and need a simple remedy for cuts, rashes, or bug bites.

Great views, beautiful mountain laurels, ladders, and great company. Interested in joining this series? We'll be offering an A.T. hike every weekend through August. Come join us! MORE PHOTOS »

FACEBOOK »

FACEBOOK »

The group learned about the importance of a sustainable trail - why they exist, why they are maintained, and the role that trail crews play in keeping them sustainable. We have more trails sustainability hikes planned on this section of the trail in July and August, so stay tuned on AMC Outdoors Connector for further postings!

We've been sharing information about the US Senate's America the Beautiful Act recently, and distributing postcards for folks to message their representatives in support of the bill. Here we provide an update on the status of the Act, which reauthorizes the Legacy Restoration Fund to provide resources addressing the substantial backlog of maintenance projects we have on our public lands. The US Senate officially introduced the America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547) a few weeks ago and it is up to 64 co-sponsors, which is above the number needed to pass the bill in the Senate. The US House introduced their bill on Monday, calling it the Great American Outdoors Act 250. The House committee leading this effort held a hearing in Hot Springs, AR recently, complete with moving testimony from Kevin Costner (at minute 37). The Senate and House bills both reauthorize LRF at the same funding level, though have some differences in implementation and other details. There will have to be agreement between the versions once each bill passes both chambers, but both bills are very constructive. The timing for when we can expect either bill to pass is uncertain but we will keep you posted. If you sent in postcards to your representatives, we thank you! And if you would like to send out a postcard or two, let us know and we will find a way to get them to you. Just send a message to communications@amc-wma.org.

Our schedule is packed with rides of all kinds, from relaxed outings on farm roads to challenging adventures in the Berkshires. We even have some gravel rides coming up. Visit our activities page and click on Bicycling for details and to register.

ATC »

Every month we like to highlight a place for recreating outdoors to give our followers new ideas for their outdoor adventures. This month we're highlighting the entire Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in MA that offers many opportunities for hiking and backpacking. The A.T. stretches 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain GA to Mt Katahdin in ME. Thousands of thru hikers attempt to hike the entire trail in a single season, but only 25-30% finish it, roughly 700 people. The MA portion is just over 90 miles - starting in Salisbury, CT and ending in Clarksburg State Forest on the VT border. There are many places along the trail to do a day hike, or perhaps an overnight backpacking trip. One option is to drive to the top of Mt Greylock and hop on a section of the A.T. that passes over the summit. Another moderate hike is to head up to Upper Goose Pond starting on Rte 20 in Becket. This 3.5-mile, round trip hike starts near the Mass Pike in Becket and brings you up to a beautiful pond. You can continue south on the A.T. if you're looking for a longer hike. In Cheshire, you can hike the Cobbles Trail that brings you to an overlook with views of Cheshire Reservoir and Mt Greylock. Or, join the Western MA Chapter on the A.T. Hike Series. We're leading several hikes on the A.T. on consecutive weekends, beginning at the CT border and working our way up to VT. Go to our activity page to register for the remaining hikes. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is the organization that manages the A.T. Since 1925, the ATC has been leading the management and conservation of the A.T. and its landscape. Their website is a great resource for planning your MA A.T. adventures with maps, suggested day hikes, shelters, and other helpful resources. There are many ways to enjoy this national treasure! We hope you get a chance to get out there and see for yourself. And don't forget to tag us in your posts.

After a picnic lunch in the meadow overlooking the valley below, we walked along a trail to a neighbor's beautiful perennial and mountain laurel garden. Lovely day! We have a wide variety of hikes on the schedule this summer from easy historical walks in Holyoke to overnight backpacking hikes. Find your adventure on our activities page. MORE PHOTOS »

This 6+ mile section led the group through the area of the Butternut fire two years ago and folks were happy to see how well it had recovered, with ferns everywhere! The hikers also marveled at the ice gulch, a half-mile ravine with steep 100 foot cliffs and glacial boulders. Find more A.T. hikes on our activity page. MORE PHOTOS »

MASS.GOV »

The day started with snacks and the National Trails Day pledge to protect trails at the AMC Western MA table set up on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire, then the groups went off on their respective activities. Kathy and Kathy Martin, Chapter Chair, staffed the table and shared information and donuts with folks on the bike path. All participants were rewarded with a delicious ice cream cone from Diane's Twist upon their return. A huge thank you to Kathy for organizing our NTD celebration, to all the leaders for stepping up to lead an activity, and to all those who came out to help us celebrate!! What a great day! MORE PHOTOS »

The relay continues and you can follow the progress and see photos here.

Topics typically cover current initiatives, opportunities for local advocacy in your area, and an open discussion driven by your interests in our conservation mission. Planned topics in this session: (1) AMC's America the Beautiful Act, (2) postcard campaign, (3) federal legislative update, and (4) open Q&A. To request topics and submit questions in advance, send an email to: amc.ccc.1876@gmail.com with the Subject "Coffee Chat Q&A". This will ensure we have the right staff members present to discuss topics thoroughly. Join the meeting on Zoom.

Led by hike leader and Chapter Communications Chair Jeannette Pierce, the group hiked 5 miles on the A.T. from the Shays' Rebellion monument to the Homes Rd trailhead parking area. Views of meadows filled with wildflowers, mountains in the distance, the Housatonic River, and a colony of beautiful Pink Lady's Slippers delighted the happy hikers. The A.T. series continues into August with consecutive hikes every weekend. Check it out on the Chapter Activities page and come join the fun!