Western MA Exchange Archive

Once again it rained on a Saturday, which derailed many of the activities that the Chapter had planned for National Trails Day. However, our Appalachian Trail Management and New England Trail Management Committees were able to proceed with their plans.

A.T. Committee: Brush Clipping at Reynolds Rock, Cheshire
Cosmo Catalano

Still, we had a stalwart group ready to work today. Russ, Dave, Lauri, Peter and Art started off in the damp under gloomy skies to clip back brush from around the Rock. Maintaining (which is what we do) much of the work that was accomplished last summer. See the before and after photos taken by Lauri (yes, it looks like we're looking at Dave's backside, but we're not). Sitting on top of the rock to the left is a likely 200-year-old maple tree. We were also able to mow the Trail through the field to keep it open for the incoming bubble of hikers - we met a couple of them (one sporting a sling for an arm she broke in Pennsylvania) today despite the looming weather. The white flowers in the background are raspberry plants just finishing their flowering. Many immature fruits are on the bushes - a future feast for birds, bears - and hikers. Eventually it started to rain for real and we called it a day around 11am. Russ and Cosmo (fools that they are) stayed on another hour to mow the field near School St (which really didn't need it) and the field and trail north of Rt 8 - which did. We also cut back the brush at the bog bridges south of Rt 8.

NET Committee: New England Trail Hike on Mt Norwottuck
Kevin Peloski, Committee Chair

We decided to buck the trend and continue full steam ahead with tabling and a hike at the wet Notch Visitor Center in Mt Holyoke Range State Park. Given the forecast, it definitely was pretty quiet at a location when, on a normal Saturday, it is loaded with hikers, walkers, and trail runners. Lots of AMC/NET and information on invasive forest pests were available at our table, which we staffed from 10-1, when the rain really picked up and we decided to call it a day. Five hikers plus Bex the dog spent 1.5 hours hiking 3 miles of the NET and the Robert Frost Trail - cutting the hike short because of increasing intensity of the rain.

Thank You!

Thank you to all who worked hard to plan this event throughout western MA, and a special thanks to the A.T. and NET Committees that made it work despite the rain. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in guided hikes, paddling, cycling and climbing outings, as well as trail maintenance opportunities. Go to the activities page to see what's happening and come join the fun!

The A.T. Section Hike Series offers section hikes in order through MA on the weekends this spring, summer, and fall. There is still room available on some of the hikes for those wishing to join in the fun. View upcoming hikes on the Hiking Committee's webpage. Registration is required. MORE PHOTOS »

June is finally here, bringing the first day of summer and lots of sunshine! The mountain laurels are in bloom all month throughout the woodlands of western Massachusetts and we have plenty of hikes planned for you to see them. Paddling and cycling season are in full swing, and we have some climbing events too. And if trail maintenance is your thing, we have that too. VIEW ACTIVITIES »

Today's adventure is hiking at Mt Toby in Sunderland and Leverett. Mt Toby has an elevation of 1269 feet with a fire tower to climb at the top. You can hike to the top via the Robert Frost Trail or a number of other trails, including a gravel road. If you follow the Falls Trail off the road, you'll come to a beautiful cascade waterfall. This walk from the parking lot would be considered easy and suitable for most ages and abilities, although not considered accessible. You can continue on that trail up a steep slope along some huge boulders and caves, back to the gravel road, that then leads to the summit. One trail from the parking lot leads to the Sunderland Caves that you can actually crawl through if you dare! Consult your favorite hiking app and plan your next hike. You will not be disappointed. MORE PHOTOS »

VIEW ACTIVITIES »

AMC RESOURCES »