[14‑Jun‑2026] We had a great group of riders join us for a 16-mile ride on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail in Westfield. We stopped for lunch along the trail at Red's Cafe in Southwick before heading back. Lots of shade on a hot day.
Biking the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail
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.
The Appalachian Trail in MA
Activity of the Month
[13‑Jun‑2026] Every month we 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 in MA that offers many opportunities for hiking and backpacking. VIEW ARTICLE »
The Appalachian Trail in MA
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.
Explore the Improved A.T. Interactive Map
Weekend Feature
[13‑Jun‑2026] The newly enhanced Appalachian Trail (A.T.) interactive map makes it easier to explore the Trail, plan trips, and discover key features before you get to the trailhead. With improved mobile performance and more accurate data, it's a powerful tool for planning your A.T. adventures.
ATC »
[10‑Jun‑2026] Seventeen hikers joined hike leader Jeannette Pierce on a hike at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell to enjoy the blooming mountain laurels and two waterfalls along the Pitcher Brook Trail. We were also treated to a sweet fawn scampering away and a garter snake slithering off the trail.
Mountain Laurels and Waterfalls
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 »
$951,000 Awarded to Protect Forest Reserves in Western MA
[08‑Jun‑2026] The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $951,000 in grants to permanently protect 430 acres of managed forest reserves. Three projects in Belchertown, Huntington, and Wendell will receive funds to offer outdoor recreational opportunities, store carbon to mitigate climate change, and protect habitats important to biodiversity. MASS.GOV »
$951,000 Awarded to Protect Forest Reserves in Western MA
[08‑Jun‑2026] Twelve hikers joined Chapter Chair and hike leader Kathy Martin on yesterday's Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Hike Series #4 near Great Barrington.
Appalachian Trail Hike Series #4
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 »
Leader Training
[08‑Jun‑2026] Paddling leaders-in-training got a little wet during the Paddling Leader Training on Saturday in Cheshire. Five LITs and 7 current leaders practiced how to get back in their kayak in open water and various rescue techniques. The scenarios, discussions, and rescue practice was valuable for all.
Leader Training
National Trails Day Celebrated
[07‑Jun‑2026] Yesterday, on National Trails Day (NTD) the Western MA Chapter came together to celebrate in a big way! Under the phenomenal leadership of Membership Chair Kathy Kindness, Chapter activity leaders led three hikes, a bike ride, a trails maintenance activity, and a paddling outing and leadership training on the Cheshire Reservoir.
National Trails Day Celebrated
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 AMC 150 Relay in MA
[05‑Jun‑2026] After months of planning, the AMC 150 Relay entered MA on May 17, and made its way through western MA for 16 days before entering Worcester County. Here's the recap: 32 leaders planned 14 adventures with 224 participants. What a joyous adventure!
The AMC 150 Relay in MA
The relay continues and you can follow the progress and see photos here.
AMC Conservation Coffee Chat
Friday, June 5, 2026, 12-1 PM
[03‑Jun‑2026] Join our club-wide conservation community members for our regular "coffee chat" discussion to hear from AMC Conservation and Policy staff including Mandy Warner, Sr Director of Policy. The virtual format is relaxed and informal.
AMC Conservation Coffee Chat
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.
Lost Cats on the A.T.
[02‑Jun‑2026] An A.T. hiker needs help finding his two cats that got lost on the trail during the owner's medical emergency on May 14. They were last seen near Pattinson Road and the Wilbur shelter in the Mt Greylock Reservation in the North Adams and Adams area.
Please be on the lookout for Pi and Rosie, and send a message to Jeff Rufo if you should find them: jeffrufo83@gmail.com.
Lost Cats on the A.T.
A Perfect Day
[01‑Jun‑2026] After a cool and rainy Saturday, Mother Nature delivered a perfect day yesterday for the Chapter's Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Section 3 hike in Sheffield.
A Perfect Day
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!
