[28‑Jul‑2025] Twenty-eight yogis joined yoga instructor, Sally Barber of the Westfield Yoga Center, for a relaxing yoga class in the meadow at the Noble View Outdoor Center on a beautiful summer morning! The group enjoyed the sounds of nature and gorgeous views as they moved through various yoga poses. Many thanks to Sally for helping the participants realize the benefits of yoga and being outdoors in nature, and to Family Programs Committee Chair, Laura Stinnette for planning the event! FAMILY PROGRAMS »
[28‑Jul‑2025] Kathy Martin, Chair of the Western MA Chapter, led a group of hikers from the summit of Mt Greylock to North Adams on the 13th section of the Chapter's Appalachian Trail Series.
Mt Greylock to North Adams
The group ran into a northbound thru-hiker, Ikea, and his trail cat. Ikea met the cat in Georgia and it started to follow him, and it's been Ikea's hiking companion ever since. Ikea keeps it on a leash, but it prefers to ride in the backpack.
Kathy summarized the hike:
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful hike today! The conversations were great! Great comradery! Susan's brownies were out of this world wonderful! The temperatures couldn't have been better! A pace that suited everyone's style! Thanks to Russ for taking the lead position and to Joanne for sweeping! MORE PHOTOS »
ATC’s Emerging Leaders’ Summit
Weekend Feature
[27‑Jul‑2025] The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Emerging Leaders' Summit brings together a diverse group of young adults, ages 18-30, for trainings, workshops, and experiences with a focus on building skills and community through the lens of the A.T. This year's summit will be held October 10-12 at the New Jersey School of Conservation. The Summit is free for all participants and travel scholarships can be awarded if needed. ATC »
[26‑Jul‑2025] The Chapter's Paddling Committee held a paddling training earlier this month at Barton Cove in Gill. This photo shows participants watching rescue demos, in this case what to do if you flip and need to swim your boat to shore. Students practiced this skill as well as getting back in their boats in deep water. PADDLING COMMITTEE »
Discover, Connect, and Explore With AMC Western MA!
Monthly Chapter Message
[25‑Jul‑2025] Whether you're gathering with fellow members at our annual social event, enjoying the outdoors with your family through our engaging Family Programs, or discovering your next adventure with our interactive trail maps, the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter offers something for everyone. VIEW ARTICLE »
Discover, Connect, and Explore With AMC Western MA!
Whether you're gathering with fellow members at our annual social event, enjoying the outdoors with your family through our engaging Family Programs, or discovering your next adventure with our interactive trail maps, the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter offers something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate our community, foster a love for the outdoors, and help you make the most of every season.
See you outdoors!
Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair
Save the Date: Free Social Gathering and Annual Chapter Meeting
October 25, 2025
Please join us for a FREE social gathering and the annual business meeting of the Appalachian Mountain Club Western MA Chapter on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. We'll recognize the Chapter's Most Valuable Committee Members, elect our new slate of officers, review the year's accomplishments, and share plans for 2026 – the 150th anniversary of AMC! Let's eat and be merry! We will provide the food and a cash-only bar will be available. This event will be held at the Polish American Citizens Club, 46 South Main St, South Deerfield, MA. So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information and registration details.
AMC Western MA Chapter's Fun Family Programs
Monthly adventures throughout the year
The Family Programs Committee schedules adventures in western MA every month throughout the year. These adventures include family friendly hikes, experiential outdoor activities that teach outdoor skills and conservation concepts, seasonal crafts and games, camping, family nights and much more. We strive to instill confidence, collaboration, understanding and an appreciation of the outdoors so as to foster, respect and stewardship of our planet and all living things. Our focus is to get everyone outdoors. Children of all ages and their families (including grandparents) are invited to join us. AMC requires that a parent/guardian (18 years of age or over) attend with children at all events.
We also work with other organizations to increase our reach and ability to offer interesting programs for families. An example of this kind of collaboration is the ongoing, self-guided StoryWalk® available year round at AMC Noble View Outdoor Center, in Russell, MA that we offer in collaboration with The Hiltown Family Center. The story changes each month and often reflects a nature theme. A StoryWalk® offers families an active outdoor reading experience, where a children's picture book has been deconstructed and then placed page by page along the accessible trail at Noble View. Families walk, read and talk their way through the story. To find the trail, follow directions to the Noble View Outdoor Center, 635 South Quarter Road in Russell. Follow the gravel road about one mile to the parking lot where the all persons trail starts.
Visit our Family Programs webpage to learn more, view upcoming activities, and find fun resources for getting children outside.
Interactive Maps to Help You Find Your Next Adventure
A treasure trove of lists of hikes and bike rides suggested by our members
Are you getting bored with hiking your favorite trail and looking for something new? Check out our Member Favorites page! This is a treasure trove of lists of hikes and bike rides suggested by our members that have been turned into interactive maps. Each list includes a map with pins identifying the location of the activity. When you click on the pin, you find the name of the place, a photo, a description and a website when available. Whether you're looking for an accessible hike, hikes in the fall, hikes in NH, CT, the Berkshires, or the Connecticut River Valley, we have it covered.
Visit our activities page to plan your next adventure. And, if you want to share your list of favorites, we'll make an interactive map and add it to this page. Send your list to info@amc-wma.org.
A.T. Hike Series Section 11
[24‑Jul‑2025] New hike leader, Kim Carlino, and Chapter Chair, Kathy Martin, led Section 11 of the A.T. hike series on Sunday, July 13th, from Dalton to Cheshire. This hike features gorgeous views of Mt. Greylock and the Cheshire Reservoir from the Cobbles in Cheshire. The group enjoyed refreshing ice cream at the end of the 7.5 mile hike.
A.T. Hike Series Section 11
Gravel Bike Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness With AMC This Summer
AMC Weekend Feature
[20‑Jul‑2025] The first of three gravel biking events in 2025, the Summer Gravel Weekend (August 1-3) blends adventurous gravel bike routes with opportunities to cool off in remote ponds and soak in the wild beauty of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Photo by Garrick Hoffman.
Gravel Bike Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness With AMC This Summer
GARRICK HOFFMAN
AMC is hosting a summer gravel biking event in Maine's North Woods from August 1-3. The first of three gravel biking events in 2025, the Summer Gravel Weekend - based out of Medawisla Lodge and Cabins - blends adventurous gravel bike routes with opportunities to cool off in remote ponds and soak in the wild beauty of the 100-Mile Wilderness. From free pack rafting excursions to live music and guided stargazing, it's an opportunity to experience Maine's famous woods, waters, and mountains in a new way and to connect with other cyclists of all levels, from experts to beginners. AMC RESOURCES »
Measuring Weather in Hopkins Memorial Forest
[18‑Jul‑2025] AMC Western MA hikers joined a guided hike with Allen Pope of Williamstown Rural Lands to learn about weather and climate change in western Massachusetts, eastern New York, and southern Vermont.
Measuring Weather in Hopkins Memorial Forest
Dr. Alice Bradley, Associate Professor of Geosciences at Williams College, shared how scientists measure weather in the Hopkins Memorial Forest, and how the Taconic and nearby mountain ranges impact weather patterns in the tri-state area. WRL »
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
[18‑Jul‑2025] The Tuesday hikers were rewarded with beautiful views from the summit of Lenox Mountain on this week's hike at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a 1,405 acre wildlife sanctuary located in Lenox, MA, owned by the MA Audubon Society. There are 7 miles of trails and a large pond on Yokun Brook. The Overbrook Trail leads to the summit of Lenox Mountain.
Check out our upcoming events and come join the fun!
Wood Day at Noble View
[16‑Jul‑2025] The Noble View Caretaker got some help from volunteers and an AMC trails crew on Friday for the semi-annual Wood Day.
Wood Day at Noble View
The Noble View Caretaker got some help from volunteers and an AMC trails crew on Friday for the semi-annual Wood Day. Those who came out helped hauling, splitting, and stacking wood to use in the wood stoves of the cottages at the Noble View Outdoor Center. Many thanks to those who helped out in the steamy weather!! MORE PHOTOS »
Backpacking in the Green Mountains
[13‑Jul‑2025] Mike April, the Chapter's Hiking Chair, and Hew Hart, the Chapter's 20s/30s Chair, led a two-day backpacking trip last weekend in the Green Mountain National Forest. The group made their way through the forest passing by three ponds along the way, camping along the trail at the half-way point. MORE PHOTOS »
[13‑Jul‑2025] Did you know that one of the greatest risks to your health and safety while hiking the A.T. is contracting a tick-borne illness? Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and public health researcher Emma Getz shares practical, research-backed advice to help hikers stay healthy for the miles ahead. ATC »
[11‑Jul‑2025] If you're planning to head up to Maine this month, consider checking out this awesome family-friendly event at Little Lyford Lodge in Greenville on July 26th. LEARN MORE »
[10‑Jul‑2025] Congratulations to these incredible hikers for completing all 48 miles of the Robert Frost Trail! From the rugged ledges of Mt Toby to the quiet beauty of the Holyoke Range, they've walked every step - and earned their RFT Completion Badges with pride.
48 Miles, 3 Hikers, 1 Epic Trail!
Mike April, left, the Chapter's Hiking Chair, planned and led the RFT hike series. Barb and Tom Lane were the only two hikers to complete the entire series with Mike.
Here's to perseverance, friendship, and the love of the trail!
Mt Tom Hike
[09‑Jul‑2025] The weather was warm and sticky, but that didn't prevent this group of hikers from enjoying their outing at Mt Tom yesterday. At least it didn't rain!
Mt Tom Hike
The hikers were treated to beautiful views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Berkshires, along with a cooling breeze, from the top of the Goat Peak fire tower. After hiking a bit further on the New England National Scenic Trail, they stopped to enjoy the view of the Oxbow on the Connecticut River, then explored the Eyrie Ruins on Mt Nonotuck, the remains of a hotel popular in the mid to late 1800s that burned down in 1901.
The Chapter regularly leads hikes throughout the year. Check out the Hiking Committee's webpageto see what's coming up. Hope you can join us! MORE PHOTOS »
Noble View Wood Day
July 11-12, 2025
[07‑Jul‑2025] Noble View is looking for help from friends and neighbors, AMC members or non-members, to help with moving, splitting, and stacking wood for the fall season.
Noble View Wood Day
Noble View is looking for help from friends and neighbors, AMC members or non-members, to help with moving, splitting, and stacking wood for the fall season. Join us on July 11 and/or July 12, 2025 at Noble View Outdoor Center, 635 S. Quarter Rd, Russell, MA from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Snacks & drinks will be provided! Email (laura.stinnette@gmail.com) or text (413-454-3232) Laura to let her know you will be coming.
We appreciate any time you can donate...even an hour. Choose the day best for you.
Activity of the Month: Paddling at Littleville Lake
July 2025
[06‑Jul‑2025] The Littleville Lake reservoir is located just off Route 112 in Huntington and offers a beautiful, serene location for paddling. The reservoir was created by the Littleville Dam, constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s as a flood control and water supply project. VIEW ARTICLE »
Activity of the Month: Paddling at Littleville Lake
JEANNETTE PIERCE
The Littleville Lake reservoir is located just off Route 112 in Huntington and offers a beautiful, serene location for paddling. The reservoir was created by the Littleville Dam, constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s as a flood control and water supply project.
The Littleville Dam impounds the Middle Branch of the Westfield River, forming the lake. It serves as a backup water supply for Springfield and helps mitigate flooding in downstream communities along the Westfield River and the Connecticut River.
There is a boat launch in the main parking lot in Huntington or you can launch kayaks or canoes at the upper end of the reservoir at the Dayville Area parking lot in Chester.
Motorboats are restricted to 10 horsepower, so you will not find loud jet skis or other large, motorized boats. As you paddle in the reservoir, you will be surrounded by pristine wooded areas with no houses or private properties. Swimming is not allowed because it is a water supply.
If you want to get out and stretch your legs, you can hike on the old cart roads that run along each side of the lake. There is a small picnic area near the dam at the main parking area.
For a scenic, peaceful paddling experience, add the Littleville Lake to your adventure list.
The Right Time to Bail
AMC Weekend Feature
[06‑Jul‑2025] Whether you're a seasoned hiker or are planning your first trip, understanding when to call it quits can mean the difference between a great story and a dangerous rescue. Here are some outdoor safety tips that will help you know when it's time to bail. AMC RESOURCES »
[04‑Jul‑2025] Are you in your 20s or 30s and looking to connect with other AMC members in western MA? Join our 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group to hear about upcoming hikes and socials! Complete this form, and the confirmation page/message will contain the invite link. We hope to see you at an event soon!
Join the 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group!
Happy July!
[03‑Jul‑2025] Summer is in full swing, and we have a jam-packed schedule of adventures to join in - hiking, paddling, climbing, cycling and even some yoga on the mountain.
Happy July!
Check out the activities page or the new activities calendar to see all of our upcoming activities and come join the fun!
Book mark these pages for easy reference and please share to get the word out. Happy adventuring!
Trail Magic: Well Intentioned But Potentially Problematic
Weekend Feature
[29‑Jun‑2025] Five things to know about food and drinks left along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and at road crossings and how you can support hikers and the A.T. ATC »
Trail Magic: Well Intentioned But Potentially Problematic
[29‑Jun‑2025] When I stepped outside this morning to grab the newspaper, it was already over 80 degrees – and the forecast is calling for triple digits over the next few days! With this heat, my mind turns to cooler, more peaceful ways to relax and recharge. VIEW ARTICLE »
Relax and Recharge With Us
HEW HART
When I stepped outside this morning to grab the newspaper, it was already over 80 degrees – and the forecast is calling for triple digits over the next few days! With this heat, my mind turns to cooler, more peaceful ways to relax and recharge. Below are a few upcoming activities that offer just that: gentle ways to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find a little calm in the midst of summer.
Yoga on the Mountain – unwind with gentle yoga in a beautiful meadow at AMC's Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. Or, come paddling with the AMC – all summer long! Beat the heat with a quiet water or whitewater paddling trip organized by the AMC Western MA Chapter. No experience? No problem! We'll provide instruction and gear. It's a refreshing way to spend a summer day. And mark your calendar for our annual Women's Weekend Retreat in September – a women-only day retreat at Noble View. Enjoy journaling, hiking, music, and more at "Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature." A perfect day to relax and recharge in great company.
And don't forget to check our Activities Calendar regularly to see what's happening in the Chapter. We hope you'll join us for one – or all! – of our peaceful escapes into nature.
Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair
Yoga on the Mountain
July 26, 2025
Come and experience the gentle movements and soothing breathing of yoga in a lovely meadow at Noble View. Surrounded by tall trees, singing birds and amazing views of the valley, Sally Barber, from the Westfield Yoga Center, will lead a family yoga class on July 26, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, as she has done for many years. This event is open to all abilities and experience, but we recommend children be at least seven years old.
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in and bring a mat or blanket to cover the ground. Afterward, plan to explore the miles of beautiful trails or walk the All Persons Trail and read the current StoryWalk® book.
Paddling with the AMC Western MA Chapter
July 5, 2025
The Paddling Committee organizes quiet water and whitewater canoeing and kayaking training opportunities and trips from April through October. We love to get people on the water and can provide instruction for new paddlers. We are offering a paddling instruction event at Barton Cove on July 5, 2025 where we will teach the basics of boating safety and effective paddling.
We are blessed to have a variety of places to paddle in our region, from quiet ponds to larger lakes, mellow rivers, and whitewater rivers. The Connecticut River offers long and short paddle trips and even water-accessible campsites. Whitewater paddling means canoeing and kayaking on moving water with rocks, waves, and other features. We paddle local rivers such as the Deerfield which is dam controlled and allows for whitewater paddling April through October. Quiet water paddling means scenic canoeing or kayaking on lakes, ponds, and gentle rivers. Western MA has some splendid rivers and lakes for quiet water paddling. We'll take you there, and we can even help provide you with a boat and gear. We teach the basics of boating safety and effective paddling at our annual instructional program. We also educate paddlers on water quality and identification of invasive species. In conjunction with AMC's Conservation Committee, we organize river stewardship events to remove invasive water chestnut plants from local rivers. Click here for more information, including upcoming trips and a list of resources for paddlers.
Save the Date: Women's Weekend 2025
September 6, 2025
Mark your calendars for the AMC Western MA Chapter's fourth annual "Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature", a women-only retreat on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Noble View. This event encompasses a variety of activities throughout the day including hikes, music, yoga, journaling, singing, paddling, and more. The cottages at Noble View will not be available for lodging this year, but anyone interested in camping may do so in the tent site area on Friday and Saturday nights. Stay tuned for more information and a registration link or check the Chapter Activities page for updates.
Privy Moves
[28‑Jun‑2025] A.T. volunteers Russ, Dave, Tom, and Cosmo got a lot of useful work accomplished on the A.T. pit toilets last Saturday – a rain-free day on the longest day of the year. Here is Cosmo's report. VIEW ARTICLE »
Privy Moves
A.T. volunteers Russ, Dave, Tom, and Cosmo got a lot of useful work accomplished on the A.T. pit toilets last Saturday – a rain-free day on the longest day of the year. Here is Cosmo's report.
At Shaker the pit was full to the top. We cut down a small dead tree and moved the outhouse about 6ft to the right (when facing the door). As usual at this site, digging was easy, and the depth of the pit was only limited by the mechanics of getting the loosened dirt out of the waist deep hole.
We also replaced a few boards on the picnic table and applied a fresh coat of stain to the top. I think this is the 2nd repair to this table since it was installed. Much longer, and we will have replaced nearly every part of it. Hopefully, we will be able to close this campsite (which is in fragile habitat, contains a cultural site, and is visited by neighboring bears a few times a year) and build a new one a few miles to the north in a couple of years.
We then travelled to the back door access to South Wilcox Shelter and hiked down for a quick lunch at the old shelter before starting work on the privy (also full). Because the ground is slightly sloped, we cut a bit of a flat bench for the privy to sit on then dug the pit. We did encounter a few large rocks, which we left protruding into the new pit, rather than risking collapsing the sides by removing them.
Once we got the outhouse settled at its new home, we added some rock steps to make access a bit more comfortable. Hopefully, this and other pit-type privies on the A.T. in MA will be replaced with moldering types in the next 2-3 years – pending Federal funding for the work.
While we were working, we met Adam Morris – DCR South Berkshire Regional Supervisor – who was showing a new staff person around the park (Beartown State Forest). We had a nice conversation about how the A.T. works within the state forests, among other topics.
We are coming up to a bit of a hiatus in our work schedule around the holiday, and we have some open dates on the calendar in July. If you think there are projects we should undertake, there is room to add them to the schedule – just let me know.
Go to our committee webpage to view and register for upcoming work.
More Photos
Commemorating Juneteenth
[25‑Jun‑2025] The Chapter organized a beautiful hike at Bartholomew's Cobble last Thursday to commemorate Juneteenth. This property was chosen because it was once part of Col. John Ashley's estate where Elizabeth Freeman, known as Mumbett, was enslaved for 35 years.
Commemorating Juneteenth
In 1781, Elizabeth, with an enslaved man named Brom, petitioned the Court of Common Pleas in Great Barrington, with legal support of lawyer Theodore Sedgwick, for their freedom. They won their suit. Their success paved the way for the end of slavery in the state of Massachusetts two years later.
You can visit Sheffield's statue of Elizabeth Freeman and her gravesite in the Sedgwick Family Plot in Stockbridge. MORE PHOTOS »
Committee Reports
May 2025
[24‑Jun‑2025] From planning and leading recreational activities to seasonal trail work – here's what our committees were up to last month. VIEW ARTICLE »
Committee Reports
From planning and leading recreational activities to seasonal trail work – here's what our committees were up to last month.
20s/30s
The 20s/30s+ WhatsApp group has over 100 members!
✧
Recent events:
02/22: XC Skiing at Notchview (w/ Worcester);
03/08: XC Skiing at Notchview (w/ Worcester);
03/29: Hike at Mt. Toby State Reservation;
04/19: Hike at Mt. Tom State Reservation;
04/30: Social at Treehouse Brewing;
05/17: Hike at Quabbin Park;
05/17: Interchapter Social at Rapscallion Brewery (WMA, CT, Narragansett, Worcester);
06/04: Another Spring Social at Powder Hollow Brewing;
06/14: Paddle+Hike at Tully Lake;
06/22: Outdoor Leadership Training
A.T. Management
The most recent A.T. Committee meeting was May 5
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Seasonal project work is in full swing. Projects since the last report include removal of 2 deer stands on Park Service land near the trail, grass mowing along the trail in open areas, repairing the picnic table at Wilcox North shelter, corridor
boundary maintenance in Tyringham, clearing invasive plants along the trail, leveling the boardwalk around Hop Brook in Tyringham, clearing brush around Reynolds Rock in Cheshire on National Trails Day and helping the Green Mountain Club rough cut an Appalachian Trail relocation at the MA/VT border
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Upper Goose Pond Cabin has been open for 4 weeks and is seeing an
increasing number of overnight visitors as the season moves along
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Seasonal project work is ongoing;
see the Outdoor Connector (OC) for details on upcoming A.T. projects and information on how to volunteer with us
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Volunteer recruitment needs include trail maintainers, corridor monitors, and three coordinators: shelter, communications and group outreach
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Next meeting: August 25, 2025
Bicycling
The Spring Warm-up for Experienced Cyclists and the 25 Miles of Farms & Quiet Roads Warm-up were cancelled due to rain
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June, July and August bike rides are listed on the AMC Outdoor Connector (OC) and include:
Turners Falls to Northfield Ride (23.9 miles/1240 ft), Tour of the Hamptons (29.9 miles/1638 ft),
Berkshires Ride - Tyringham Loop (32.6 miles/2043 ft), Berkshires Ride - Great Barrington to Mill River (26.8 miles/1223ft), Berkshires Ride - Stockbridge to Alford (37.7 miles/2518 ft)
Communications
The Chapter's social media accounts continue to gain new followers. The Facebook account had a great month due to the popularity of a post about the adaptive hike with All Out Adventures. Instagram data remained fairly stable
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We created a poster and an event on Facebook to promote the National Trails Day events throughout western MA
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On the website, this month's analytics registered the highest users (1,487) and views (3,713) since we started tracking web data!
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Facebook: 28 posts (top post: All Out Adventures Adaptive Hike)
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Instagram: 20 posts (top post: Lady Slipper Season)
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Ongoing web work includes activity postings, updates to the Western MA Exchange, new photos, and site maintenance
Community Engagement
Katherine Brainard and Dawne Piers-Gamble are leading a Women+ Juneteenth Reflection Hike on June 19
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The Paddling Committee will have our new transfer bench for use on the
rescheduled Cheshire paddle on June 15, in the Berkshires
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Interested AMC volunteers can sign up to volunteer with AOA here✧
The Interchapter Community Engagement Committee meets bimonthly on the 4th Thursday of the month from 5-6 PM. Our next meeting is Thursday, June 26, 2025
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We're planning hikes on the New England Scenic Trail (NET) with Miriam Maistelman, to be led with AOA as part of a grant received by AMC
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Save the date for 4th annual Women's Weekend on Sept 6, 2025. Planning for this retreat is underway
Family Programs
May 18, Family Wildflower Hike at Noble View
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The May/June StoryWalk® is "Fairy House" by Tracey Kane
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Family Outings members, Paddle Committee members and NV Stewards Council members created fairy houses for the StoryWalk® APT Trail. 9 houses are displayed
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Created a Family Scavenger Hunt Bingo handout and other family pamphlets for National Trails Day in Cheshire
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Late summer and early fall program preparation continues
Membership
We are working with Kevin Pelosky re: a NET Tabling event in Cheshire, MA. Information, swag, snacks, and maps will be available
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We are scouting potential "front country" hikes in Williamstown, Pittsfield, North Adams, and Adams
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Upcoming events, now scheduled on AMC's Outdoor Connector, include a guided hike with w/Williamstown Rural Lands to examine the local effects of
climate change and a tabling event at Bennington Trailfest. Feel free to join us or share information about your committee with the Membership Chair
NET Management
May 17: AOA (All Out Adventures) event at Bright Water Bog property owned by the Kestrel Land Trust; NET/AMC and NPS staff assisted
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173 Volunteer hours are reported, including the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club's installation of a new set of stairs on Section 2, north of the
Springfield Reservoir
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Planning continues for Wendell SF Shelter Project scheduled for mid July
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Attended a National Trails Day event at Holyoke Range SP, which included tabling and a guided hike
The next NET Committee meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2025
Paddling
The Paddling Committee last met on 03/19; committee goals and plans for 2025 were discussed
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Deb attended the Interchapter Paddling Committee meeting on May 15 with discussion of the Outdoor Connector and new Leader Fundamentals course. Much of the meeting concerned the AMC150 relay for 2026 with discussion of the paddling legs. Western MA expects to run the Westfield River day trip and a 2-
day trip on the Connecticut River in Northampton. Hoping to involve All Out Adventures in one day of AMC150.
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May 23: LGBTQ+ river trip on the Knightville section of the Wesetfield River [moved from Deerfield due to high water), led by Ann Gillard
Find upcoming trips on the OC
Training and Education
T/E members met to discuss how to best support learned knowledge on new online training platform by identifying ways to check LIT understanding of content
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Supported in planning a 20s & 30s affinity space in hosting a leadership application day for June
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Continued to support new LIT's, both from Western MA and other chapters to identify paths to full leadership status
Happy Summer Solstice!
[20‑Jun‑2025] We hope you've been enjoying the extra hours of light and getting outdoors a lot. Looking for new places to go exploring? Check out the Member Favorites page for interactive maps of some of our members' favorite places to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Just pick a map then tap on each pin icon to see what's there - hiking, paddling, cycling, or climbing. Lots of great places to go!
Happy Summer Solstice!
JEANNETTE PIERCE
AT Hike Series: Tyringham to Becket
[17‑Jun‑2025] The Chapter's A.T. Hike Series continued Sunday with Section 7, a 9-mile stretch from Tyringham to Route 20 in Becket. This section goes around Upper Goose Pond and across the Mass Pike near the end in Becket. The mountain laurels were just beginning to pop, adding another lovely feature to the hike. This series continues along the A.T. northbound on consecutive weekends through September. Visit the Hiking Committee's webpage to register for the next section hike.
AT Hike Series: Tyringham to Becket
Volunteer Spotlight: Hiking Committee
June 2025
[15‑Jun‑2025] 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 Hiking Committee.
Volunteer Spotlight: Hiking Committee
Under the leadership of Hiking Chair Mike April, we lead guided hikes throughout the year, but summer is perhaps our busiest season. Most hikes occur on weekends, but we do have a tradition of Tuesday hiking trips as well. The Tuesday Hikers have been hiking together for over 25 years.
This year for the first time, we are offering two hiking series - a section hike of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) through MA and a section hike of the Robert Frost Trail through the Connecticut River Valley from South Hadley to Wendell. The A.T. series is led by different hike leaders on consecutive weekends May through October, while the Robert Frost Trail series is led by Mike April.
We also offer affinity hikes for families, people in their 20s and 30s, and women. We have hikes that commemorate special days throughout the year, like the Summer Solstice, National Trails Day, and Juneteenth, and hikes that feature waterfalls, spring wildflowers, and mountain laurels. We do easy hikes, accessible hikes, and more challenging hikes - something for everyone.
Check out the Hiking Committee page to learn more about the committee, register for upcoming hikes, access resources (including gear, trail guides, and beginner options), and to find out how to become a leader.
We are grateful to all the volunteer leaders who make these experiences possible! We hope you will join us on the trails!
Find Your Wild: Explore Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness
AMC Weekend Feature
[14‑Jun‑2025] Hike, bike, paddle, and stargaze. From secluded cabins to waterfront stays, AMC's Maine destinations put you in the heart of it all.
AMC MAINE »
Find Your Wild: Explore Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness
[11‑Jun‑2025] Mark your calendars for the AMC Western MA Chapter's fourth annual "Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature", a women's only retreat on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA.
Save the Date: Women’s Weekend 2025
This annual event encompasses a variety of activities throughout the day including hikes, music, yoga, journaling, singing, paddling and more.
The cottages at Noble View will not be available for lodging this year, but anyone interested in camping may do so in the tent site area on Friday and Saturday night.
Stay tuned for more information and a registration link or check the Chapter Activities page.
Robert Frost Series #5
[10‑Jun‑2025] The Chapter's Hiking Chair, Mike April, led a group of hikers on the fifth hike in the Robert Frost Trail Series on a sunny day (yay...no rain) in Amherst and Leverett. The group took a short detour to check out a heron rookery along the way. There are spots available on the two remaining hikes in this series. Click here for details and to register, and to see what else we're offering in Western Massachusetts. MORE PHOTOS »
[10‑Jun‑2025] The paddling outing on Cheshire Reservoir scheduled for last Saturday has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 15th at 2:00 PM. Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate Father's Day! Yes, this photo was taken at Cheshire Reservoir with gorgeous views of Mt. Greylock! REGISTER »
[09‑Jun‑2025] Our beloved public lands and trails are already underfunded. And now the administration is proposing to cut the National Park Service budget by 33%, the USDA Forest Service budget by 75%, and to redirect funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (#LWCF). Learn how to support funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ATC »
[09‑Jun‑2025] 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. VIEW ARTICLE »
National Trails Day
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!
A.T. Section Hike Series
[06‑Jun‑2025] Eleven hikers enjoyed beautiful views of the mountains, forests and wildflowers on Sunday's hike on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Great Barrington. This was the fifth hike in the Chapter's A.T. Section Hike Series.
A.T. Section Hike Series
JEANNETTE PIERCE
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 Here!
[03‑Jun‑2025]In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different. -John Steinbeck
June is Here!
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 »
Activity of the Month
June 2025
[03‑Jun‑2025] AMC's mission is to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. To that end, we will be posting an activity of the month to share some of the amazing places to go adventuring in western MA.
Activity of the Month
JEANNETTE PIERCE
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 »
National Trails Day Celebration
June 7, 2025
[01‑Jun‑2025] There is still time to register for our National Trails Day celebration activities. Whether you like to hike, paddle, ride or work on the trails, we have something for you. And don't forget to stop by the AMC table at Diane's Twist, 13 Main St in Cheshire or the Holyoke Range State Park in Amherst so say hello, grab some swag, and learn more about the AMC Western MA Chapter. We look forward to celebrating with you! VIEW ACTIVITIES »
AMC Launches First Adventure Travel Trip for 20s/30s
AMC Weekend Feature
[01‑Jun‑2025] AMC is thrilled to launch the first-ever Adventure Travel trip for 20s/30s Young Members - and it's one of the best hikes in the world: Switzerland's breathtaking Via Alpina. Running from July 18-26, 2026, this 9-day trip will focus on the heart of the Swiss alpine region. Photo by Steve Cohen. AMC RESOURCES »
AMC Launches First Adventure Travel Trip for 20s/30s
