News and Events From Your AMC Western MA Chapter

Spring has arrived — and with it comes sunshine, a little extra bounce in our step, and that irresistible urge to head outside and play. This year feels especially joyful as we celebrate Appalachian Mountain Club’s 150^th Anniversary — a perfect excuse to get out on the trails, rivers, and roads and share the adventure together. And a special, warm welcome to our newest members joining us this month. We're so glad you're here! Whether you're brand new or a longtime participant, we hope you'll jump in, try something new, and make some great outdoor memories with us. So grab your boots, bikes, or paddles — spring is calling, and the fun is just getting started! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

AMC 150 Relay

The AMC 150 Relay has finally begun. On Saturday, March 14^th, cyclists began the epic relay from VA to ME to celebrate 150 years of outdoor adventure and you can follow the progress on this interactive map. Every leader is carrying a Garmin In-Reach which is tracking each segment of the relay. The relay will reach western MA starting on May 17^th, winding through the Appalachian Trail, the New England Scenic Trail, and along rivers and roadways, as it makes its way to Boston then north into NH. Now is the time to register to join us as we hike, bike, climb, and paddle our way through western MA bearing the AMC 150 banner. You don't want to miss out on this epic adventure! Browse for AMC 150 Chapter events at AMC Western MA: Chapter Activities or on the AMC Outdoors Connector for an AMC 150 activity in any region.

AMC 150 Western MA Celebration: Noble View — Past, Present, and Future

Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026 and come celebrate AMC's 150^th Anniversary at Noble View Outdoor Center with a day of history, trails, and community. Enjoy guided walks, trail work, demonstrations, hikes, family activities, and a free BBQ as we explore Noble View's past, present, and future. To honor the past, we will feature a historical display along with guided walks to remnants of earlier activity on the property. These walks offer a glimpse into the history of the land long before it became the beloved outdoor destination it is today. We celebrate the present by welcoming our Western MA Bicycling group as they complete their ride from Washington, MA. We'll greet them with a delicious free BBQ, share time together as a community, and recognize the AMC volunteer award recipients. The future of Noble View lies in its trails. Noble View serves as an AMC trails facility, where volunteers learn how to build and maintain trails across the region. Visit the following links for details and registration information: Afternoon Celebration | AMC 150 Bike Ride | Morning Trail Work

Spring is Here — Time to Get Out the Kayaks, Canoes and Bikes

Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, the Paddling and Bicycling Committees have begun scheduling spring activities. Here are some of the fun events you can join:

Bicycling

• Spring Warm-up Book Mill from Sunderland to the Montague Book Mill (April 18).
• AMC 150 Anniversary Relay Ride from Washington to the Noble View Outdoor Center ending with a BBQ, award ceremony, and celebration of AMC's 150^th anniversary (May 23).
• National Trails Day Ride on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail from Cheshire to Adams (June 6).

Paddling

• East Branch of the Westfield River on the Porkbarrel Section (April 12).
• Introduction to Canoeing in Tilton, NH offered by the NH Chapter (April 25). The Canoe School, taught by volunteers, provides flat water and moving water instruction. Prior experience is not necessary.
• Beginner Canoe Camping Weekend offered by the NH Chapter (June 5-7). This weekend is designed as a follow up to the Canoe Camping Workshop given in January 2026.