The Western MA Exchange

We enjoyed a relaxed, three mile hike to the overlook and a small pond then headed down to the sweet little town of Shelburne Falls for a walk along the Bridge of Flowers, a peek at the ancient glacial potholes, and a delicious lunch at a popular eatery, Baked. What a wonderful day of sun, blue skies, beautiful views, and comraderie! Thanks to volunteers Kathy Kindness, Jeannette Pierce, and AMC staff member William Poole for planning and leading it! MORE PHOTOS »

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Ten hikers joined leader Kathy Martin for a hike to the summit of Alander Mountain in Washington State Forest for a total of six miles and an elevation gain of 1300 feet.

Along the way, we checked on a possible encroachment near Boardman St, where a right of way, partially on A.T. lands, is being used to access a landlocked tract. Work is ongoing and there are some issues that have been referred to the NPS A.T. office for further action. We have a few more project days on the horizon. On 10/31 we'll put the tool shed near the Mt Greylock Visitors Center to bed for the winter. On 11/01 we'll continue our work in south County with line clearing near East Mountain State Forest. On 11/08, we'll wrap up line clearing on any sections we did not complete this fall. No experience is needed for any of these. We also have several Natural Resources Transects coming up. One on 11/10 near the MassPike A.T. bridge, one on 11/21 on the west side of Jug End ridge, and one on 12/01 in Beartown State Forest near the Wilcox North Shelter. Go to the activities page and click on AT MGMT for details and to register for these activities. MORE PHOTOS »

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The grants will support 45 projects statewide, including efforts to expand recreational opportunities, conserve forests and wetlands, improve accessibility and help communities address challenges such as flooding and extreme heat. Some of these grants will protect land near the New England National Scenic Trail in Belchertown, among other projects throughout western MA. WWLP NEWS »

The RFT is a 47 mile long trail from South Hadley to Wendell State Forest. Want to join the next one? Browse upcoming activities on the AMC Outdoors Connector. MORE PHOTOS »

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Thirty- five volunteers were joined by two AMC staff members who drove up to 5 hours to join us and raffle off some cool swag. It was great to see old friends and make new ones as we ate delicious pizza from Hillside Pizza and Beverages! Many thanks to manager/bartender Scott for taking care of us and staying open an extra hour to accommodate us! We'll be planning more of these in 2027 so stay tuned for details! MORE PHOTOS »

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Spending time supporting our trails will give you a clear sense of what AMC is all about. If you're a first-year member who is interested in learning something new, having some fun, and getting more involved, we hope to see you there! While this event is geared towards new members, all are welcome. The main priorities for the day include lifting, rolling, and shifting large rocks, crushing stones, and setting structural stones using dry stone masonry techniques to build a stone staircase. LEARN MORE »

As the days continue to shorten and the leaves turn to their brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues, here's hoping you'll find time to get outdoors and take it all in! We are blessed with so many great places to enjoy the beauty of fall. For inspiration, go to the Member Favorites page where you'll find 11 interactive maps with places to experience the outdoors in western MA. MORE PHOTOS »

The AMC Western MA New England Trail Management Committee oversees the approximately 113 miles of the New England National Scenic Trail (NET) that crosses through the Connecticut River Valley. The NET is a 235-mile trail that has been in existence for over half a century. This federally-designated trail travels through 39 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is comprised of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (MMM or Triple-M) trail. The Committee monitors the trail, coordinates work to build and maintain the trail, and promotes the trail. In 2026 we welcomed several new Trail Section Adopters (volunteer maintainers) and are well on the way to completing the construction of a brand new campsite on Section 3 that includes two tent sites and a mouldering privy. Many of the AMC 150 Anniversary relay segments took place on the New England Trail in Western MA. There have been several work parties to work on the new campsite and a social function in April. Future plans include creating another campsite and holding another social gathering in the fall. Learn more about the NET Committee. If you are interested in helping with trail maintenance, you can send a message to the NET Committee Chair- Chris Tejjirian- ctejirian@outdoors.org. We are currently in need of a Section 8 adopter.

Over the course of 190 days, thousands of participants, volunteers, members, and supporters carried the AMC 150 pennant across trails, waterways, roads, and communities from VA to ME, demonstrating the power of connection to the outdoors and to one another. 2,215 miles traveled. 150 volunteers leading the way across the region. 5,134 of you celebrating with us on trail. Here in western MA, volunteers carried the pennant across all four counties on trails, roads, and waterways. Thirty-two leaders planned 14 activities involving 224 participants. Thank you for celebrating with us! Here's a fun video from the NH Chronicle about the relay and the history of the AMC. Enjoy! MORE PHOTOS »

Many thanks to Connor and Chapter volunteer Laura Stinette for organizing the event, and to volunteers Russ Skelton, Dave Cordere, Jeannette Pierce, and Jeff Arps for spending a few hours of their day to help out! There will be one more opportunity to help out with the next Wood Day which will be on Saturday, October 10th. MORE PHOTOS »

We hit the trails for the Tour de Ponds backpacking trip to Stratton Mountain, VT, sharing miles, mountain views, camp life, and plenty of good conversation along the way. There's something special about backpacking with a great group - carrying what you need on your back, settling into camp, waking up to the woods, and discovering what's around the next bend. Thanks to everyone who joined the adventure and helped make this such a memorable trip! And thank you Mike for leading it!

Twelve hikers joined AMC Western MA hike leader Jeannette Pierce as they hiked up Section 7 of the New England Trail to the Mt Holyoke summit. They enjoyed lunch with beautiful views of the Connecticut River Valley and the surrounding mountains, then continued along the NET as they descended, meeting up with the Dry Brook Trail to take them back to the starting point. After the hike, they shared some refreshing apple cider and Jeannette made a toast to celebrate the autumnal equinox: "As the light and dark find balance today, may we balance our lives, honor the harvest of our efforts, and welcome the quiet rest of the coming winter. Cheers to the turning of the year." Happy fall everyone! We have lots of fall hikes in the schedule. Browse AMC's Outdoors Connector to find upcoming activities and come join the fun! MORE PHOTOS »

Students learned how to mark tails with blazes, direct water off the trail, cut small trees, and so much more! Thanks Lori Duga, an AMC Western MA volunteer, for these fabulous photos! Her take on the day - Best "college" course I ever took! MORE PHOTOS »