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In honor of Women's History Month, we'd like to share the remarkable story of Emma "Grandma" Gatewood, who was the first woman to thru hike the Appalachian Trail alone in one season. This is remarkable for many reasons — she was 67 years old at the time, wore Keds sneakers, and was carrying a simple sack with some food, a blanket, extra clothing, and a few other basic supplies. She was a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. After reading an article in National Geographic about Earl Shaffer, the first man to thru hike the A.T., she thought that if he could do it, she could too. After one failed attempt, she successfully climbed Mt Katahdin in September 1955 after hiking the entire trail from GA to ME. But her story doesn't end here — she hiked the A.T. two more times, once as a thru hike and again in sections. And she didn't stop there — she also hiked the 2,000 mile-long Oregon Trail at the age of 71 and became a champion for developing and maintaining trails after her hiking days were over. She was truly a remarkable woman! You can read more details of Emma's amazing story by clicking the link to this article on the AMC website and in the inspiring book "Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail" by Ben Montgomery, Emma's great-great-grandnephew.

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There were some interesting finds, including a mostly eaten up porcupine carcass. The snow was quite deep and soft — snowshoes were a must! Search for "Conservation" in AMC's Outdoor Connector or visit the Chapter's activities page for more fun like this. MORE PHOTOS »

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Most people can probably relate to this Dickens quote, and maybe even experienced it a bit yesterday if you had the pleasure of spending time outdoors. This month, as we weather the bridge between winter and spring, we will see the days get longer, Daylight Savings time (which is next Sunday - yay!), the snow melting, and the spring ephemerals begin to reveal themselves. It also means tons of activities for you to join in — hikes, climbing (indoor and outdoor), family activities, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and our third and final winter book club meeting. There are several ways to find activities to join. Visit the Chapter Activities page, the Activities Calendar (to search by date), or AMC's Outdoors Connector, where you can search for activities throughout the AMC region.

There's something about this last stretch of February — those days when the snow is still hanging on in the woods, but the light is staying just a little longer each evening. We're standing on the edge of the seasons. Winter isn't quite done with us, but spring is whispering that it's on the way. Even the calendar seems to hint at that turning. Tucked into this week is National Strawberry Day — which feels slightly ambitious in New England in February, unless you're counting the ones in your freezer or on top of a very determined pancake. Maybe that's the point. A little bit of sweetness. A little bit of hope. A reminder to do something small but good: take a brisk walk and breathe that late-winter air, invite a friend out for coffee (strawberries optional), try a new healthy recipe, go to bed a little earlier, or check in on someone you haven't seen in a while. As we look ahead to longer days and muddier trails, it's a good time to mark your calendar for our AMC 150^th Anniversary Celebration at Noble View Outdoor Center on May 23, 2026. We can't wait to gather together — our longtime members who know every bend in the path, and a special welcome to those who have recently joined our chapter. We're so glad you're here. Spring is coming. We hope to see you on the trail... and at Noble View! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Save the Date: AMC 150^th Anniversary Celebration

Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. As part of AMC's 150^th Anniversary celebration the Western MA Chapter will be hosting a celebratory event at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell on May 23, 2026. The theme is Noble View — Past, Present and Future. A group of cyclists will carry the commemorative AMC 150 banner to Noble View following a 27-mile ride from the Berkshires. We will honor the recipients of AMC'S annual volunteer awards and celebrate with a pot luck BBQ. There will be demonstrations, workshops, hikes, a display of the history of Noble View, a campfire, and lots more. Come celebrate the rich history, vibrant present, and exciting future of Noble View and our Western MA chapter! We hope to see you there! You can also join the spirit of the AMC 150^th Relay — a 1,500-mile journey from VA to ME — by taking part in a relay segment, attending a local event, or sharing your AMC story as we honor the past and build the future together. Learn more here.

We are Grateful for You!

For our longtime members who have been walking these trails for years — who show up week after week for hikes regardless of the weather, and have become our friends. And our new members — who bring fresh energy, new ideas, and that wonderful spark of discovery. And grateful too for all of the volunteers who keep this Chapter running — the activity leaders who are always planning outings, trail maintainers who keep the trails clear and safe, and all the volunteers who make up the eleven committees in the Chapter. You are the heart of this chapter. Every hike led, every mile walked, every conversation at a trailhead or around a picnic table — it all matters. You matter, and we are grateful!

Winter Fun Continues in Western MA

As we clean up from another walloping storm and start counting the days until spring, we just want to remind you to stay tuned in to our activities. We have an unprecedented amount and array of activities to join in. From online book club meetings, to weekday night skiing, cross country skiing, ice climbing, gym climbing, family events, hikes of course, both easy and challenging, wildlife transects, 20s/30s outings, social events, and even an ecology hike series based on the book Tom Wessels' New England's Roadside Ecology. There are several ways to browse for activities with the Chapter:

• The Chapter Activities page of our website where events are listed in Chronological order and by Committee.
• The Activities Calendar where you can browse for activities by date.
• The Outdoors Connector on the AMC website, where you can select activities in any Chapter.

So choose your own adventure and come join us!

Become a Speaker for Massachusetts' Outdoors

Expanded trails and parks. Conserved forests, farms, and rivers. Protected drinking water. These are just a few of the things that MA could achieve by investing $100 million every year in outdoor recreation and climate resilience projects — without new or increased taxes. If you care deeply about the places you hike, paddle, camp, or explore, you can help make this vision a reality. AMC and our partners are working to put the Protect Land and Water Initiative on the November 2026 state ballot — and we're inviting passionate members like you to be part of that effort by joining our Speakers Team. You don't need policy expertise or media experience. What matters most is your connection to the outdoors and your willingness to share why protecting land and water matters to you. We'll support you every step of the way with:

• A live training session
• Clear talking points
• Responses to frequently asked questions
• One-on-one support from AMC

As a speaker, you may be invited to share your perspective in local media interviews, speak briefly with community groups, appear on a local TV or radio program, or participate in other public-facing opportunities. Participation is always optional, so you can say yes only when the opportunity feels like a good fit. Interested in lending your voice? Contact AMC's Conservation Advocacy Communicator Isabella Marin at imarin@outdoors.org to learn more. Together, we can increase access to outdoor recreation and protect MA land and water for generations to come.

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The Gorge is a great place for hiking year-round with gorgeous views of the river, and this time of year is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing. In the warmer months, cyclists love it for mountain biking as the road continues for about 7 miles to the Knightville Dam. Families can be found picnicing along the river and wading in the water to cool off after a walk. There are two parking lots — one owned by The Trustees, which charges a nominal fee, and the other a private snowmobile club that asks for donations. Dogs are allowed by must be leashed at all times. This trail is accessible for children, jogging strollers, and adapted wheelchairs. MORE PHOTOS »

Thank you, Anne, for an unforgettable evening filled with rich discussion and the exploration of such an inspiring figure in hiking history. We're grateful for your talent and the joy you brought to our virtual book discussion! Learn more about Grandma Gatewood and her journey and visit Anne's website where she brings history to the present. And stay tuned for details about our third and final Winter Book Club Meeting which will be held on March 23.

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