The Western MA Exchange

You've probably seen the Mt Holyoke Summit House as you travel on I91 between Northampton and Holyoke - the white house gleaming in the sun perched high on top of Mt Holyoke. If you've been there before, you know about the stunning views of the Connecticut River, the checkered farmland, and the surrounding mountains. If you have never been there, you may want to put this on top of your fall adventure list. There are several ways to get there. Fall is the perfect time to hike up to the top and there are many trails that lead to the summit. You can pick up Section 7 of the New England Trail on Mountain Rd in Hadley, enjoying gorgeous views on the steady climb to the summit. Alternatively, you can go up the more gradual Dry Brook Trail and there are a couple of trails starting on Route 47, and from Lithia Springs Road in South Hadley. A trail map can be found on the DCR website. You can also drive to the summit when the auto road is open from May until October, walk around the summit, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of picnic tables with lovely views, and visit the historic Summit House, a former hotel turned museum. You can view the rooms furnished in the style of the late 1800s when the hotel was in its heyday. Bathrooms are open until the road closes in the fall and porta-potties are available year-round. With the gorgeous views and an interesting museum to visit, going to the Skinner State park is a must-do this fall. You can also join us on a guided hike on Tuesday, September 22, the first day of fall, at Skinner State Park.

Dawne Piers-Gamble, hike and paddling leader, and Mike April, Hiking Chair, participated by raising money and kayaking from Hatfield to Northampton. Jeannette Pierce, Communications Chair and hike leader, volunteered at the end of the paddle by assisting folks out of their boats, then moving and cleaning the boats. Music and food followed the paddle to thank the participants, volunteers and staff. MORE PHOTOS »

Question 6 dedicates the sales tax we already pay on sporting goods to a new Nature for All Fund to protect clean drinking water; conserve forests, family farms, and natural wildlife habitat; and create more parks, trails, and greenspaces for all to enjoy. AMC is a strong supporter of this ballot question and a member of the steering committee. Right now we're working on a communications plan to encourage both AMC members and the general public to vote YES on 6. Please share to help spread the word about Question 6 to protect water and nature in MA. LEARN MORE »

Once you open the map, click on the hiking icon and you'll find a pop-up that provides basic information about the hike, a website when available, and driving directions - everything you need to know to plan your fall hiking adventures. Got a favorite fall hike? Share it on our Facebook page and we'll add it to our interactive map. Don't forget to include a photo!

Wear High-Visibility Clothing

Put on a solid blaze orange hat, vest, or jacket so you stand out against natural forest backgrounds. Avoid earth tones like brown, tan, gray, or white, which blend into the brush. Dress your pets in bright orange vests or bandanas if they accompany you and always keep them on a leash.

Make Noise and Be Heard

Talk, whistle, or sing while walking so you do not startle wildlife or nearby hunters. Clip a bear bell to your pack or use a whistle. Shout out or speak loudly if you hear gunfire or suspect someone is nearby.

Plan Ahead and Choose the Right Time

Check local regulations. Avoid hiking during peak hunting hours around dawn and dusk. Stick to well-established, heavily traveled public trails rather than bushwhacking through dense cover. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Happy hiking and stay safe!

Come explore the beautiful Berkshire hills on foot or bike then meet up after at the Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington: 20/30s Hike in Beartown State Forest: Benedict Pond & the Ledges Loop. Join us for a hike through Beartown State Forest! We'll be hiking a lovely 4-mile loop along the Benedict Pond Trail and the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Starting near Benedict Pond we'll make our way toward the A.T. and the Ledges scenic vista. Our route will take us further along the A.T. before connecting with the Mt. Wilcox trail and returning to Benedict Pond. 20s/30s Bucolic Barrington Berkshire Biking. Join us for an afternoon road ride around South Berkshire county! We will start in Great Barrington then head south to explore some calm scenic country roads in Sheffield and South Egremont. Early Autumn Equinox Social. Come join us at Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington, MA to kick off the Autumnal Equinox and bring in all things fall and spooky! All new members are encouraged to attend!

The AMC Western MA 20s/30s community is designed for young adults who want to get outside, build skills, and form meaningful connections. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive space where people feel comfortable showing up as they are. Whether you're new to the outdoors, new to the area, or just looking to meet people who also love being outside, you'll find a place here. We organize outdoor activities throughout western MA and beyond — from local hikes in the Connecticut River Valley and the Berkshires, to paddling on the Deerfield River, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and weekend adventures in the White Mountains. Our activities range from relaxed and beginner-friendly to more challenging outings for those looking to stretch themselves. It's been a busy summer for the 20s/30s! We've continued the weeknight hike tradition and also gained a plethora of knowledge about our local ecology through exploratory tree identification treks and hikes guided by Tom Wessels's New England Roadside Ecology. Embracing our social dynamic as a group has brought us together for local gear swaps and book club hikes. We look forward to continuing the fun and community feel through the rest of the summer and into the fall by taking on the Deerfield River for some whitewater rafting fun, getting out for a few short backpacking trips in Monroe State Forest and beyond, and hitting the road by bike throughout the region. We are always looking for ways to expand our offerings and recognize the diverse ways our members enjoy the outdoors! Learn more about the 20s/30s Committee, join the WhatsApp group, and browse upcoming activities.

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So far this season, Adoption Program volunteers and AMC Volunteer Trails staff have logged: 3,766 hours of work, 3,403 drainages cleared, 1,834 blowdowns removed, 629 blazes painted or installed, 101 new or rebuilt cairns, and 97 miles of trail brushed. We have over 250 trail maintenance volunteers right here in Western MA working hard to maintain the Appalachian Trail and the New England Trail. Learn more about Adopt-A-Trail. MORE PHOTOS »

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a volunteer-driven organization. Most AMC trips and activities are led by trained volunteers who enjoy helping others get outside safely, responsibly, and confidently. If you're interested in becoming a leader with the AMC Western MA Chapter, there is a clear, step-by-step process, which is now easier than ever with the addition of the online training. While details vary by activity, all new leaders follow the same general pathway — and leaders continue to receive support long after they are approved to lead. You are not expected to figure things out on your own. Becoming a leader means joining a welcoming, experienced community of volunteers who support one another. Here's the process: Step 1. All new leaders begin by completing Outdoor Leader Fundamentals, AMC's required online leadership training. This self-paced course introduces the core responsibilities of leading AMC activities. Register here. Step 2. After completing the online training, you'll work with the AMC volunteer committee that supports the type of activity you want to lead, such as hiking, paddling, bicycling, or mountaineering. Step 3. Before leading trips on your own, you'll gain experience by assisting or co-leading trips with experienced AMC leaders. If you have any questions about the leadership training process, please reach out to us at info@amc-wma.org. We'd love to help you get started on your leadership journey!

AP NEWS »

And this is a great time to remind you about our weekly email message sent out on Monday mornings that provides the Chapter's activities for the following two weeks. Subscribe here.

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Join AMC staff on the next guided hike of Mt Tom on September 9th at 9 AM! MORE PHOTOS »

SPEAK UP FOR ROADLESS FORESTS »

August Camp is an AMC-led camp that is traditionally held somewhere in the northwestern United States. Each year, it brings together AMC members from chapters around the country for a week of hiking, adventure, good food, and community. This year's location in the Northern Cascades provided an incredible backdrop, with dramatic mountain peaks, expansive valleys, and views of glaciers around nearly every corner. The weather and wildfire smoke did provide a few challenges. Smoke from fires in eastern Washington forced us to change several hiking plans, but the flexibility of the camp leaders allowed us to find alternative adventures and make the most of the conditions. On the clearer days, the mountains were spectacular, and the views were well worth the effort. For me, August Camp has begun to feel a little like going home. Although I am still a relative newcomer to the camp, there is something special about returning each year and recognizing familiar faces, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. There is always someone eager to head out on another hike, share a story around the fire, or sit down for a conversation after a long day on the trail. That sense of community is one of the things I enjoy most about August Camp. The mountains provide the setting, but it is the people who make the experience memorable. I was especially happy to share the experience this year with Deb and Margot as hike leaders and to have such a strong Western MA AMC presence. After a week of mountain peaks, smoky skies, glacier views, campfire conversations, and miles on the trail, I returned home already looking forward to the next August Camp.

This was a successful first time campout for more than half the families. One mom reported that their 4-year old was persistently asking if they could go camping again! Thank you Dawne Piers-Gamble, a Family Programs volunteer, for organizing it! MORE PHOTOS »

The group hiked 1.5 miles to the staging area then organized, cut, and carried the lumber about a half mile to the tent site. Many thanks to the volunteers who worked so hard to help with this project! Work will continue into the fall to build the structures. Stay tuned for details or check the Outdoors Connector for new postings. MORE PHOTOS »