The Western MA Exchange

For 150 years, the Appalachian Mountain Club has been a community built around getting outdoors together and protecting the places we love. In D.C., that mission continues through our policy team, advocating for conservation, climate action, and outdoor access across the region. This stop on the relay is a celebration of that work, and a reminder that protecting the outdoors happens both on the trail and beyond it. Be part of the journey!

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. Under the leadership of Hiking Chair Mike April, the Hiking Committee plans a variety of hiking opportunities throughout the year. There are about forty trained and experienced hiking leaders in the Western MA Chapter offering all kinds of hikes from relaxed, easy walks to vigorous hikes on challenging trails. The Committee currently has 43 posted upcoming hikes including a Wildflower and Journaling hike series, an Appalachian Trail Massachusetts hike series, AMC 150 Anniversary hikes, historic canal walks, nice and easy trail walks, family hikes, hikes for younger members, and even a gear swap social. Come and explore new places, meet new folks, and experience the joy of outdoor adventures with others! Go to the Chapter Activities mosaic and click on the Hiking button. Would you like to learn about how to share your love of the outdoors with others? It's now easier than ever to become a Hike Leader. Contact Mike for information: hiking@amc-wma.org. More Photos

All Out Adventures is a non-profit organization in Northampton, MA, that provides inclusive outdoor recreation for people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans, offering activities like cycling, kayaking, and skiing at low or no cost. The NET Committee will be coordinating more opportunities for volunteers to get involved in similar activities in the future. Check the Chapter Activities page for upcoming events. MORE PHOTOS »

MORE PHOTOS »

With Earth Day just over two weeks away, we want to highlight the importance of protecting the outdoors that we love so much. Spending time outdoors is great for both your mental and physical health, and it's a lot of fun. But even with all that nature offers us, it's important to recognize our own impact on the environment and spaces we enjoy when heading outdoors – and to do our best to minimize it. We integrate Leave No Trace principles into every facet of our programming, and we encourage everyone to practice these principles as a way to protect and preserve the environment. Since 1999, AMC has been a provider of the Leave No Trace education programs, designed by the Leave No Trace Center for Center for Outdoor Ethics as a way to limit the human impact of outdoor recreation on natural spaces. Through its seven principles, the Leave No Trace program targets everything from proper waste management, to campfires, to safety planning, as a way to help walk a little bit more lightly when we're enjoying the outdoors. And you can test your knowledge of how long it takes for discarded items to break down by taking our interactive quiz. It's longer than you think.

Along with workshops led by regional experts on a variety of trail topics, this event will also consist of panel discussions, evening presentations, and a trail community social. This event is for the entire trails community — volunteer and professional trail stewards with all levels of experience. Whether you are just starting out and looking for ways to get involved, or a professional looking to further your skills and build your network, this event offers opportunities for everyone, and all are welcome! Thanks to all the amazing support, workshops will be offered at reasonable industry prices. Lodging and meals are also available on-site. Camp Dodge Trails Center is located between Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and the town of Gorham, NH. REGISTER »

With beautiful illustrations, this book highlights the importance of bees to the ecosystem and helps children overcome their fear of them. The book is displayed along the one-mile accessible trail starting at the main parking lot of Noble View. So grab the kids or grandkids, some water and snacks, and come on up to Noble View to enjoy a short hike while reading a wonderful story. The wildflowers are just starting to pop through the leaves adding another delightful aspect to your walk. Drive about a half mile from the entrance off South Quarter Road to the parking lot.

This workshop will cover everything you need to know for fun and safe backpacking: personal and group gear, tent site selection and set-up, food and nutrition, water treatment, trip planning, and Leave No Trace principles. Presentations will be given by experienced backpackers, and leaders will demo various gear options. In the days following the workshop, attendees will have the option to attend a gear shakedown (posted separately), where our leaders will give you feedback on your gear, answer your gear questions, and take you on a one-day simulated backpacking trip. In addition, the Worcester Chapter will post increasingly challenging "Inner Backpacker" trips throughout the spring, summer, and fall, with registration preference given to attendees of this workshop. REGISTER »

Right now, the AMC Western MA Chapter has 86 activities posted on the AMC Outdoors Connector, including hikes (of course), bicycling, paddling, trail maintenance, conservation, climbing, training opportunities, and social activities — something for everyone! You can browse for activities to join in several ways:

• The Chapter Activities mosaic on our website. You can search by Committee, and below the mosaic, activities are listed in chronological order. Activities are manually added on a regular basis with links to the Outdoors Connector.
• The Outdoors Connector on the AMC website. This is the most up-to-date way of searching for activities and you can search for activities in any Chapter.
• The Activities Calendar on our website. This is the best way to search by date and is automatically updated every six hours.

Choose your own adventure and come join the fun!

We will provide an overview of proper tools for critical maintenance. From the trailhead, we will venture Southbound on the trail towards Mt Tom. Over a 3–5 mile hike, we will go over critical maintenance, including corridor cleaning, drainage, and water bar management, brushing, and work reporting. There will be ample opportunity for seasoned volunteers to showcase their experience and support for those who are new to trail work. We will also provide education on NET history, ongoing stewardship efforts, and how to continue your involvement in supporting this community-driven trail system. REGISTER »

GUARDIANS OF NATURE »

ATC »

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.

AMC OUTDOOR RESOURCES »

AMC OUTDOOR RESOURCES »

This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, transwomen and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves. The cottages at Noble View are no longer available for use or lodging, so we have moved the fun to the Scout camp giving folks the option to stay in a bunkhouse or camp in their own tent. You are welcome to settle in on Friday night to catch up with old friends, or make new friends over a light dinner. Saturday will be packed with a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor activities, 3 delicious meals and camaraderie. The fun and food will continue until the early afternoon on Sunday. If you have joined us before, you know the transformational calm that comes about from a weekend well spent with good women. Stay tuned for details!

And this means more weekday after work events, and of course, more cycling and paddling activities. The Bicycling and Paddling Committees have been busy planning for all the upcoming spring and summer activities, so please check them out on the Chapter Activities, as well as all of the other activities like climbing and hiking.

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Noble View's 12 miles of well-marked trails wind through woodlands and abandoned farm fields, past brooks, waterfalls, stone walls, and cellar holes, and across a variety of habitats including a rare, old growth hemlock stand. Acquired by the AMC Berkshire (now Western MA) Chapter during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Noble View afforded members an opportunity for fellowship in the out-of-doors at a minimum of expense. It was not only possible, but common practice, to go to Noble View using public transportation to Westfield and then hiking the remaining miles. Today, Noble View is the home of the Southern New England Trail Crew, offers group tent sites, and hosts many of the special events offered by the Western MA Chapter. It is open to the public year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. MORE PHOTOS »