The Western MA Exchange

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 »

That's a wrap on the 5th Annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature women's retreat organized by the Western MA Chapter. Women of all ages from MA to VA gathered at the H.A. Moses Scout Reservation in Russell, MA to share their love of nature, music, art, yoga, dance, and mindfulness in the beautiful Berkshire foothills. Most of the participants and presenters arrived Friday evening and gathered in the main lodge for a delicious dinner of homemade soups, sourdough bread, and salad, then at the firepit for singing along to great classic folk songs. On Saturday, a beautiful sunny fall-like day, participants chose workshops to attend which included paddling, hikes, yoga, creative writing, art, campfire cooking, line dancing, and edible plant walk. Before dinner, author Darryl McGrath talked about her book The Message Catcher which is a novel based on her own experience of backpacking on the Appalachian Trail to help deal with the grief of losing her husband. Dinner of homemade lasagna followed then more singing by the campfire. Sunday's rain caused some modifications to the schedule but most of the activities occurred as the rain began in earnest around 10:00. The women enjoyed yoga, hiking, an autumnal equinox art workshop, matchless fire starting, and paddling. The closing circle brought the group together to express gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this incredible event and share in a singing meditation in three parts about breathing in peace, breathing out love - a very moving experience. Many thanks to organizer Dawne Piers-Gamble, and assistants Kathy Martin, Laura Stinnette, Jeannette Pierce, and Nancy Mack, all the presenters who shared their expertise, and the participants who brought their joy and energy. More Photos

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!