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Hiking Committee

The Hiking (formerly Outings) Committee organizes general, non-technical events such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backpacking trips. We have a very long list of hiking trips. Most hikes occur on weekends, but we do have a tradition of Tuesday hiking trips as well. Check out our schedule!

Thanks to the leaders for leading this hike - what beautiful snow-covered scenery and that view of Quabbin was amazing! – Nancy

Thanks to the leaders for leading this hike - what beautiful snow-covered scenery and that view of Quabbin was amazing! – Nancy

Sometimes, in the winter, our "hiking" trips suddenly become "snowshoeing" or "cross-country skiing" trips. Such is life in New England!
We're always looking for trip leaders, especially those with new ideas for trails to hike. If you're interested, please contact our Hiking Chair.

Joining a Hike

Please read the AMC Trip Policy (PDF) before joining a trip.
Be sure to bring lunch and liquids, bug repellant and sunscreen, and clothing and footwear appropriate to the conditions. When car-pooling, please offer a contribution to the driver for fuel costs.
To find out more about a scheduled hike or to sign up, contact the leader, coordinator, or other person listed for that trip.

Upcoming Activities

Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.

Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Hike

Location: Chester, MA
Date: 11‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Come join me on this out and back 5-mile hike on the Keystone Arch Bridges trail in Chester which follows the West Branch of the Westfield River and will bring us to four of the historic Keystone Arch Bridges, the first series of stone arch railroad bridges built in the U.S. These magnificent bridges, reaching heights of up to 70 feet, were built in the 1930s and some of them are still in use. We may be lucky enough to see a train pass by!
The trail is mostly a flat dirt road and former train track, with a short section with a moderate climb across the slope leading to the second bridge. We will stop for a lunch break at the farthest and tallest of the bridges before heading back to the trailhead parking lot.
Refer to the registration page for more information, including where to meet and what to bring.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 14

Location: Williamstown, MA
Date: 15‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Section 14: Rte 2 to VT border (8.2 miles). Elevation change: 1760 ft. Rain date: August 16. This section marks the transition from MA to VT with a challenging but rewarding ascent. Beginning at Rte 2, the trail climbs steeply through dense forest, passing the Sherman Brook Campsite. As it winds through Clarksburg State Forest, the path offers a mix of rugged terrain and shaded woodlands before reaching Eph's Lookout, a scenic viewpoint with expansive vistas. The journey continues to the Vermont border.
For the return trip, hikers retrace their steps to the Pine Cobble Trail, which provides a more gradual descent and additional scenic overlooks before reaching the Pine Cobble Trail parking area. This section offers a mix of steep climbs, beautiful forests, and panoramic views, making it a fitting finale to the MA portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Dunbar Brook Old Growth Forest & Waterfalls

Location: Rowe, MA
Date: 18‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Join us for a rewarding hike through one of the hidden gems of Monroe State Forest. Along the way, we'll experience towering hemlocks, massive moss-covered boulders, cascading waterfalls, and the rushing waters of Dunbar Brook.
This challenging 6.8-mile loop begins with a steady climb of Raycroft Rd to the ridge before descending the scenic Dunbar Brook Trail through one of MA's finest old-growth forests.
Expect approximately 1,000 ft of elevation gain on steep grades with rugged, uneven footing, including rocks, roots, and potentially wet sections. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, and trekking poles may be helpful. This hike is intended for experienced hikers who are comfortable with sustained climbing and uneven terrain.
Refer to the registration page for more information, including what to bring.

Pioneer Valley From Above - Mt Tom Historical Hike

Location: Easthampton, MA
Date: 23‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Join AMC Staff on a hike up Mt Tom via the New England Trail! We will stop at viewpoints along the way and talk about the history of the Pioneer Valley region, the New England Trail, Mt Tom, and more! This will be a ~4 mile out-and-back hike from the Mt Tom Upper Pavilion, with about 950 ft of total elevation gain.
As we plan to spend the day out on the trails, please bring along a comfortable hiking pack with water (2L recommended) and snacks. This is a summer hike, so it is a good idea to bring sunscreen and bug spray as well.
Refer to the registration page for more information, including where to meet and what to bring.

Northfield Mountain

Location: Northfield, MA
Date: 25‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Please join us as we hike Northfield Mountain to the reservoir and enjoy the extreme views to the west. The trails are open in the summer months for a variety of uses such as mountain biking and horseback riding, but we will stick to the hiking trails completing approximately a five mile loop, on moderate terrain, with 1200 feet of elevation gain.
Lunch will be at the top. No car spotting involved.
Refer to the registration page for more information, including where to meet and what to bring.

Holyoke Revitalization Tour

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 28‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Discover how a city originally designed as an industrial mill town is being reimagined. Visit innovative businesses and developers that have - and are continuing to - put new life into old buildings. Building owners provide guided tours. Easy walking tour, 1.5-2 miles, ends at Choo Choo's restaurant.
Tour is free. Meet at the Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Although the bridge on Appleton Street is closed, the free parking lot at 221 Appleton is accessible to traffic. To get to the visitor center after parking, follow the sidewalk on foot into the park, passing the Merry-Go-Round. Veer left at the sidewalk fork up to the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather but severe weather cancels. Registration is required via AMC registration process.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Holyoke's Historic Canals and Dam Tour

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 29‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Join the park interpreter for a 2-hour walk along Holyoke's canal system. Explore the history of this fascinating planned industrial city. Tour starts with a bit of historical background. Along our route see headraces, tailraces, intakes, a Boyden Turbine assembly, flywheels, and get an eyeball tour of the Holyoke dam complex. Maps of the canal system are available. Distance: 2.0 miles.
Program is free and open to all. Meet at the Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Severe weather cancels.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

[Women+] Connecting Women, Connecting With Nature

Location: Russell, MA
Date: 18‑Sep‑2026 ➢ 20‑Sep‑2026
Register »
Women, please join the AMC Western MA Chapter's 5th annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature, women's only, weekend retreat at Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation in Russell, MA. (on the Russell Pond not far from Noble View). We have scheduled a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor pursuits in the hope of attracting women to the joy and rejuvenation of the outdoors.
We have an interesting slate of new and revered activities including a writing workshop, watercolor painting, bird watching, yoga, open fire cooking, plant/tree identification, and animal tracking, as well as hiking, paddling, and a campfire with music.
For your entertainment there will also be a freestyle canoe demonstration and a book talk before dinner on Saturday.
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

Art On The NET - Hiking and Creating

Location: Erving, MA
Date: 11‑Oct‑2026
Register »
Create art of nature with AMC Staff and the New England Trail's artist-in-residence, Alex Salsberg! Join us for a peaceful ~3 mile out-and-back hike through the hemlock forests of Northfield Mountain to a scenic overlook on the Erving Ledges. We will be drawing our surroundings; the plants, animals, views, and whatever else you may see on the trail!
Art supplies will be provided by staff. Refer to the registration page for more information, including what to bring.

Activity Schedule

All activities are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions. Check activities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet shown here. Not all activities may be posted yet.
Executive 20s/30s A.T. Management Bicycling Communications Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling
Snowshoers in Wendell State Forest
  LANI GIGUERE
Hiking Committee members hiking along a river
  JEANNETTE PIERCE
A hiker views the surrounding valley
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

AMC 150 Hikes

Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150th Relay — a 1,500-mile journey from VA to ME. Each leg of the relay contributes to a continuous route across the Northeast, showcasing the diversity of AMC's outdoor legacy. The Western MA Hiking Committee has 8 trips to choose from. Find them on our activities page.
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