Hiking Committee

Upcoming Activities

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 4

Our trail begins at Home Rd, entering a mixed oak and maple forest. The first 1.5 or so miles are mostly uphill, with occasional rocky sections and a few small stream crossings. After that, the trail follows a ridgeline for a couple of miles, featuring frequent short climbs and descents. We pass through East Mountain State Forest, an area affected by the 2024 Butternut Wildfire. Here, we'll be able to observe the visible damage the fire caused to the local flora. We'll take a break in the morning for a snack and later stop for lunch at the A.T. Tom Leonard Shelter. After lunch we pass through the Ice Glen, a spectacular gorge that often retains ice and snow at its bottom long after it has disappeared elsewhere in MA. Beyond Ice Glen, the hike becomes a gradual downhill until we reach Route 23.

Robert Frost Series #4, Sections 4-6: Pelham Rd to Pulpit Hill Rd

This scenic stretch of the Robert Frost Trail begins at Pelham Road in Amherst and winds through a variety of conserved woodlands and waterways. Hikers first pass through the beloved Amethyst Brook Conservation Area and ascend to the ledges of Mount Orient, where sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley reward the climber. From there, the trail dips into quiet pine and hardwood forest, eventually reaching the shores of Atkins Reservoir - a peaceful spot ringed by trees that is especially beautiful in fall foliage or reflected winter light. A brief road walk connects this area with the Mill River Conservation Area. The trail continues past shaded streams and mossy glades before skirting the western edge of Puffers Pond, a popular swimming and birding area. The final stretch enters the Pulpit Hill Conservation Area, a quiet woodland filled with mature trees and historic cellar holes from early Amherst settlement, before concluding at Pulpit Hill Road.

People's State Forest Hike

This hike is between 5 and 6 miles with an elevation gain of 994 feet. We start by climbing (of course), then travel along a ridge with beautiful views, through forests (bathroom and picnic tables are available), and by a lovely stream. We then traverse a boardwalk next to a pond where signs identify plants and trees. No wet feet! We'll end up with a trip to the Lighthouse Loop Trail which passes through an abandoned village once occupied by the Narragansett Indian James Chaugham and his wife Molly Barber. The trails we'LL use are the Jessie Girard, Charles Peck, Agnes Bowen and Lighthouse.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 5

From Beartown Road, the path enters Beartown State Forest and gradually ascends through gentle, rolling terrain featuring a mix of oak, birch, and pine. The trail passes through low-lying wet areas before reaching the Mt Wilcox North and Mt Wilcox South shelters. Continuing south, we climb to the scenic Ledges, where westward views of the surrounding forests and distant ridgelines reward the effort.

National Trails Day: NH Hikes: 52WAV Mount Cube

Hike to Mount Cube out and back on the Appalachian Trail. On the NH 52 list with a view, the summit offers far views of the surrounding mountains. 7.5 miles on mixed terrain, with some steep sections including rock scrambles and approx. 2,800 elevation gain. Average pace of 2 mph with breaks to enjoy viewpoints.

National Trails Day: Cheshire Hike

Join us on National Trails Day for a hike and ice cream at Diane's Twist! We will have a table set up with information and merchandise and light snacks. Free giveaways! We will hike up to the Cobbles on the Appalachian Trail. This is an out and back hike, 3 miles total, with 920 feet elevation gain. Cobbles is considered a moderate to slightly challenging route because of the quick elevation and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a forest and steadily climbs, gradually becoming rockier as it ascends. As you continue, you can see Mt Greylock and other picturesque mountains in the distance. We'll encounter unique rock faces and formations approaching the summit.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 6

After crossing Jerusalem Road, past the Shaker Campsite, the A.T. enters the Tyringham Valley, a stunning area of rolling pastures and historic farmland. The trail soon begins a gradual climb up to Tyringham Cobble, a rocky ridge offering one of the best viewpoints in the Berkshires. The view from Tyringham Cobble overlooks Tyringham Valley, with its farms, historic homes, and distant ridgelines. Expect a rocky, uneven climb to the top, but the reward is worth the effort! After descending from Tyringham Cobble, the A.T. meanders through open fields, quiet forests, and rolling terrain. The trail crosses a few small wooden bridges over seasonal streams before reaching Main Rd in Tyringham.

Mountain Laurel Hike at Mt Tom

We will meet at the Visitors Center at Mt Tom and hike on Section 6 of the New England Trail to Goat Peak with views of Easthampton, then go up the fire tower for a 360-degree view of the Connecticut River Valley and the Holyoke Range. From there, we will continue on the trail to another peak with views of the Oxbow on the Connecticut River, then on to view the Eyrie Ruins, the remains of a hotel that was built in 1861 and burned down in 1901. The Mountain Laurels should be in full bloom and are everywhere throughout the park.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 7

From the trail crossing on Main St in Tyringham, we'll enter a peaceful forest of rolling hills and occasional clearings, with scenic views of Tyringham Valley. The trail continues through dense forest, with gradual ups and downs, and as you near Rte 20, it becomes slightly rockier with occasional roots. The descent leads to the road crossing at Rte 20 in Lee, MA, near the Mass Pike (I-90).

Mount Monadnock via the Pumpelly Trail

The Pumpelly Trail is the longest trail on Mount Monadnock - a 9 mile round trip with about 1,965 feet of elevation gain. After winding through forest, the trail begins to climb, often steeply over rocks. After rising above treeline, it becomes very exposed all the way to the summit. If we are lucky, we will be able to see all the way to Boston from the top.

[Women's+] Juneteenth Reflection Hike in the Southern Berkshires

Join this Women+ group as we meander through the fields, rocky outcroppings, wetlands and woodlands of the beautiful, bio-diverse Southern Berkshires in MA. Along the way we will pause to read and reflect on the African American and Black people’s celebration of Juneteenth and America's complicated history with freedom.

VT Hikes: Mount Ascutney

Hike 6-7 miles including scenic waterfalls and cascades to the summit of Mount Ascutney. Option to climb the fire tower for 360 views during lunch!

Hike to Upper Goose Pond Cabin

Join us for a 4.3 mile round-trip relaxed-pace hike to the cabin (725' elevation gain). The route follows the Appalachian Trail for about 0.5 mile where it crosses the Mass Pike and starts a steep uphill for about a 0.5 mile, and then levels off and descends until it reaches the blue-blazed trail that continues to the cabin. A caretaker will be at the cabin starting in May, and hopefully we can get a guided tour. Will definitely have our lunch outside on the porch or even down at the pond for some gorgeous views and possibly have a dip.