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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.

Holyoke's Historic Canals and Dam Tour

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 08‑Nov‑2025
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. This tour is also offered November 8 and November 15.
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.
Please note: Free parking is still accessible despite road closure signage on Appleton Street.

NET Hike: Long Mountain and Rattlesnake Knob

Location: Amherst, NH
Date: 09‑Nov‑2025
Register »
Hike the New England Trail out and back ~6 miles from Harris Mountain Rd to Long Mountain and Rattlesnake Knob. Difficulty: moderate-vigorous. Summits offer open views of the surrounding mountains, farms and towns. Optional after hike visit to Atkins Farms. Atkins is usually well decorated for the season and has local produce, prepared food, coffee and a bakery.
This hike will be a moderate distance and pace but includes some steep terrain/hills with ~1,300 ft of total elevation gain.

Atkins Reservoir / Deans Brook / Robert Frost Trail

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 11‑Nov‑2025
Register »
Come join us for a beautiful hike through North Amherst and Shutesbury! Expect varied terrain — woodland trails, rocky ridges, and one stream crossing, with a mix of gentle and moderate elevation changes. This section offers a rich blend of scenic overlooks, tranquil water features, and historical charm — perfect for a half-day immersion in the natural and cultural beauty of Amherst.
We'll begin on the shore of Atkins Reservoir, a peaceful spot ringed by trees and especially lovely in fall foliage or reflected winter light. From there, we'll follow Deans Brook upstream to a pair of small waterfalls before emerging near Sand Hill Road. We will be crossing Deans Brook twice.
Our route then connects with the Robert Frost Trail, leading us back toward North Amherst. A brief road walk links this section with the Mill River Conservation Area, where the trail continues past shaded streams and mossy glades before skirting the western edge of Puffers Pond — a favorite local spot for swimming and birding.
Join us afterward for a casual social/potluck snack or beverage at my house in North Amherst.

Wapack Trail: Mount Watatic and Pratt Mountain Viewpoint

Location: Ashburnham, MA
Date: 15‑Nov‑2025
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Hike ~8.5 miles out and back on the Wapack Trail, which includes Mt Watatic with 360° views and the Pratt Mountain viewpoint overlooking Binney Pond. Difficulty: vigorous mostly due to distance. Terrain is mixed including steep and moderate sections with ~1,500 ft of elevation overall.

Hidden Hikes in the Hilltowns

Location: Cummington, MA
Date: 18‑Nov‑2025
Register »
This hike will combine the Rivulet Trail at Bryant Homestead in Cummington with the Two Dams Trail in Worthington. Vertical gain is about 360 feet for these two trails, and walking time is about two hours without rests (but we will take rests and drive between the two trails, so figure closer to 3 hours). I can add a third trail in West Chesterfield at the end, if people are still in the mood. This is a beautiful little sample of hiking in the awesome November quiet of the Hilltowns' forests. Walking along a brook, strolling through of giant white pines, and a close-up visit to an enormous beaver dam are included.
We'll hike at a moderate pace (1–2 mph) with breaks. Plan for the outing to last about 3 hours total, including stops and a shuttle between the two trails. Wet leaves might make traction challenging in places.
Please remember that temperatures in the hills are generally a few degrees colder than the valley when you are dressing for this. The trip will run regardless of weather unless canceled by the leader. High visibility colors (orange) are recommended but not mandatory.

Monument Mountain Reservation - Holiday Cookie Swap

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 09‑Dec‑2025
Register »
For centuries, this mountain has attracted artists and writers (to include Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville), hikers and nature lovers for is spectacular views of the Southern Berkshires and Housatonic River Valley. We will begin our hike at the parking entrance to Monument Mountain Reservation off Rt 7 in Great Barrington. We will hike and explore the trails leading to Peeskawso Peak and Devil's Pulpit. Lunch will be the top with a holiday cookie swap for dessert. From this summit, we hope to have views of Mt Greylock and the Catskills. After lunch we will follow the trails back down to our cars.
Please bring something to share for this event. If you have a food allergy, please bring something you can enjoy and share with others.
Our pace will be slow to moderate. Approximately 5 miles. Please dress according to weather for this time of year. Wear proper footwear. Bring plenty of water and poles if you use them!

AMC 150 AT from Northwest Camp to Guilder Pond

Location: Mount Washington, MA
Date: 17‑May‑2026
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Starting at Northwest Camp near the CT/MA border, the hike heads north on the A.T. toward Sages Ravine — a stunning, moss-covered gorge filled with cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. The trail ascends gradually through this lush forested area, making Sages Ravine an ideal spot for a rest before the steeper climb ahead. From there, the A.T. climbs Mt Race (2,365 ft), where hikers are rewarded with spectacular ridgeline views to the east. Sheer cliffs and open ledges offer breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and the Housatonic Valley.
Continuing north, the trail ascends Mount Everett (2,624 ft), the highest peak in the southern Berkshires. Though steep, the climb is relatively short, and the summit — once topped by a fire tower — provides excellent views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Descending from Everett, the trail winds through a peaceful, wooded area before reaching Guilder Pond, a serene high-elevation lake surrounded by evergreens. A short side trail leads to a picnic area and a scenic loop around the pond.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 Guilder Pond AT to Appalachian Trail Parking at Kellogg Road

Location: Sheffield, MA
Date: 18‑May‑2026
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Starting at Guilder Pond parking area, the trail passes by a quick view of scenic Guilder Pond and then shortly coming to a two side trails, one leading to Hemlock Shelter and the other to Glen Brook Shelter. Continuing north, the A.T. begins a gentle descent along the east slope of Mt Undine (2203') and then climbs a gradual ascent to reach the wooded summit of Mt Bushnell. The trail crosses two intermediate summits and reaches Jug End summit at the north end of the ridge, affording a spectacular view. After a gradual descent from Jug End summit, the A.T. reaches a crest of rock, the "jug's end," with steep outcrops and extensive open views to the northwest and southeast. On a clear day, Mt Greylock is clearly visible on the northern horizon.
The trail then begins a steep zigzag descent over rock ledges and eventually crosses Jug End Rd alongside two stone walls and an open pasture before coming to MA41. A gradual ascent brings the trail into the trees along a woods road atop a ridge.
The trail crosses a series of bog bridges to higher ground and another ridge, then over Hubbard Brook on a large bridge before arriving at Egremont Rd, where across the street, a kiosk and stone monument commemorate the last battle of Shays' Rebellion in 1798. Leaving the monument, we travel on a grassy farm road through active farm fields and enter the woods, climbing and descending a hill before crossing West Rd.
The trail then follows the edge of a swamp, before crossing the swamp on a series of bog bridges and railroad tracks (use caution when crossing). Following the embankment for a short distance, we cross the field to US 7. The trail then enters an overgrown field and an active farm field, meanders along the banks of the Housatonic River, enters the woods briefly, and emerges at another active farm field. The trail skirts the edge of the field to the end of our section at Kellogg Rd.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 NET Section 5 Hike

Location: Holyoke, MA
Date: 26‑May‑2026
Register »
For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, we'll be hiking Section 5 of the New England Trail northbound from Rte 202 to 141 in Holyoke. This hike features varied landscapes, including hardwood forests, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout. We'll take breaks to enjoy the views of the farmland below and the Berkshire foothills in the distance.
The hikers from the previous leg of the relay, NET Section 4, will meet us at the start of the hike to pass on the AMC 150 Commemorative Banner. You can register separately for this hike if you wish to do both sections. We will meet at the end of the hike to spot cars, then drive to the starting point to begin our hike. Come join the fun and be part of this historic event!
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 Holyoke Range Seven Sisters and Mt Norwottuck

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 28‑May‑2026
Register »
Join us in May to celebrate 150 years of AMC with the AMC 150th Relay - a 1,500-mile journey from VA to ME. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event, or sharing your AMC story. Together, we'll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure. For this leg of the relay, we'll be hiking sections 7 and 8 of the New England Trail. This iconic section will traverse the Seven Sisters of the Holyoke Range and continue with Mt Norwottuck and ending at Mt Harris Rd. An alternative stopping stop can be arranged at the Notch Visitors Center prior to the hike's start.
This is a strenuous hike due to elevation changes and rocky terrain. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents and descents and also gentler flat or rolling rambles. Along the way, hikers experience stunning panoramic views over the Pioneer Valley and into Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. This hike features varied landscapes, including hardwood forests, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout. We'll take breaks to enjoy the views and appreciate the natural beauty this hike offers. Refer to the registration page for more information.

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 Community Engagement Conservation Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling Training and Education
Snowshoers in Wendell State Forest
  LANI GIGUERE
Hiking Committee members hiking along a river
  JEANNETTE PIERCE
Summit of Mt Greylock
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

A.T. Hike Series

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail – all 2,197.4 miles, 5 million steps, and 14 states of it – from Georgia to Maine? Join us this summer and early fall for an exciting and challenging hiking series covering the 90 miles of the A.T. in Massachusetts.
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