Hiking Committee

Upcoming Activities

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).

Robert Frost Series #6, Section 12

A true high‐point tour of Mt Toby, this 7.5-mile stretch first rockets up old logging roads to Bull Hill's rocky summit, then follows a ridge past its 872-ft north knob before descending into Green Swamp. A series of stream crossings and a bypass around Roaring Mountain lead you to the fire tower atop Mt Toby, where panoramic views reward the climb. The final descent threads beneath telephone lines, skirts spruce stands, and drops to the main woods road at Reservation Rd. Expect steep ascents, mossy ledges, mixed hardwoods, and open summits — this is one of the trail's most rugged and rewarding sections.

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.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 8

This 5.8-mile trail offers a rewarding mix of scenic beauty and physical challenge with an 800-foot elevation change. The journey begins on County Rd and quickly brings hikers to the summit of Wailing Mountain. From there, the trail descends gradually, passing the serene and beautiful Finerty Pond and crossing the gently flowing Mountain Brook. The descent continues toward Becket Mountain, reaching its 2175-foot peak before steadily making its way down. The trail then crosses Yokum Pond/Becket Rd and concludes at Rte 20.

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!

Robert Frost Series #7, Sections 13 & 14

This final stretch of the Robert Frost Trail, Sections 13 & 14, climbs twice, first up Stoddard Hill's open, rocky woodlands - complete with vernal pools and birch groves-then, after a steep ridge scramble and stream crossing, descends to Rt 63. A brief road link brings you to Spaulding Brook Rd, where Section 14 ascends Spaulding Brook's gorge to the dramatic Pigpen Ledges rock amphitheater. North of the ledges, the trail follows a rolling ridge through hemlock and mountain-laurel forests before dropping out to East Chestnut Hill Rd and ending at Wendell State Forest HQ on Wendell Rd. Along the way, enjoy panoramic summit views, rich bird habitat, and a real taste of central New England's rugged backcountry.

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. This section is short but fairly steep. 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.

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.

[Women's+] Mount Norwottuck and Atkins Farms

Join us on a 5-6 mile hike to Mt Norwottuck, Horse Caves and maybe Rattlesnake Knob. Mostly moderate terrain with some steeper sections including moderate scrambles. The trail passes through dense, rocky woods to several open vistas.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 9

The trail begins with a short but steady climb to the summit of Bald Top Mountain, offering rewarding views before leveling out along a ridgeline. Hikers traverse the expansive and picturesque October Mountain State Forest, winding through a mix of hardwoods and evergreens that provide shade and a peaceful atmosphere. The route passes the October Mountain Shelter, a popular rest stop for thru-hikers, before crossing Pittsfield Road in Becket. The final stretch continues through rolling terrain, ending at Blotz Road. While long, this section is relatively gentle, making it an enjoyable hike for those looking for a less strenuous but scenic Appalachian Trail experience.

Examine the Local Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has a global impact, as well as affecting many local areas. We will explore with a guest presenter from Williamstown Rural Lands. We'll hike three miles along the Taconic Crest & Shepherd's Well Trails while we learn how the local climate has shifted through the history of Williamstown, MA. From views across Mt Greylock and along the Taconics, we see evidence of wildly different past climates. At the weather station, we will observe how scientists monitor climate change today.

NH Hikes: 52WAV Mount Cube

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