Hiking Committee

Upcoming Activities

Mount Race & Racebrook Falls

Join us for an especially scenic 7-7.5 mile hike with approx. 2,000 ft elevation including 2 tall waterfalls and the open summit of Mount Race. Difficulty is overall moderate (intermediate) with some steeper sections including rock scrambles and stream crossings.

Hike Back in Time to the Forgotten Valley

Hike back in time to "The Forgotten Valley" (Knightville Basin), with AMC leader Dawne Piers Gamble, leader in training Matt Barden, and local Huntington historian Chad Donavan-Hall. Chad will offer narration of the families, homes and points of interest such as the Black Panther Ski Area, located in the former villages of Knightville and Indian Hollow before construction of Knightville Dam. Pack a picnic and plan to continue the history conversation at the scenic picnic area at the base of the dam following the hike until 1:00 PM.

Spring Wildflower Hike + Nature Journaling Social

Spring wildflower season + hiking in western MA can't be beat! Join us for a wildflower hike on easy to moderate terrain in Mt Tom State Reservation as we search for spring ephemerals and practice basic botany identification. The hike portion will last approximately two hours and will be followed by a one-hour nature journaling social at a nearby cafe.

Stony Ledge Loop, Mt. Greylock State Reservation

We will be hiking up the Haley Farm Trail to Stony Ledge. The first two miles will climb steeply until we reach Stony Ledge where you will get to enjoy some of the most outstanding views in the Berkshires looking at the "Hopper", Mts Greylock, Fitch, Williams, Prospect and Saddle Ball, and the Green Mountains in the distance. After our lunch stop, we will continue down Sperry Rd and take the Hopper Trail back to the cars.

Spring Wildflower Hike + Nature Journaling Social

Spring wildflower season + hiking in western MA can't be beat! Join us for a wildflower hike on easy to moderate terrain in Bullitt Reservation as we search for spring ephemerals and practice basic botany identification. The hike portion will last approximately 2 hours and will be followed by a one hour nature journaling social at a nearby cafe.

[Women+] Gear Advice Social

Spring and summer hiking season is almost here! Whether you're new to hiking or have miles under your boots, come join the AMC Western MA Women+ Leaders for a relaxed conversation about what we carry on the trail. Women+ AMC Hiking Leaders will be present to lead this discussion. Refer to the registration page for more information.

Spring Wildflower Hike + Nature Journaling Social

Spring wildflower season + hiking in western MA can't be beat! Join us for a wildflower hike on easy to moderate terrain at High Ledges Sanctuary as we search for spring ephemerals and practice basic botany identification. The hike portion will last approximately 2 hours and will be followed by a one hour nature journaling social at a nearby cafe.

Goodnow Preserve Hike

We will hike at the Goodnow Preserve in New Marlborough, a beautiful 4.5-mile loop through open fields, wooded roads, historic paper mill ruins, and along the scenic Konkapot River.

Rabbit Run Rail Trail, Quabbin

The Quabbin Reservoir is a mini wilderness in the middle of one of the most populous states. We will hike along the shore on an old railway bed in the northern section of the reservoir. Total distance is approximately 6 miles with minimum elevation gain of around 250 feet.

Spring Wildflower Hike + Nature Journaling Social

Spring wildflower season + hiking in western MA can't be beat! Join us for a wildflower hike on easy to moderate terrain at Arcadia Audubon Sanctuary as we search for spring ephemerals and practice basic botany identification. The hike portion will last approximately 2 hours and will be followed by a one hour nature journaling social at a nearby cafe.

AMC 150 AT from Northwest Camp to Guilder Pond

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.

AMC 150 AT Hike Series 2026 Section 1

Join us as we participate in AMC's 150^th anniversary relay event. This event invites hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to join a remarkable journey. Stretching from VA to ME, the route winds through iconic landscapes, with stops for city celebrations and gatherings at AMC destinations in honor of 150 years of outdoor connection.

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

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.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 2

Section 2: Guilder Pond to Shay's Rebellion Monument (6.6 miles). Elevation change: 1400 ft. Rain date: May 24. The trail follows a wooded ridgeline over Mt Bushnell (2,200 ft) and other rolling terrain. As you approach Jug End Mountain, the landscape opens up to a ridgeline with breathtaking views of the Housatonic Valley and western MA. The descent from Jug End is steep and rocky, offering some of the best panoramic views in the state.

AMC 150 NET Section 4 Hike

For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, we'll be hiking Section 4 of the New England Trail northbound from Old Holyoke Rd in Westfield (at the gate) to Rte 202 in Holyoke (park facing southbound). This hike features a mix of ups and downs with occasional steep sections. There are some beautiful scenic spots along the ridge and a lovely vernal pool as we trek on the border of Bear Hole in West Springfield for much of the hike.

AMC 150 NET Section 5 Hike

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.

AMC 150 NET Section 6 Hike

For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, we'll be hiking Section 6 of the New England Trail, which is one of the more spectacular sections located in the Mt Tom range! The trail heads northbound from Rte 141 in Holyoke to Rte 5 in Easthampton. This hike features varied landscapes, ridge-lines, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout.

AMC 150 Holyoke Range Seven Sisters and Mt Norwottuck

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.

AMC 150 NET Hike Wendell to Farley

Join us on this moderate 9.3 mile hike of Section 15 of the New England Trail (NET). We will start from Lake Wyola at the Wendell Depot Rd parking lot and hike to Farley Village at Rte 2. The trail gradually descends into Wendell State Forest, passing Ruggles Pond, Lyons Brook, and Mormon Hollow Brook, on its way to Farley. Much of this section lies in Wendell State Forest on the south slope of the Millers River Valley.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 3

Section 3: Shays' Rebellion (South Egremont Road) to Home Road (5 miles). Elevation change: 600 ft. The hike begins at the Shays' Rebellion Monument, passing through open meadows and former farmland, providing picturesque views of the Berkshires. The trail crosses West Rd, over the railroad tracks then Rte 7 before a lovely flat walk along the Housatonic River. Leaving the river, the trail gradually ascends through a hardwood forest before reaching the base of June Mountain (1220 ft.).

National Trail's Day: AT 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, with 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.

National Trails Day

Join us on National Trails Day, June 6, 2026! Get outdoors! Meet new people! Give back to the trails! The AMC's Western MA Chapter is celebrating with a variety of events throughout the region. You must click one of the links on the registration page to sign up for an activity. No registration is necessary to visit our table at 13 Main Street, Cheshire (on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail) to learn more about what AMC has to offer.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 4

Section 4: Home Rd to Rte 23 (6.4 miles). Elevation change: 900 ft. 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.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 5

Section 5: Rte 23 to Beartown Mountain Rd (6.4 miles). Elevation change: 1,000 ft. Rain date: June 14. Hiking south to north: the trail begins at Rte 23 near Monterey, MA, entering a mixed hardwood forest. After crossing Blue Hill Rd the trail goes steeply up a small rock scramble. The beautiful Benedict Pond soon greets us and we begin a lovely steep and rocky hike to the Ledges. These ledges offer scenic westward views of the surrounding forests and distant ridgelines.

[Women+] Reflection Hike in the Southern Berkshires

Join this Women+ group as we meander through the fields, rocky outcroppings, wetlands, woodlands and spectacular views of the beautiful, bio-diverse Southern Berkshires in MA. This generally easy, 4-mile hike with an elevation of 469 ft will take approximately 2.5 hours. Along the way we will pause to read and reflect on Elizabeth Freeman, the celebration of Juneteenth (the end of slavery in America) and this nation's complicated history with freedom. Following the hike there will be an optional drive to the burial site of Elizabeth Freeman and lunch at Main St Cafe.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 6

Section 6: Beartown Mountain Road to Main Road Tyringham (6.8 miles). Elevation change: 950 ft. Rain date: June 21. After crossing Jerusalem Rd, past the Shaker Campsite, the AT 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.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 7

Section 7: Main St Tyringham to Rte 20 (8.5 miles). Elevation change: 975 ft. Rain date June 28. The hike begins at the trail crossing on Main St in Tyringham, MA. The trail enters a peaceful forest of rolling hills with occasional clearings with scenic views of the Tyringham Valley. The trail continues through dense forest, with gradual ups and downs and as you near Rte 20, the terrain 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).

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 8

Section 8: Rte 20, Lee to County Rd (5.8 miles). Elevation change: 800 ft. Rain date: July 5. This 5.8-mile trail offers a rewarding mix of scenic beauty and physical challenge with an 800-foot elevation gain. The journey begins on Rte 20 and quickly crosses Yokum Pond/Becket Rd. The trail then ascends steadily, reaching Becket Mountain at 2175 feet, before continuing its climb toward the summit of Wailing Mountain. Along the way, hikers pass by the serene and beautiful Finerty Pond and cross the gently flowing Mountain Brook. The route culminates on County Rd.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 10

Section 10: Blotz Rd to Dalton Gulf Rd (8.5 miles). Elevation change: 956 ft. This section of the Appalachian Trail blends forested ridgelines with an urban passage through Dalton, MA. The trail begins with a brief climb to the summit of Warner Hill, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. From there, it follows a gentle ridgeline, passing through a mix of woodlands before reaching the Kay Wood Shelter. The journey continues over the rolling terrain of Day Mountain before descending toward Dalton. In contrast its typical wilderness setting, the trail winds through the town to Gulf Rd.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 9

Section 9: County Rd to Blotz Rd (7.3 miles). Elevation change: 245 ft. This 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.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 11

Section 11: Dalton (Gulf Rd) to Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire (8.0 miles). Elevation change: 1180 ft. Rain date: July 26. Section 11 of the AT series offers a mix of forested climbs, scenic ridgelines, excellent wildflower viewing at Gore Pond, and a small amount of walking back into town. Starting from Gulf Rd in Dalton, the trail passes by Crystal Mountain Campground before ascending North Mountain, a moderate, steady climb that rewards hikers with forested views. The trail then winds through The Cobbles, a geologic formation offering stunning panoramas of the Hoosiers River Valley. Descending into the town of Cheshire, the trail follows a mix of roads, including Furnace Hill Road, East Main St, and Main St, before reaching Railroad St, the location of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 12

Section 12: Cheshire Ashuwillticook Rail Trail to Greylock Summit (8.5 miles). Elevation change: 2500 ft. Rain date: August 2. The journey begins on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, following Church Street and School Street, passing landmarks such as the Father Tom Campsite and the Big Cheese Monument before crossing Rte 8 and Outlook Ave. From here, the trail takes on a strenuous and steady climb up Mt Greylock, the tallest peak in MA at 3,491 feet.

AT Hike Series 2026 Section 14

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.