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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.

Hike at the Holyoke Range State Park

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 27‑Jan‑2026
Register »
This hike will start at the Holyoke Range State Park and take us to the famed Horse Caves and the peak of Rattlesnake Knob. We will hike along the New England Trail and the Robert Frost Trail to explore the Horse Caves, where, according to legend, some of the men fighting during the Daniel Shays Rebellion hid out after their defeat. We'll then head up to the peak of Rattlesnake Knob for a lunch/snack break with beautiful views of Long Mountain and the towns of Granby and Belchertown. We'll back track a bit before heading back to the parking lot on the Northside Trail.
This trail has lots of short ups and downs with an elevation gain of 750 feet and a total distance of 4.5-5 miles.
Please remember to bring plenty of water, lunch/snacks, poles if you use them, and micro spikes if the trail is icy. Wear non-cotton layers and sturdy shoes or boots, hat, and gloves. Refer to the registration page for more information.

Mt Toby Winter Hike

Location: Sunderland, MA
Date: 31‑Jan‑2026
Register »
Come celebrate the end of January with a winter hike at Mt. Toby State Forest! This is a 6-mile loop hike through beautiful woodlands, past waterfalls, and up to a spectacular viewpoint from the Mt Toby fire tower.
The hike includes approximately 850 feet of elevation gain to the Mt Toby summit (1,269 ft), with an optional climb up the fire tower for expansive views. Most of the ascent is moderate, though there is one short but steep section (about 1/3 mile) just before the summit. The descent is gradual and moderate, with a side loop on the Lower Falls Trail to visit Roaring Brook Falls and explore Roaring Brook Falls and some interesting rock formations.
Because this is a winter hike, microspikes and snowshoes may be required, depending on conditions.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Owl Prowl

Location: Russell, MA
Date: 01‑Feb‑2026
Register »
When the daylight fades and the winter woods fall silent, another world awakens. Join us for an owl prowl as we step into the crisp night air at Noble View Outdoor Center, where great horned, barred, and screech owls may be calling from the shadows. Wrapped in scarves and starlight, we'll walk along the gravel road lit by the full moon, listening for hoots and learning how these remarkable birds survive the harshest season of the year. We'll even teach you how to hoot and whistle like an owl. With luck, and a little patience, we may hear a pair calling back and forth across the icy hills. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the woods at their most mysterious.
This is a slow-paced, level, easy walk covering about one mile. Wear warm layers, cozy boots, and a sense of winter wonder. Bring a flashlight with red illumination if you have one. A limited amount of red mylar will be provided for making flashlights red. Enjoy hot chocolate at the end. Space is limited so please register. Refer to the registration page for more information.

XC Ski: AMC Discount Day

Location: Prospect Mountain, Woodford, VT
Date: 01‑Feb‑2026
Register »
Join us for a day of cross country skiing or snowshoeing on your own at Prospect Mountain in Woodford, VT. Prospect Mountain is the highest Nordic base lodge in Vermont at 2,250 feet, and includes 40 km of groomed and tracked XC trails. Prospect also offers snowshoe trails.
We'll meet at the ticket office at 9:30 a.m. to check in and get our passes. (Ski rentals are also available.) We'll drop our extra gear at the lodge. Then enjoy the day skiing or snowshoeing, and exploring the trails at your own pace. Bring a friend!
Participants should have some prior experience with winter conditions, including how to regulate their own body heat. Ski lessons are not available on this date.
Bring lunch (or purchase one at Prospect) and join us around noon for lunch and socializing in the lodge. AMC will treat you to a hot chocolate! The afternoon is yours to continue your outdoor adventure.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Savoy Mt. State Forest, Tannery Falls

Location: Savoy, MA
Date: 24‑Feb‑2026
Register »
We will hike the beautiful wooded Tannery trail for 2.4 miles where we will reach the icy gorge and the steep down hill for 0.3 miles to the two magnificent frozen waterfalls (if it's cold enough). Tannery Falls is an 80-foot series of tall plunges and curving horsetails. Parker Brook Falls lies only feet from Tannery Falls, and this multi-section plunge waterfall drops down through an angular gorge. It's an amazing site to see especially in the winter. We will backtrack uphill through the gorge and pick up the Tanner Road trail (about 2 miles) back to our cars.
Bring your snowshoes and Microspikes/Hillsound crampons because it can be icy going downhill to the falls. Hopefully I will be able to assess the trail before the hike. Remember it is winter, so make sure you have winter waterproof boots, sufficient wool/synthetic insulating layers, outer layer for warmth when stopping, sufficient water and/or hot drinks, and lunch and snacks. It's always good to carry hand warmers in case your hands get very cold. Total hike (approximately 5 miles, 700' el gain).
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMC 150 AT from Northwest Camp to Guilder Pond

Location: Mount Washington, MA
Date: 17‑May‑2026
Register »
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
Register »
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: 25‑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 NET Section 4 Hike

Location: Westfield, MA
Date: 25‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
We'll take breaks to enjoy the views and and wildlife we may encounter. This section is popular with Westfield residents who have several areas of neighborhood access, including with ATVs, so we will also encounter areas of erosion from misuse.
We will meet the hikers for the next leg of the relay, NET Section 5 (on Apremont Way), 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 NET Section 6 Hike

Location: Easthampton, MA
Date: 26‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
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 5, 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.

AMC 150 NET Hike Wendell to Farley

Location: Shutesbury, MA
Date: 31‑May‑2026
Register »
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.
We will gather at 9:00 AM at the starting point to move cars for transportation back at the end of the hike, and plan to start hiking by 10:00 AM.
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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