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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: 31‑Oct‑2026
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, and flywheels, and get an eyeball tour of the Holyoke dam complex. Maps of the canal system are available. Distance: 2.0 miles.
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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

[30s/40s] Fall Sugar Shack Breakfast & Chesterfield Gorge Hike (Round 2!)

Location: Worthington, MA
Date: 01‑Nov‑2026
Register »
Join us for Round 2 of our Western MA sugarshack outing! We'll kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast at High Hopes Farm, followed by a scenic hike at Chesterfield Gorge.
High Hopes is a rustic spot with a fireplace and beautiful river views, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast. The buffet is $20 per person (+ tax) and typically features pancakes, French toast, eggs, home fries, sausage, and bacon. After breakfast, we'll drive about 7 minutes to Chesterfield Gorge for our hike.
The hike is 5.24 miles with ~812 feet of elevation gain. Expect a steady climb, scenic river views, and quiet forest trails. The group pace will be moderate and social, with short breaks along the way. Estimated hiking time: 3 to 3.5 hours with breaks.
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

Accessible Hike | Silvio O. Conte Fort River Birding and Nature National Recreation Trail

Location: Hadley, MA
Date: 04‑Nov‑2026
Register »
Join us for an accessible hike at the Silvio O. Conte Fort River Trail in Hadley! This virtually flat path winds through the forest and along the Fort river. There are many spots to stop on a bench to rest and reflect. We will go at a modest pace appropriate for the group.
If you would like to borrow a 'Whirlwind Wheelchair Rough Rider' (3 available free of charge) please message with your seat width so I can be sure to bring the right size chair and any postural supports you may need!
Please bring sturdy shoes, water and a snack, a day pack, clothes appropriate for being outside for up to 2 hours, a warm hat, andextra layer(s). Expect temps in the low 50s.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Trails of Southampton, MA

Location: Southampton, MA
Date: 10‑Nov‑2026
Register »
Let's take some time to explore some of newer trails that have been developed in Southampton, MA. Starting with Wolf Hill Santuary, we will complete the 1.2-mile loop to Alder Pond (164 feet of elevation gain). Moose sightings are possible! Once back to the cars, we will drive 2 miles down the road to Breakneck Brook Conservation Area for a little more challenging hike up to Breakneck Mountain with views of the Seven Sisters Trail and Mt Tom. This loop is 3.8 miles with 830 feet of elevation.
Joining us for this experience with be our own Ed Buckley who has been involved in the development of these trails and can give us some insight to the past, present, and future of these two area.
Please bring snacks, lunch, and water. We plan to stop at the top of Breakneck Mountain for something to eat. Also poles if you use them as there are still a few rough areas we need to hike through.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

South Taconic Trail (SW MA and Adjacent NY)

Location: Northeast, NY
Date: 10‑Nov‑2026
Register »
My goal is to hike the entire 21-mile, end-to-end South Taconic Trail in sections. The trail extends from Shagroy Road in Millerton, NY, north along the ridge crest of the southern Taconic Range and the border of NY and MA, and ends north of the Catamount Ski Area. Our first section will be approximately 7 miles with about 1500 ft elevation gain.
The beginning of the trail starts in Millerton in Taconic State Park near Iron Mine Pond and will continue until we intersect with the Quarry Hill trail where we will descend 0.5 miles to our cars. There will be plenty of scenic views along the way. Pace will be moderate and will keep the group together.
Participants must have appropriate layers for the hike; sturdy footwear, and hiking poles are recommended. Bring your lunch and/or snacks and sufficient water/hot drink for the hike. Car shuttle is required.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Stony Ledge via Haley Farm Trail, Mount Greylock State Reservation

Location: Williamstown, MA
Date: 14‑Nov‑2026
Register »
We will hike the Haley Farm Trail 2.1 miles to Stony Ledge and enjoy a spectacular view of the Greylock Range and the Hopper (a bowl-shaped forested valley named for its resemblance to a grain hopper). After pausing to enjoy the view, we will continue on Sperry Road (gravel, no cars) for about a mile to Sperry Campground. Sperry Campground is on the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) campground during the Great Depression. We leave the campground and descend approximately 2.0 miles to the trailhead via the Hopper Trail.
This is a 5.1-mile loop hike with 1,460 feet of elevation gain. Although the hike is rated as moderate, there is a steep 2.1-mile climb to Stony Ledge at the beginning of the hike. We will hike at a pace of 1.5 to two miles an hour.
Participants must have adequate layers, sturdy footwear, and hiking poles if you use them. Bring sufficient water and snacks/lunch.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

North & South Sugarloaf

Location: Deerfield, NH
Date: 05‑Dec‑2026
Register »
Join us for a fall hike exploring North and South Sugarloaf! This 4.5-mile loop (~1,200 feet of elevation gain), features beautiful views of the Connecticut River Valley and surrounding hills.
We'll enjoy a moderately challenging hike with woodland trails, uphill climbs, and scenic viewpoints. This hike coincides with the Western MA AMC Chapter Annual Meeting in South Deerfield. Make a day of it by joining fellow outdoor enthusiasts on the trail and connecting with the AMC community!
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 Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling
Snowshoers in Wendell State Forest
  LANI GIGUERE
Hiking Committee members hiking along a river
  JEANNETTE PIERCE
A hiker views the surrounding valley
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

AMC 150 Hikes

Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150th Relay — a 1,500-mile journey from VA to ME. Each leg of the relay contributes to a continuous route across the Northeast, showcasing the diversity of AMC's outdoor legacy. The Western MA Hiking Committee has 8 trips to choose from. Find them on our activities page.
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