Hiking Committee

Upcoming Activities

Mineral Hills

We will hike in Mineral Hills in Northampton and Westhampton. There is varied terrain and an interesting abandoned quarry. We will hike at a moderate pace. Everyone is welcome!

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 3

For the third section of the A.T. series, we will change direction and hike from north to south, from Home Rd to Shays' Rebellion Monument. Our trail ascends steadily through a hardwood forest toward the summit of June Mountain (1,220 ft). The climb is moderate but gains around 600 feet in elevation. While the summit area is mostly wooded, occasional openings offer scenic ridgeline views of the surrounding valleys.

[Women's+ Hike] High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary and Massaemett Mountain

Hike is ~6-6.5 miles and includes several overlooks - Beaver Pond and the Shelburne Tower at the summit of Massaemett Mountain. Shelburne Tower features a tall narrow staircase for which headlamps are needed during the day since not all areas get sufficient light from windows. The top offers far views of the northern pioneer valley.

Searching For Woodland Treasure

Come to AMC's lovely Noble View Outdoors Center for a wildflower hike! We will walk along well-established trails for an easy hike of about 1.5 - 1.75 miles, while searching for red trillium, wood anemone, bleeding hearts, columbine and many more spring beauties. We will also traverse the All Persons Trail to view a collection of fairy houses.

Alander Mountain

We will take the Alander Mtn trail from the Mt Washington State Forest Headquarters in the South Taconics. Let's hope for a clear day; there are great views from the open summit. Bring plenty of water, lunch, and snacks. This moderately paced hike is approximately 6 miles with 1200 feet of gain.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 4

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. We pass through East Mountain State Forest, an area affected by the 2024 Butternut Wildfire. Here, we'll be able to observe the visible damage the fire caused to the local flora. We'll take a break in the morning for a snack and later stop for lunch at the A.T. Tom Leonard Shelter. After lunch we pass through the Ice Glen, a spectacular gorge that often retains ice and snow at its bottom long after it has disappeared elsewhere in MA. Beyond Ice Glen, the hike becomes a gradual downhill until we reach Route 23.

People's State Forest Hike

This hike is between 5 and 6 miles with an elevation gain of 994 feet. We start by climbing (of course), then travel along a ridge with beautiful views, through forests (bathroom and picnic tables are available), and by a lovely stream. We then traverse a boardwalk next to a pond where signs identify plants and trees. No wet feet! We'll end up with a trip to the Lighthouse Loop Trail which passes through an abandoned village once occupied by the Narragansett Indian James Chaugham and his wife Molly Barber. The trails we'LL use are the Jessie Girard, Charles Peck, Agnes Bowen and Lighthouse.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 5

From Beartown Road, the path enters Beartown State Forest and gradually ascends through gentle, rolling terrain featuring a mix of oak, birch, and pine. The trail passes through low-lying wet areas before reaching the Mt Wilcox North and Mt Wilcox South shelters. Continuing south, we climb to the scenic Ledges, where westward views of the surrounding forests and distant ridgelines reward the effort.

National Trails Day: NH Hikes: 52WAV Mount Cube

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

National Trails Day: 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. 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. Cobbles is considered a moderate to slightly challenging route because of the quick elevation and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a forest and steadily climbs, gradually becoming rockier as it ascends. As you continue, you can see Mt Greylock and other picturesque mountains in the distance. We'll encounter unique rock faces and formations approaching the summit.

A.T. Hike Series 2025 Section 6

After crossing Jerusalem Road, past the Shaker Campsite, the A.T. 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. Expect a rocky, uneven climb to the top, but the reward is worth the effort! After descending from Tyringham Cobble, the A.T. meanders through open fields, quiet forests, and rolling terrain. The trail crosses a few small wooden bridges over seasonal streams before reaching Main Rd in Tyringham.

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.

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.