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Paddling Committee

The Paddling Committee organizes quietwater and whitewater canoeing and kayaking trips. We love to get people on the water, and can provide instruction for new paddlers. We are blessed to have a variety of places to paddle in our region from quiet ponds to larger lakes, mellow rivers and whitewater rivers. The Connecticut River offers long and short paddle trips and even water-accessible campsites.
Please read the AMC Trip Policy (PDF) before joining a trip.

Whitewater Paddling

Whitewater paddling means canoeing and kayaking on moving water with rocks, waves, and other features. We paddle local rivers such as the Deerfield which is dam controlled and allows for whitewater paddling April through October. We are happy to have new paddlers join us on some of our easier trips. Whitewater training is available through local whitewater schools such as Zoar Outdoor or through the AMC's whitewater training programs lead by other AMC chapters. We sometimes sponsor a day-long whitewater kayak clinic with Zoar Outdoor – check the trip schedule for this and other whitewater events.

Quietwater Paddling

"Quietwater" paddling means scenic canoeing or kayaking on lakes, ponds, and gentle rivers. Western Massachusetts has some splendid rivers and lakes for quietwater paddling. We'll take you there, and we can even help provide you with a boat and gear. We teach the basics of boating safety and effective paddling at our annual instructional program. Our quietwater trips are listed in the trip schedule. Sign up for the quietwater discussion list. For questions or information email us.

River Stewardship

We educate paddlers on water quality and identification of invasive species. In conjunction with AMC's conservation initiatives, we organize river stewardship events to remove invasive water chestnut plants from local rivers.

Our Partners

All Out Adventures
Holyoke Rows

Upcoming Activities

Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.

Upper West Class 3

Location: Jamaica, VT
Date: 19‑Sep‑2026
Register »
This paddling trip is down the upper portion of the West River in VT, which only has scheduled releases two weekends a year. This is a classic Northeast run for intermediate paddlers.
Paddlers should have a combat roll, solid ability to catch eddies, and expect continuous Class III whitewater. You need your own whitewater boat with flotation, PFD, helmet, and a sprayskirt for kayakers. Participants will also need appropriate cold water clothing (drytop or similar), lunch, water and snacks.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

[30s/40s] Amethyst Brook Conservation Area

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 28‑Sep‑2026
Register »
Join other folks in their 30s and 40s for an early evening walk/hike the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. We'll meet at 5:30 PM for a relaxed 1.5-hour hike. Expect just under 2 miles of hiking, with modest elevation gain.
After the hike, we'll optionally head somewhere nearby for food + drink.
Dogs are allowed, and must be leashed at all times; please let the leader(s) know if you intend to bring your pup!
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.

[30s/40s] Canoe to Hike | Bardwell's Ferry to Stillwater Bridge, Mohican - Mohawk Trail

Location: Deerfield, MA
Date: 04‑Oct‑2026
Register »
If you enjoy river trips without a car portage, small waterfalls, elaborately engineered bridges, steep muddy slopes, bald eagles and USGS monitors this one is for you! This canoe to hike trip goes 3.5 miles down the lower Deerfield river and back to the put in along the adjacent Mohican - Mohawk Trail.
The put in and trail include long sections that are steep and likely muddy. Expect to be physically active for up to 4 hours (though we will be outside a little longer).
Along the river there are several sections of moving water and one drop that can be rated up to class II depending on the water level that day. We will discuss and observe each of these sections before we make a go/no go decision to portage around or paddle.
Please bring a lunch to have at the end of our paddling section. Please wear shoes that can get wet and muddy.
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.

Hudson River Gorge Whitewater Paddling

Location: North River, NY
Date: 10‑Oct‑2026
Register »
This paddling trip runs down the Indian River and through the Hudson River Gorge for 15.4 miles. It begins on the Indian River and flows ~3 miles to its confluence with the Hudson River. This is a classic scenic trip in the Adirondacks and the fall foliage should be a bonus.
This classic paddling trip is for experienced paddlers who are confident in class 3 whitewater and who have a reliable roll.
This is a long day and paddlers will need to bring water and a lunch. You will also need your own whitewater-ready boat with floatation, PFD, helmet and for kayakers, a sprayskirt, and clothing appropriate for cold water paddling.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Activity Schedule

All activities are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions or water levels. 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
Kayakers running rapids
  PAULA CHAMPAGNE
Kayak on the beach
  JEANNETTE PIERCE
Woman in a canoe
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

The Women of Paddling

The Western MA Chapter is blessed to have strong female leaders within its volunteer ranks. These women lead and participate in paddling trips all over the world, from Maine's Allagash River to the Connecticut River and north to Canada. Paddling in a group is a bonding experience you'll never forget. To learn more – about joining a paddling trip or becoming a paddling leader – contact the paddling committee. READ MORE »
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