Upcoming Chapter Activities

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  Title   Activity   Difficulty   Date    

Holyoke Revitalization Tour

Join the park interpreter for some exercise in Holyoke's downtown mill district. Discover how a city originally designed as an industrial mill town is being reimagined. Learn about some innovative businesses and developers that have, and are continuing to put life back into old mill buildings.

Twenty Five Miles of Farms and Quiet Roads Warm-Up for Experienced Cyclists

Join us for a scenic 25-mile ride in the Pioneer Valley towns of Hatfield, Whately, and Deerfield. The ride starts out on flat terrain in South Deerfield for a good warm-up and then has some nice hills for getting those legs in climbing shape (total of 600 feet of ascent). We make our way through Hatfield and Whately and eventually return to South Deerfield.

Sweet Spring, Maple Syrup Hike

Families and casual hikers are you ready to indulge in what spring has to offer in the hilltowns of western Massachusetts? Join us for a hike on the Conwell Property Trail in Worthington (part of Hilltown Land Trust) and then partake in a sugar house buffet at High Hopes Farm in Worthington. The hike is rated as an easy, 2.3 mile, out and back gently rolling route with a water crossing. Following our hike, we will return to our cars to ride the short distance to High Hopes Farm Sugar House to enjoy the buffet.

20S/30S A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Tyringham

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line. Work is off-trail, occasionally in heavy brush. Expect some wet areas, too. Some stooping to clip back brush to maintain a clear line of sight along the boundary.

Intermediate Whitewater Paddlers

Paddle a 5-6 mile section (Fife section) of Class II whitewater on the Deerfield River with some instruction. You will need a whitewater boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet, water shoes and appropriate clothing (wetsuit or drysuit). We will do some instructional in eddys. This trip will focus on eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and basic paddling strokes.

Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Have you ever wondered what it's like to paddle a kayak on a turbulent river? This is your chance to "test the waters" in a supported environment with experienced volunteer coaches.

Rail Trail Walk

Join me for a casual walk along the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. Meet at the trail entrance ramp along Main Street in Westfield at the corner of the Stop and Shop parking lot. We'll walk south from there to the Hedges Ave underpass to view the Heroes mural. Option to continue on or return to the start. Please contact leader with any questions or weather updates.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Becket

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush along the boundary of National Park Service lands between the Mass Pike and Upper Goose Pond, including a likely stop for lunch at the Upper Goose Pond cabin.

Open Upper Goose Pond Cabin

We will open this near-famous hiker stop for the season. Remove shutters, sweep and clean, touch up paint, set up kitchen. We may need to install the dock, so check with leader if water wear may be needed.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Dalton

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. The day will involve 1 mile of on-trail hiking to the work site, about 1 mile of actual boundary work off-trail, and a 2 mile trail walk to return.

Hike North Half of CT NET Sec 18

This hike will be a loop on CT NET Section 18 north of Penwood State Park. The route we'll hike will include the NET and trails on adjacent lands including the James Property, part of Simsbury Land Trust, and Wilcox Park, one of Bloomfield's Town Trails. The hike will be about 5 1/2 miles and elevation gain about 400 feet. The trail traverses a ridge and there are rocky areas as well as some wet areas.

Nice & Easy Canal Walk

Join the park interpreter for some exercise along Holyoke's canals and beyond. This is a leisurely walk. We stroll along the first level canal to its intersection with the second level canal. Here we overlook the Holyoke dam complex. A return trip along the second level canal on Race street brings us full circle.

Embracing Indigenous Ways of Knowing to Fight the Climate Crisis

Join the AMC DEI Virtual Speaker Series in welcoming Chris Newell, a proud citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe born and raised at Motahkmikuhk, Indian Township, Maine. Chris is a Tribal Community Member-in-Residence for the University of Connecticut and co-founder/director of education for Akomawt Educational Initiative; a majority Native-owned educational consultancy based in Connecticut. Chris will introduce and then discuss the evening's viewing of the "Reciprocity Project, Season One." This short film series made in partnership with Indigenous storytellers and their communities worldwide, invites learning from time-honored and current Indigenous ways of being as a way to face the climate crisis.

Holyoke Revitalization Tour

Join the park interpreter for some exercise in Holyoke's downtown mill district. Discover how a city originally designed as an industrial mill town is being reimagined. Learn about some innovative businesses and developers that have, and are continuing to put life back into old mill buildings.

Transition Gym to Rock Climbing Class

One day of instruction to be held at Chapel Ledge. Lots of climbing time!

Berkshires - Spring Warm Up Ride

Join us for a relaxed 20-mile warmup ride on (mostly) quiet and scenic country roads in the southwest corner of the Berkshires. Starting in Great Barrington MA, we'll ride a clockwise loop passing through Sheffield and Egremont. We will sustain a relaxed riding pace of 11-13 mph, and the total elevation gain over the course of the ride will be under 800 feet (about 40 feet per mile). The terrain will be rolling, with a handful of climbs and some grades of about 5%.

NET Section 2

This lovely, scenic hike is approximately 3.8 miles over typical ups and downs of western MA trails. There is total elevation gain and loss of about +433/-648 feet over the route. We will hike at a moderate pace, walking south to north. This section of the trail runs along the Provin Mountain Ridge, past the former facility of TV station WWLP to the Springfield Underground Reservoir, and then down to the Westfield River in Robinson State Forest.

Berkshires - Great Barrington to Connecticut

Back by popular demand, one more Berkshire ride! This challenging 33-mile ride starts in the bustling town of Great Barrington. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Sheffield, Ashley Falls, CT, and S. Egremont with 1,700 feet of total elevation gain. Beautiful views of the Berkshire hills (and some cows). We will sustain an average riding pace of 12-14 mph.

Remove Potentially Hazardous Trees at South Wilcox Shelter

There are several dead/dying trees in the area around this campsite. We will assess and remove trees as necessary. Work is primarily for certified A.T. Sawyers, but others are welcome to join us, as there will be plenty of cut material to move. Work will involve lifting, dragging, rolling logs and carrying away small limbs into the surrounding woods. Worksite is a 1/2 mile hike off trail.

Nice & Easy Canal Walk

Join the park interpreter for some exercise along Holyoke's canals and beyond. This is a leisurely walk. We stroll along the first level canal to its intersection with the second level canal. Here we overlook the Holyoke dam complex. A return trip along the second level canal on Race street brings us full circle.

Hiking Mary Edwards Mountain and Godard Preserve

These Granby Land Trust properties provide moderate treks with pretty views, water features and many ups and downs. The adjacent Mary Edwards Property and Godard Preserve will provide 5+ miles of hiking. GLT literature reads: "You can hike through beautifully preserved stone walls, alongside a bubbling stream, and up to a view that looks across the Connecticut River Valley, providing an outstanding view of Springfield and the Mount Tom Range". Also included is a pond and many stream crossings with and without bridges, so bring your poles.

Maintenance & Repair at South Wilcox Campsite

The porkies have been busy at this this historic shelter. We will carry in lumber to replace the porcupine-chewed planks on the shelter floor. We'll also carry in a new bear box to replace the rusted out old one.

Holyoke Revitalization Tour

Join the park interpreter for some exercise in Holyoke's downtown mill district. Discover how a city originally designed as an industrial mill town is being reimagined. Learn about some innovative businesses and developers that have, and are continuing to put life back into old mill buildings.

Clear Waterbars North of Rt 23

Support the A.T. - keep it in good shape for the future. Today we'll be maintaining waterbars (drainage channels) on a short section of the the A.T. that climbs moderately above the trailhead at Rt 23. Waterbars provide essential drainage that keeps this section of trail from washing out and turning into a trench. They need regular cleaning.

Celebrate MA Trails! Greylock Sunday Option

Hike to MA highest summit on the Cheshire Harbor Trail. Visit Bascom Lodge and War Memorial and enjoy 360 views of the Berkshires and distant peaks in VT and NY.

Natural Heritage Monitoring - Mt Greylock (Day 1)

Time to hit the Mt Greylock summit area for some natural heritage monitoring; so if you'd like to help monitor some rare plants sign up for this volunteer activity! We'll be in the summit area all day and weather can be unpredictable so come prepared for whatever mother nature might dish out.

Mount Alander Loop Hike

This is a mid-week hike over the summit of Mount Alander in Washington State Forest in southwestern, MA. The distance is approximately 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000'. We will hike at a moderate 1.5 to 2.0 mph pace. If we have good weather the views from summit of Mount Alander extend to 3 states. This can be a challenging hike for some because of the distance, a muddy section and a short rock scramble.

Natural Heritage Monitoring - Mt Greylock (Day 2)

Day 2 on Mt Greylock summit area for some natural heritage monitoring; so if you'd like to help monitor some rare plants sign up for this volunteer activity! We'll be in the summit area all day and weather can be unpredictable so come prepared for whatever mother nature might dish out.

Privy & Campsite Maintenance: Hemlocks & Glen Brook

We will work on emptying the composted material from the Hemlocks privy, and also move the Glen Brook privy over its empty bin. Not as gruesome as it sounds. The composted stuff doesn't smell (much) and is ready to be carried off and scattered into the woods. Then the outhouses need a few folks to slide them into their new position - ready for a busy hiking season. We'll also perform some light maintenance at both sites.

Laurel Day Social & Hikes

The first Laurel Weekend was held at Noble View in 1930! It was held the third weekend in June annually. The event included guided hikes, good food and camping, a campfire and marshmallow roasting. Please join us to enjoy the laurel in bloom! We will have guided hikes, a chili cook off hosted by the Western MA Chapter and the Noble View Stewards Council. We will also have strawberry shortcake, a campfire and marshmallows. We welcome folks to camp as well. Call reservations to reserve a campsite for the evening at 603-466-2727.

WMA - In Person Leadership Application Training

In this in-person component of the Western MA leadership training program, participants will engage in role plays and apply the techniques and knowledge learned during chapter leadership session of the course in an outdoor environment. Participants are required to have completed a Chapter Leadership Training or have a pre-approved exception from the Training and Education Chair.

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling

This is a new type of activity intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 14 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be Relaxed. The pace will be comfortable (~10 mph average), and we will keep the group together.

Trail Rehab - A.T. Blue Blaze at Rt 20

Classic Trail Work: The blue blaze trail that connects the Rt 20 parking area to the northbound A.T. is sliding down the hill. We'll dig back into the hillside in several locations to build a more stable tread.

20s/30s Evening Paddle

Join the 20s & 30s Committee on a paddling trip from Holyoke Rows on the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River in Holyoke is scenic flatwater with moving current. This is a weekday evening trip with moderately-priced kayak rentals available, or you may bring your own boat. We will be on the water from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, but try to arrive by 4:30 to select a rental boat, paddle, and PFD, or unload your own boat. After the paddle, depending on interest, we may gather at a nearby spot for food and/or drink.

Cheshire Variety Pack - A.T. Maintenance

We'll be working in several locations near Outlook Ave in Cheshire, MA. We'll set a new sign for Reynolds Rock, clip back some brush to make access to the rock more friendly. We'll stand up a new trailhead kiosk "downtown" in Cheshire. Remove a nearby illegal tree stand, if there's time remaining in the day.

I Spy Signs of Spring Nature Hike

Families can you spy signs of spring? Join us for a hike to a vernal pool at Noble View Outdoor Center. The hike is rated as an easy, 1.8 mile, out and back route. On the way there we can spy on plants and animals waking up for spring. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch to have at the View following the hike. Visit the registration page to learn more.

Mount Tom and Whiting Peak

Hike to the summits of Mount Tom and Whiting Peak. Enjoy views of neighboring peaks, towns and local farmland. Optional after hike lunch stop at River Valley Co-op.

Amherst 20 Ride

Join us for a delightful 20-mile group bicycle ride at a relaxed pace (12-14 mph average) on well-paved and mostly flat roads. We will convene on the UMass Amherst and get on our bikes and take a short ride to visit the UMass sun wheel, a hidden gem. We will follow scenic country roads in Hadley and Sunderland before returning to our starting point at UMass.

Trail Rehab North of Fernside Rd

We'll rebuild some water bars and repair some steps on this steep, often muddy section of trail between Shaker Campsite and Fernside Rd. Short hike to the work area carrying heavy tools. Digging, bending, stooping. Some rock carrying off-trail. Expect to get a bit muddy on this one.

Hoosac Range Trail

Join us for a lesser known hike in the Northern Berkshires. We'll visit Sunset Rock and Spruce Hill which both offer open views of Greylock and surrounding mountains. This will be out and back with a total of approximately 6 miles with 850 ft. of elevation gain. Terrain is overall moderately challenging/ intermediate with a few steeper spots.

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling

This activity is intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 15 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be Relaxed. The pace will be comfortable (9-11 mph average), and we will keep the group together.

Whitewater Class II Fife Section

Paddle a 5-6 mile section (Fife section) of class II whitewater on the Deerfield River with some instruction. You will need a whitewater boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet, water shoes and appropriate clothing (wetsuit or drysuit). We will do some instructional in eddys. This trip will focus on eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and basic paddling strokes.

Kayak Instruction: Strokes and Safety

Paddling instruction classes offered for beginners and those who have been paddling but without prior formal instruction. Barton Cove, situated on a beautiful rocky peninsula jutting into the Connecticut River, is an ideal place to learn how to paddle. There is plenty of parking, boat rentals are available onsite and the cove is protected from the wind and any possible currents. Participants will be given instruction on land initially, then together we will venture into the cove.

Whitewater Class II Fife Section

Paddle a 5-6 mile section (Fife section) of class II whitewater on the Deerfield River with some instruction. You will need a whitewater boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet, water shoes and appropriate clothing (wetsuit or drysuit). We will do some instructional in eddys. This trip will focus on eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and basic paddling strokes.

Hikes With Tykes

If you are the parent, grandparent or primary caretaker of a wee one, birth to 2 years, you are invited to join an AMC Western MA bimonthly hike series geared to get you and your little one out on the trail in and around the Connecticut River Valley. Momma Kayla and Nanna Dawne are planning guided, easy stroller or baby backpack hikes in the afternoon on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month beginning on April 8th. This is a way for you and your child to connect with nature and other parents and child caretakers in a safe, inclusive way with trained AMC hike leaders.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course

The ability to apply basic backcountry first aid is vital for any outdoor enthusiast, whether it's for yourself or others. Moving beyond urban first aid, this course teaches the skills necessary to identify and treat medical issues common to wilderness settings and to prepare for long-term care scenarios. Includes hands-on practice and lectures. Learn more on the registration page.

Hiking Chair

The volunteer role of the Hiking Chair is to support leaders in offering a variety of hikes to AMC members and other participants, with a safe, fun, inclusive, and welcoming approach. A love of the outdoors and excellent organizational skills are a key fit for this position.

Chapter Vice Chair

Looking for the satisfaction of using your skills to help people Be Outdoors in western Massachusetts? Explore chapter governance in this support role, learning about all areas of the AMC Western MA Chapter, its activities, and the AMC organization.