Upcoming Chapter Activities

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NH Hikes: South Moat 52WAV

Dig out your gear and ease into the winter hiking season in the White Mountains with a trip to South Moat. On the 52WAV list, this summit offers 360 views for a moderate distance of 5-6 miles with approx. 2,100 ft. elevation gain and overall intermediate terrain difficulty. Previous winter hiking experience recommended. Experienced 3-season hikers welcome with necessary winter gear.

Pre-Holiday Mount Tom Hike

Enjoy a 3.5-mile loop with 571 feet of elevation gain, hiking on Mount Tom as we make our way up the Keystone Trail, down the Quarry Trail, and finally continue on a flatter Knox Extension ending with the Bray Valley and Bray Loop Trail. This is a moderately difficult hike due to an initial climb of one mile that includes some short steep sections. We will hike at a moderate pace. Once through the ascent it is almost all downhill to the finish. At the mid-point, there is a gradual descent that requires careful stepping due to lots of small rocks. Of course, snow cover might smooth things out.

Bullitt Preserve, Chapel Falls, and Chapel Ledge

Moderate hike of approximately 5 miles including woods, waterfalls and the Chapel Ledge overlook on Pony Mountain. Hopefully plenty of winter scenery!

Wildlife Transect: Tom Leonard Area

While we've done transects in this area in the past, a recent forest fire in the area prompts us to take another look. No experience necessary.

Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area

Explore Wantasiquet Mountain Natural Area just over the MA border in southern NH. Hike 6.5 miles on mixed terrain, moderate and steep sections with approx. 1,730 ft. elevation gain. This route features Stone Post View, Mine Ledge and Indian Pond. Overlooks offer views of Brattleboro, the Connecticut River and nearby peaks.

Chesterfield Gorge Loop Hike

Hike option: Loop trail of a little over 7 miles. We begin by exploring the picturesque Chesterfield Gorge, a natural wonder that sets the tone for the hike. From there, we head down an old road before turning onto well-maintained snowmobile trails. These trails lead us through a serene wooded area to a scenic viewpoint. The path weaves up and down through the forest, offering easy footing and the chance to admire impressive stone walls along the way. Eventually, we rejoin the East Branch Trail, where we can pause for lunch on smooth, sunlit rocks adorned with fascinating potholes. The return journey follows a gentle, 3-mile route along the East Branch Trail, providing a relaxing end to the hike.

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wildlife Tracking

Winter unveils wildlife habits like no other season. Footprints, gait patterns, and other signs not only reveal the inhabitants of the forest, but the behaviors of wildlife we seldom see. Families and adults, join AMC Family Programs leader Dawne Piers-Gamble at Noble View Outdoor Center Russell, MA for wildlife tracking with certified tracker and AMC leader Jim Pelletier. Come learn the art of tracking and spy on wildlife foraging practices and travel corridors. Jim shares tips on identification techniques and where to look for wildlife activity in your own backyard.

Wildlife Transect: Becket Mtn Area

This wildlife transect will take us to the Becket Mtn area of our A.T. lands - an area we've not explored before. No experience necessary.

Winter Adventure: Cardigan High Cabin With Overnight

Mount Cardigan is one of the "52 with a View" peaks. If you like great hiking, socializing, and "roughing it" in winter (but not too rough), this trip is for you! On this weekday trip, we'll hike up to High Cabin from the AMC Cardigan Lodge. Once we are settled in, we will enjoy a group meal and some star gazing (dependent on the weather). The plans are to stay the night.

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Introduction to Canoe Camping

Have you ever wondered what canoe campers know about which gear and food to pack and how to pack it for a trip in a canoe? How is canoe camping different from car camping or backpacking? Where can you go camping by way of a canoe? And, for how long? On January 18, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM in Concord, NH, the Canoe Committee of the AMC NH Paddlers will host a workshop for those paddlers interested in moving into camping with a canoe and answer all those basic questions.

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wildlife Transect: Beartown State Forest

Our transect will take us to an area with a beaver dam that washed out several years ago. Will be interesting to see if beavers have reestablished the dam and how wildlife are using the area.

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Eyes to the Skies

With the crescent moon aglow, and 6 planets in the evening sky, (Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars easily visible) join Western MA and the Springfield Naturalist Club to behold the wonders of the winter sky at Noble View Outdoor Center on Russell Mountain. Through telescopes, we will examine craters on the moon, planets and wintertime constellations. Come enjoy a cocoa and campfire with other night sky enthusiasts.

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!

Leader Refresher Course

This event is for the leaders and leader candidates of the Western MA Mountaineering committee. This event is centered around anchor building, rock climbing safety, and curriculum re-education.

Transition Gym to Rock Climbing Class

1 day of instruction held at Chapel Ledge (Ashfield). Build on your indoor skills and learn the skills required to climb outdoors including: safety, proper equipment use, knots and tying into the rope, communication with a climbing partner, movement on the rock, belaying a partner, and an introduction to top rope anchors (including cleaning). There will be lots of climbing time! Gear is supplied, but bring what you have.

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.

A.T. Public Communications Coordinator

The Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee is seeking a Communications Coordinator. The Coordinator will be the connection between the AT Committee and the general public through content on social media sites, in print, and at community events. The coordinator should attend bimonthly AT Committee meetings. Refer to the registration page for duties and the skills needed for this position.

A.T. Group Outreach Coordinator

The Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee is seeking a Group Outreach Coordinator. The Coordinator would establish and maintain contacts with organized or sponsored groups that use the AT in Massachusetts with the objective of minimizing the impact of group use on the trail and trail facilities. Refer to the registration page for duties and the skills needed 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.