Upcoming Chapter Activities

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Paddle the Lower Winni With LGBTQ+ Boaters and Allies

Paddle the Lower Winni (Class III) with LGBTQ+ boaters and allies! Kayaks, SUPs, canoes, rafts, whatever! are welcome. This afternoon trip is part of the Nor'Easter event in Franklin and is supported by NRS.

[20s/30s+] Mt. Tom State Reservation

Come explore Mount Tom with other 20s/30s+ folks! We'll meet at the Bray Lake parking area and hike around the Reservation. Exact route to be determined by group ability and preferences. We will generally hike 4-6 mi with moderate elevation gain. Additional information, including meeting time and place, will be emailed to those who register. After the hike, everyone will be welcome to join at a TBD restaurant/brewery for drinks and food.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid

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. Upon completion, participants receive 16-hour SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification. A CPR certification will be offered in the evening of the first day, this is optional. See the registration page for program highlights.

Mt. Greylock Visitor’s Center to Rounds Rock Loop

Starting from the Visitor's Center, we will climb the Woodeson Spring Trail to the Rounds Rock Trail where we will have lunch at a beautiful view, and return back to the Visitor's Center on the Northrup Trail. We will pass through various forest types and should see lots of wildflowers! Approx. 7 miles.

Robert Frost Series Section 1 on Earth Day

Join us on Earth Day for the inaugural Robert Frost Trail (RFT) Hiking Series. We will be hiking the newest section, # 1, from Skinner State Park to Notch Visitors Center in Mount Holyoke State Park. The RFT route takes hikers over the top of the range not once but twice, taking advantage of lower "saddles" in the ridge. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents and descents and also gentler flat or rolling rambles. Along the way, hikers experience both the northern and southern faces of the range, portions of the famous ridgetop route with stunning views, and the lovely Lithia Springs Reservoir.

Adaptive Hiking Training

Enjoy the spring weather and learn how to foster safe and welcoming outdoor experiences for people of all ages and abilities! This year, AMC is partnering with All Out Adventures, a Northampton-based organization that promotes community and independence for people with disabilities and their family and friends through outdoor recreation, for a series of adaptive hikes and training opportunities.

Upper Goose Pond Cabin: Contractor Load In - Pond Transport

This is the first of two stages of work to transport materials for a contractor who will be performing work at the Cabin. We will work as two groups, one at the Cabin and the other at the boat loading site, loading and unloading the boat transporting equipment and materials across the pond. The boat will arrive at noon and we'll work to 5pm. Once the cargo is at the Cabin dock, we'll start carrying it up the short hill to the work site. If necessary, we have a 2nd day of work scheduled for April 27th.

8-hr Leadership Training

Class covers many aspects of being a leader such as: leadership styles, group dynamics, day hike planning, map & compass, leadership opportunities, leader liability, screening hike participants, critical incident stress debriefing, accident scene management, Leave No Trace principles, conservation, and community. See the registration page for more information.

NH Hikes: North Pack and Pack Monadnock

Summit North Pack and Pack Monadnock out and back from the north. On a clear day enjoy views from both summits with the opportunity to climb the fire tower on Pack Monadnock during lunch. Overall difficulty is intermediate. Approx. 7.5 miles with 2,150 elevation gain, averaging 2 mph with breaks to enjoy viewpoints.

Spring Warm-up for Experienced Cyclists - Sunderland to Montague Loop

Ride north from Sunderland and enjoy rolling hills as we make our way through Deerfield, Turners Falls and Millers Falls with a nice rail trail crossing of the Connecticut River before turning back to Sunderland. This 25-mile ride provides quiet rural roads, interesting scenery, and village centers. We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 11-13 mph average regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way.

Upper Goose Pond Cabin: Finish Load In

This is a continuation of the work started on April 26th and will occur only if needed. The Leader will contact participants the evening of the 26th if more work is needed. We will carry any remaining contractor gear approximately 100 yards up hill from the dock area to the cabin.

Leadership Skills Refresher Course

This event is for the leaders and leader candidates of the Western MA Mountaineering Committee and is centered around anchor building, rock climbing safety, and curriculum re-education. Contact: chrisneilamc@gmail.com.

[20s/30s+] Spring Social at Northampton Brewery

Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ for an evening at Northampton Brewery! Swap winter adventure stories, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and get the inside scoop on our upcoming spring events. Got trip ideas or plans for the warmer months? We'd love to hear what you're excited about!

Spring Warm-up for Experienced Cyclists: Sunderland to Montague and Deerfield

Ride north from Sunderland and enjoy rolling hills as we make our way through Montague and Old Deerfield Village before returning to Sunderland. This 23-mile loop ride provides quiet rural roads, interesting scenery, and village centers. Total elevation gain over the route is about 700 feet (30 feet per mile average). We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 11-13 mph average regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way.

AT Hike Series 2025 Section 1

Section 1. Sages Ravine to Guilder Pond 6.7 miles, Elevation change: 1200 ft., rain date: May 4. Starting on the CT/MA border hike north on the AT to Sages Ravine, a beautiful, mossy gorge with cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, the trail ascends steadily towards the MA border. The ravine is known for its lush forest and refreshing waters, making it a great spot for a break before the climb. From here, the AT climbs Mount Race (2,365 ft), offering spectacular ridgeline views to the west, with sheer cliffs dropping off to the side. This portion of the trail is exposed in places, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Taconic Mountains and the Housatonic Valley. Continuing north, the trail ascends Mount Everett (2,624 ft), the highest peak in the southern Berkshires. The climb is steep but relatively short. The summit, once home to a fire tower, still provides excellent views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.

[Womens+] Hike to Tannery Falls and Burnett Pond

Moderate hike of ~6 miles with 500-600 ft elevation gain on the Tannery Trail to Tannery Falls (~70-80 ft waterfall). We'll take a lunch and photo break at the falls then hike back. Option to add an additional 1.8 easy miles to visit Burnett Pond on the other side of the parking area.

A.T. Tyringham Cobble Joint Work Day

Join in with local volunteers to maintain the A.T. as it traverses iconic viewpoints on Tyringham Cobble. We'll clip brush and maintain open areas. Possibly carry in and construct bog bridges.

Lower West River, Class 2 Whitewater

The Army Corp is scheduled to release approximately 1500 cfs of water from the Ball Mt. Dam on this weekend. This trip is going to cover the lower and easier section of this whitewater stretch of river. We will be starting at the lower end of Jamaica State Park and paddle to West Townsend. This section features some large waves and large holes most of which are avoidable with whitewater skills. Cold weather paddling gear such as a wet suit, semi-dry top may be necessary.

Protect the AT - Maintain the Trail Corridor Boundary

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us in maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working between Fernside Rd and the Beartown State Forest boundary. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight, and painting yellow blazes along the boundary. Pace will be slow, terrain will include steep sections, and brush may be heavy. Work will be off-trail often in remote areas. Expect to be in the woods the entire day.

Invasives Management, Jug End Area

We will be addressing invasive plants in the Jug End area, cutting and hand pulling, using hand tools. Stooping and carrying cut brush. Pace is slow, terrain easy to moderate.

Protect the AT - Maintain the Trail Corridor Boundary

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us in maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working between Fernside Rd and the Beartown State Forest boundary. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight, and painting yellow blazes along the boundary. Pace will be slow, terrain will include steep sections, and brush may be heavy. Work will be off-trail often in remote areas. Expect to be in the woods the entire day.

Mt. Toby via Sugar Farms Trail

The Sugar Farms Trail is largely flat for the first two-plus miles. We then turn on to the Summit Trail which rises quite steeply along a rough, and often muddy, old woods road, arriving at the summit behind the fire tower. If the timing is right, we may see hepatica or other woodland flowers poking through.

Protect the AT - Maintain the Trail Corridor Boundary

Enjoy the backstage of the A.T. Visit places no hiker has ever seen. Join us in maintaining the boundary lines of the land corridor that protect the A.T. We will be working in North Adams between Phelps Ave and Pattison Rd. Work will include finding and clearing the boundary by clipping brush and small trees with hand tools to maintain a line of sight. Pace will be slow, terrain may occasionally be steep, wet, or rocky. Brush may be heavy. Work will be off-trail, often in remote areas. Expect to be in the woods the entire day.

Upper Goose Pond Cabin Maintenance Day

We will perform annual maintenance in anticipation of the cabin opening for the season. Work will include light carpentry, some digging in rocky soil, cutting brush and servicing moldering privies. Short moderate hike to worksite. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes bring lunch/snacks, and water to drink. Work gloves are recommended.

[Womens+] Guided Wildflower Hike in the Southern Berkshires

Join us for this Women+ 4 mile, easy, guided Wildflower Hike in the Southern Berkshires. Famed for its displays of spring wildflowers, Bartholomew’s Cobble supports nearly 800 species of plants, including many rare ferns and wildflowers. Trillium, spring beauty, wild ginger, blue cohosh, toothworts, and Dutchman’s breeches are just a few of the amazing diversity of plants we can expect to see.

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking

Ann Gillard will lead an introduction to whitewater clinic May 10-11, 2025 with Hampshire College. We will start in the pool on Saturday morning, learning about boats, equipment, and fit, how to safely exit a capsized kayak, and basic paddle strokes and maneuvers. In the afternoon, we will either continue in the pool OR travel to a class 1-2 river within 90 minutes to practice river skills (ferrying, eddying out, peeling out) on easier water, based on the needs and interests of the group. On Sunday, we will meet at a class 1-2 river and enjoy a river run.

Open Upper Goose Pond Cabin

Open this iconic A.T. hiker stop for the season. We'll take down the shutters, sweep and clean, set up the outdoor kitchen area, post the "Cabin Open" sign and other tasks to get this beloved place ready for another season.

[Women’s+] Sunset/Full Moon Hike to Horse Mountain and White Rocks

Hike 2-2.5 miles round trip at a relaxed pace to the White Rocks overlook, break for snacks or packed dinner, and enjoy the sunset and full moon if visible. Terrain is easy-moderate and includes moderate hills.

Anchoring Hop Brook Bridge

Hop Brook Bridge is falling into the stream. We need to secure it for 2-3 years until Federal monies are available for replacement. We will hammer two 10ft long pipes into the ground to anchor the south end of the bridge and attach the bridge to the anchors with chains. We may also raise the low end of the bridge. We must carry heavy materials and tools approx 1/2 mile on easy trail from the parking area.

Cycling Twenty-Seven Miles of Farms and Quiet Roads

Join us for a scenic 27-mile ride in the Pioneer Valley towns of Deerfield, Hatfield, and Whately. The ride starts out on flat terrain for a good warm-up and then has some nice hills for getting those legs warm (total of 600 feet of ascent). We will be riding through semi-rural farmland as we traverse Deerfield, where you will enjoy endless fields, a few cows, and lots of barns. Then it's on to Hatfield and Whately for more of the same. We head back toward South Deerfield where we return to our starting point. We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 13-14 mph average regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way.

Fife Brook Section of the Deerfield River, Class 2 Whitewater

This trip will run the upper Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River. It will start immediately below the dam and end above the Zoar Gap rapid.

[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.

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.

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%.

[20s/30s+] WhatsApp Group

Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group, where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! Feel free to introduce yourself when you join - including your name, where you're from, what outdoor activities you enjoy, and (if you like) a photo and the name of a pet you love.

Trails Day Paddle on Cheshire Reservoir

We will be paddling on the Cheshire Reservoir middle basin alongside the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. This 500 acre reservoir is shallow (6-9 ft deep), mostly undeveloped, and has wildlife viewing opportunities. We plan to paddle in the morning for 2.5-3 hours at a leisurely pace to explore the reservoir. Then there will be an option to go for ice cream after the paddle at Diane's Twist on Main St. by the rail trail in Cheshire.

Trails Day WMA: 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.

Berkshires: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Ride

Celebrate National Trails Day with a beautiful bike ride on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (paved). A leisurely, 24-mile (up and back ride) through towns of Cheshire, Lanesboro and Adams, MA. The trail is between the Mt. Greylock and Hoosac Mountains. The Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River abut much of the trail offering views of abundant wildlife. There will be an ice cream stop!

AT Relocation at MA/VT Border

On this joint project with the Green Mountain Club, we'll make a preliminary cut on the line of a future 0.4 mile relocation of the A.T. at the VT border. Work will consist of cutting small saplings and shrubs with hand tools. There may be a few downed trees across the route that will need a chainsaw. Our work is in preparation for a professional trail crew to come in later and create the actual treadway, rock steps, cribbing and bench cutting.

Replace & Reset Bog Bridges

We will reset wobbly bog bridges and replace any that are failing in the swampy area immediately south of Blue Hill Rd. Conditions will be muddy, if not downright wet. Dress for expected weather conditions.

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.

Privy Moves - Maintaining Privies at AT Campsites

We will be moving the privies at Shaker Campsite and Wilcox South Campsite to new locations. Work involves digging with hand tools and lifting and moving the outhouse several feet to a new site. Work may involve incidental contact with human waste. We will start at Shaker Campsite, approx 1/2 mile down hill from the meeting location. Upon completion, we will drive approx 30 mins to the access to Wilcox South Shelter, and hike another 1/2 mile down hill to that work site.

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.

Paddling Instruction at Barton Cove - Strokes and Safety

Paddling instruction class offered for beginners and those who have been paddling but without prior formal instruction. Also suitable for those who want to brush up on their paddling and safe boating skills. Participants will be given instruction on land initially, then together we will venture into the cove. This class will be led by AMC Western MA paddle leaders who have been trained as paddling instructors by the American Canoe Association. The day will include instruction and practice in the basic paddle strokes (forward and reverse strokes, turns using sweep strokes or rudders, draw strokes for lateral travel) and a paddle trip around the cove. Paddling games on the water will reinforce skills.

AT Hike Series

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail - all 2,197.4 miles, 5 million steps, and 14 states of it - from Georgia to Maine? Maybe it's a bucket list goal, or maybe you just love the idea of a challenge, breathtaking views, and the thrill of the trail. Wherever you stand, the Western MA Chapter is here to help you take that first step! Join us this summer and early fall for an exciting and challenging hiking series covering the 90 miles of the A.T. in MA. Whether you're testing the waters for a future thru-hike or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, this series is your gateway to the trail.

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.