Activity Committees

AMC offers over 8,000 activities each year, from local chapter activities to major excursions worldwide, for every ability level and outdoor interest. More than 280 of these activities are led by Western MA volunteers.

Western MA activities are planned by one of 11 activity committees, each of which offers an array of outings. Click or tap on the READ MORE links to learn more about our committees and to view their upcoming activities and open volunteer positions.

20s/30s Committee

Welcome to the 20s/30s Committee of the Western MA Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club! If you're in your twenties or thirties, or simply young at heart, we warmly invite you to join our dynamic community of outdoor enthusiasts. Our activities for young members are designed to foster connections through shared outdoor experiences.

Appalachian Trail Management Committee

The AMC Western MA Appalachian Trail Management Committee (A.T. Committee) is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of that portion of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) located in Massachusetts. This section of the A.T. encompasses nearly 90 miles of trail. The A.T. Committee coordinates the extensive volunteer effort that keeps the trail open, overnight sites maintained, and the trail lands and natural resources protected.

Bicycling Committee

We are experienced cyclists who enjoy social, recreational rides in the range of 15-50 miles at speeds averaging between 10-14 mph, with rest stops and optional post-ride socials. We keep the group moving, but we're not racers. All of our trip leaders are volunteers, trained by the AMC in group management, and by the Bicycling Committee leaders to have the skills necessary to plan and run safe, enjoyable group bicycling trips.

Conservation Committee

The Conservation Committee hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including invasive plant removals, nature hikes, and trash cleanups. Recent webinar topics have addressed wildlife conservation on Mt. Tom, forest health and carbon sequestration, invasive species, reptiles in Western Massachusetts, and AMC's policy on solar siting.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

The members of the DEI Committee are committed to making outdoor recreational spaces in western Massachusetts accessible, safe and inviting to all people. We are working fervently to determine and eradicate barriers that inhibit equitable participation. We desire to bring outdoor activities to diverse populations by finding ways to meet people where they are.

Family Programs Committee

The Family Programs Committee schedules adventures in western Massachusetts every month throughout the year. These adventures include family friendly hikes, experiential outdoor activities that teach outdoor skills and conservation concepts, seasonal crafts and games, camping, family nights and much more. We strive to instill confidence, collaboration, understanding and an appreciation of the outdoors so as to foster, respect and stewardship of our planet and all living things.

Hiking Committee

The Hiking (formerly Outings) Committee organizes general, non-technical events such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backpacking trips. We have a very long list of hiking trips. Most hikes occur on weekends, but we do have a tradition of Tuesday hiking trips as well.

Mountaineering Committee

Our Mountaineering Committee organizes rock climbing (sport, traditional, and multi-pitch), plus the occasional ice climbing, indoor wall climbing, or backcountry skiing trip. Our volunteers run trips all year. Some are day trips or after-work evening trips to local climbs, others are multi-day trips to more distant venues.

New England Scenic Trail Management Committee

The 235-mile New England National Scenic Trail (NET) has been in existence for over half a century. This federally-designated trail travels through 39 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (MMM or Triple-M) trails. VIEW MAP » The principal stewards of the NET are AMC's New England Scenic Trail Management Committee in Massachusetts and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) in Connecticut.

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.

Training and Education Committee

AMC supports people of all ages and backgrounds in their pursuit of outdoor experiences to reach personal and professional goals. Our accessible and affordable resources, workshops, and trainings, led by a team of experienced staff and volunteers, cater to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in outdoor activities, naturalist and scientific topics, conservation advocacy, trails stewardship, and outdoor leadership.

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View AMC-wide open volunteer positions »