The Western MA Exchange Archive

The last blue moon was in 2018 and we won't see another one until 2037. So hopefully, the clouds and rain will clear out so we can get a glimpse of this rare and beautiful sight.

FallFest is almost here, and we'll be there to offer you great outdoor activities, learning opportunities, community, and food! All you have to do is register! Women's Weekend, happening in October, is a wonderful opportunity to experience a weekend of fun and diverse array of outdoor activities with a group of wonderful folks. Last year's event was a big hit! Lastly, we are thrilled to share the news that acreage along the NET has been purchased to preserve it for generations to come. It's so great to see our beloved NET getting some care and protection! Read on to see how you can partake in the amazing work of this Chapter. See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

FallFest at Noble View

Get ready to celebrate all things Fall with the AMC Western MA Chapter on September 30, 2023 at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. There will be a variety of guided and self-guided activities including hikes, bike rides, and paddling events, as well as demonstrations, information tables, music, and of course, food. A BBQ lunch will be served from 12:00 - 2:00 PM, as well as popcorn and cider throughout the day. Family activities will be offered including a StoryWalk, pumpkin craft and games. A suggested donation of $20 per family includes BBQ lunch, access to activities, and free one-year membership for first-time members. Registrants have an option to select a different registration fee. Click here for details and to register.

Women's Weekend Retreat at Noble View

We invite you to join the Appalachian Mountain Club Western MA Chapter's Second Annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature, women-only weekend retreat from 4:00 PM on Friday October 6th until 2:00 PM on Sunday October 8th at AMC Noble View Outdoor Center, Russell, MA. This year we are excited to be collaborating with Women Outdoors for this event. We have scheduled a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor pursuits including birding and meditative hikes, singing, painting, drumming, dancing, compass skills, bike repair and so much more! This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, transwomen and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves. Click here for details and to register.

200 Acres Along the NET Conserved

Trust for Public Land, in partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Appalachian Mountain Club, recently announced the conservation of 200 acres along the New England National Scenic Trail (NET) in Southwick, MA. Congress designated the NET a National Scenic Trail in 2009, and this purchase is the first federal acquisition for NET trail protection. The NET is a 235-mile footpath that runs from the coast of Connecticut to the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Although designated a National Scenic Trail by Congress, only about half of the 90-mile trail in Massachusetts exists on protected conservation land. The other half is vulnerable over time to shifts in ownership and changes in land use that could result in broken sections or lengthy road walks. This property, which is in Southwick near Agawam and Westfield, will be maintained by the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter. Click here to read the full article.

Training includes:

• Activity planning and management
• Screening of potential participants for an activity
• Risk management & leader liability, including AMC's leadership requirements and guidelines
• Leadership approaches (formerly styles)
• People skills including group dynamics, interpersonal communication, and feedback
• AMC Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and accident scene management
• Leave No Trace & Conservation programs
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

For those who wish to become a Chapter leader, an additional four-hour outdoor course, scheduled by activity area, will be required. In this second part of the leadership training course, participants will engage in role plays and apply the techniques and knowledge learned during part one of the course in an outdoor environment. Training is free!  »

Matt's love for the outdoors began with scouting, through which he learned outdoor ethics and the principles of Leave No Trace (@LeaveNoTraceOrg), visited the high adventure Philmont Scout Ranch (@PhilmontScoutRanch), and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. However, without the structure that scouting provided, he later grew away from the outdoors – until rediscovering his passion while completing the NH 48 Four Thousand Footers. In 2022, Matt completed a thru-hike of the 2,194.3-mile A.T. (@AppalachianTrail) and developed an appreciation for the significant work that trail committees and outdoor organizations undertake to preserve and protect our natural spaces. He aspires to help others build confidence in themselves and realize the potential of spending time outdoors. Matt enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, paddling, snowshoeing, and skiing (including downhill, backcountry, and cross-country). Currently, he is section-hiking the New England Trail (@NewEnglandTrail), planning thru-hikes of the Midstate and Robert Frost Trails, and daydreaming about the Long Trail (@GreenMountainClub) and a White Mountains Direttissima (a hike of all of NH's 48 4000' peaks in one continuous route). He is also exploring budding interests in cycling and climbing. Originally from Clinton, he now calls South Deerfield and Western MA his home. You may follow and contact Matt on Instagram (@matthewrhart) or email the 20s/30s Committee at 20s-30s@amc-wma.org. You can also check out the 20s/30s Committee page here.

The Kestrel Land Trust and the Appalachian Mountain Club will continue their partnership to maintain the Robert Frost Trail and New England National Scenic Trail in the only place where these regional trails overlap, Skinner and Mt. Holyoke Range State Parks. This project will improve the quality of two popular long-distance trails and enhance the day-to-day user experience. Grant funding also includes equipment for the Pittsfield State Forest, improvements to mountain biking trails in Charlemont, trail improvements in Dalton, and a ridge runner position on the A.T. in the Berkshires. LEARN MORE »

Stay for the weekend at the Fire Island Cabin or come for the day. The Day Guest fee is reimbursed and lunch will be provided for all participants in the Saturday cleanup event(s).  »

If all plants are not weeds, and not all weeds are invasive, how do you know which plants don't belong in our local outdoor spaces? How can we tell a "good" weed from a "bad" one? That answer can be found on our new invasive species page. You will find photos and identifying information on some of the most common invasive species in our area, as well as opportunities join in the chapter's efforts to help eradicate these invasive plants. The photo shown here depicts the multiflora rose, an invasive plant that is native to Japan, China and Korea. While it has pretty white flowers and a lovely rose scent, it grows aggressively and overwhelms native plants. Learn more about invasive species removal and other conservation initiatives that our chapter has done, as well as how you can get involved in our upcoming conservation committee outings.

Our committees have been busy this summer!

20s/30s

This month, Western MA welcomes Matt Hart, our new 20s/30s Committee Chair!

A.T. Management

Completed 3 wildlife transects ✧ Corridor monitoring continues ✧ Full Summer project schedule (trail work, maintenance, and monitoring activities) is in process ✧ Held our first ever summer meeting (11-Jul-2023) ✧ Voted to recommend a hybrid option to NPS for the Hop Brook boardwalk trail project ✧ Chose a new location for the Shaker Campsite, 1 mile north of County Rd. in Tyringham ✧ Volunteers are needed for natural heritage and corridor monitoring

Bicycling

Intro Ride: Sunderland (03-Jun-2023) ✧ Amherst 20 Ride (11-Jun-2023) ✧ Berkshires Ride: Great Barrington to CT (22-Jul-2023) ✧ August bike rides are listed in AMC's activities database and on the Western MA bicycling webpage

Communications

Posted 13 items on FaceBook ✧ Posted 11 items on Instagram ✧ Sent 1,413 newsletters ✧ Published beginner resources, participant comments, and what's new pages on the website ✧ Prepped two new initiatives (moldering privies and invasive species) and the Families Outdoors page ✧ Posted upcoming and self-guided activities, photos, news, and events to the website ✧ Ongoing website maintenance and SEO work

DEI

Collaborated with DCR on Hike Like a Pro, Holyoke Heritage Park (14-Jul-2023) ✧ Collaborated with DCR on Hike Like a Pro Excursion at Mt Tom, Holyoke Heritage Park (22-Jul-2023) ✧ Collaborated with DCR on Paddle Like a Pro, Holyoke Heritage Park (04-Aug-2023) ✧ Volunteered with All Out Adventures paddling events (July 2023) ✧ D. Piers-Gamble participated in volunteer training for paddling and cycling with All Out Adventures (June/July 2023) ✧ Interviewed candidates for the position of DEI Consultant to the AMC DEI Board ✧ Updated Trip Talk Cards to use more inclusive language and practices ✧ Began collaborative planning for the AMC Western MA Women's Weekend ✧ Sent out requests for DEI Speaker Series presenters ✧ Collaboration continues with DCR on Camp Like a Pro, Holyoke Heritage Park (18-Aug-2023)

Family Programs

The July StoryWalk^® is "The Camping Trip", installed in collaboration with the Hilltown Family Center ✧ Held a family Mother's Day wildflower hike (14-May-2023) ✧ A natural woods playground for families is under construction at Noble View, overseen by H. Wyman in collaboration with local Boy Scouts ✧ Collaborated with DEI committee and DCR on Hike Like a Pro at Holyoke Heritage Park (14-Jul-2023) ✧ Collaborated with DEI committee and DCR on Hike Like a Pro at Mt. Tom (22-Jul-2023) ✧ Attended Mountain Day in Pittsfield MA to market AMC Western MA Chapter (22-Jul-2023) ✧ Attended 4 FallFest Planning Zoom meetings ✧ Planning August 2023 programs at Holyoke Heritage Park including Paddle Like A Pro and Camp Like A Pro ✧ Collaborating with local libraries on the MA Library Association Summer Reading Program

Hiking

Led 13 hiking trips from July 1 through August 15 ✧ Compiled leader information for the new AMC Outdoor Connector ✧ Currently working on upcoming TrailFest and Women's Weekend activities ✧ Currently booking hikes for August, and September ✧ Ongoing compilation of volunteer bios for posting on the web

NET Management

M. Maistelman hired as new NET Coordinator to replace Liam Creegan ✧ RZ Privy project completed. Close to 400 volunteer hours were invested in this project, which is highlighted here ✧ Small relocation on Section 15 in Wendell SF completed after a request from DCR to move trail ✧ Rock work on Section 11 completed with the help of 4 NET volunteers. This project will help with hiking through the wet area. Volunteers used new equipment purchased with AMC $ on this project. It was a great training opportunity and using sustainable solutions instead of bog bridging as initially planned ✧ Coordinated with DCR to remove blowdowns on Section 17 in MT Grace SF ✧ Completed training hike with new Trail Adopter Andy Gilbert, who will maintain the southern end of Section 18 in Warwick from Rt 78 to Richmond Rd ✧ New land protection completed on Section 1 in Southwick. This cooperative project with AMC, NPS and the USFW will permanently protect 1/3 of a mile on this section. It aligns with our efforts to protect more land and to have the NET located on public land ✧ Bridge over Mormon Hollow Brook on Section 15 (Wendell SF) scheduled for replacement

Paddling

M.T. Durr completed a 2-day whitewater rescue class with Zoar Outdoor ✧ D. Weisenstein completed a Boy Scout Safety Afloat training course ✧ Paddle With a Purpose! Trip to harvest invasive water chestnut in the Chicopee River (05-Jul-2023) ✧ Whitewater trip - Class II Fife Section, Deerfield River, MA (07-Jul-2023) ✧ Diversity Whitewater event at Zoar Outdoor, sponsored by AMC (08-Jul-2023) ✧ All Out Adventures adaptive paddle trips (July)

Training and Education

Ongoing planning continues for new training classes

ONLY IN YOUR STATE »

The NET is a 235-mile footpath that runs from the coast of CT to the border of NH and MA. Although designated a National Scenic Trail by Congress, only about half of the 90-mile trail in MA exists on protected conservation land. The other half is vulnerable over time to shifts in ownership and changes in land use that could result in broken sections or lengthy road walks. The property, and about 1/3 of a mile of the NET itself, will be overseen as part of the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Western MA Chapter will manage and maintain the property under the new federal ownership. Visit the Trust for Public Land for more information on this historic acquisition.

We have scheduled a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor pursuits in the hope of attracting women to the joy and rejuvenation of the outdoors. This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, transwomen and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves.  »

Families Outdoors empowers families to build lifelong healthy habits and improve their long-term well-being by participating in high quality outdoor experiences. All families can benefit from this programming, no matter their location. Discover resources to help you plan outdoor adventures with your children, including links to our upcoming guided adventures and some fun nature games.

Kids 8 and up will enjoy the brilliance of the star-studded skies, and other natural features of Noble View Outdoor Center, while embracing the concepts of Leave No Trace as they make camp. Families are invited to set up their own tents, play games and join in a wiener roast dinner, complete with s'mores compliments of the AMC Western MA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Family Programs Committees. Go for a guided hike at dusk. Once it is dark we gather around the fire, learn some constellations, hear stories and view the night sky. In the morning there will be yogurt, fruit and bagels for breakfast. Then you are on your own to enjoy the many other trails at Noble View.  »

AMC volunteers recently built a moldering privy at the Richardon-Zlogar Cabin on Section 17 of the New England National Scenic Trail. Moldering privies use an above-ground crib for human waste that when air and leaves are added, break down much faster with less odor and harm to the environment. Read more about how these privies are made and why they are better for the environment.

THE WASHINGTON POST »

Lisa accepted the call to be our new webmaster in the fall of 2022. She has since launched a whole new website for the chapter and continuously works to improve it. She is always coming up with new ideas for the website, recently including a page to recognize our wonderful volunteers and a page to highlight quotes from activities participants. Lisa frequently reaches out to committee chairs seeking information to enhance the committee's page. She attends many meetings outside of the monthly chapter meetings to stay abreast of all the chapter happenings. She never stops thinking of ways to make the website better. Lisa is a gift to the chapter and we are so happy that she has chosen to share her talents with us! Check out her bio and meet many of our other volunteers here.

UPCOMING CHAPTER ACTIVITIES »

ACCESS FUND »

At the AMC organization and chapter levels, we know that the outdoors is for everyone. That's why we're passionate about finding ways that everyone can join in the fun, adventure, enjoyment, protection, and discovery. Check out our new Beginner Resources web page, information below, and let us know what else you'd like to see there. We'll continue to develop the page to best support your getting outside, one step, pedal, or paddle at a time! Speaking of fun and discovery, read on for more information about FallFest scheduled for Saturday, September 30th. Save the date! Attending and volunteering at FallFest helped me see more of what our chapter is all about, so we hope you stop in and take a peek! See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

New Beginner Resources Page

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – H. Jackson Brown Have you ever wanted to try a new sport after seeing some photos? Maybe you're a hiker, but have never gone mountain climbing. Perhaps you've paddled on open water, but want to try some whitewater paddling. Or, maybe you have never done any outdoor activities and want to #getoutdoors and try something new. We recently developed a new page on our website with a whole host of beginner resources, including articles about beginner hiking mistakes, snowshoeing basics, beginners guide to trail running, and much more. So, check out our page here and jump right in. There's no time like the present to begin a new outdoor journey.

Fun Summer Season in Western Massachusetts

Summer is in full swing here in western Massachusetts and we have a jam-packed schedule of activities planned. Everything from biking, whitewater kayaking, mountain climbing, family activities, trail maintenance, and, of course, hikes are on our July and August schedule. While doing activities alone can be peaceful and meditative, going with a group and meeting new people with similar interests is exciting and provides new perspectives. Also, going on outdoor activities with a group led by a skilled, trained leader can remove some of the anxiety about trying something new or going to a new place. We invite you to check out our schedule and come join us this summer!

Save the Date: FallFest 2023

FallFest 2023 is happening September 30th at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA and Mohican Outdoor Center in NJ. Please plan to join us and bring friends and family for a day of celebration of all the things we love - outdoor experiences, friends, food, and fall! There will be a variety of short group trips and on-site activities, info tables, skills workshops, swag, food, music, and more! Non-members who attend will receive a free one-year AMC membership! There will also be FallFest activities happening in other AMC regions the week leading up to September 30th. You will be able to search the Activities Database for "FallFest" to find an activity near you. We are also looking for volunteers! We will need people to help with registration and set-up, and leaders to help lead trips and run activity tables. Please reach out to VolunteerRelations@outdoors.org for more information! Please join us – we'd love to have your unique contributions!

A public comment period is open through August 9, 2023 to help decide if the proposed rule should be adopted, and the EPA needs to hear your support for bold climate action today. AMC has been advocating for years for the EPA to take stronger action on climate change by reducing power plant emissions, which account for about 25% of our country's climate pollution. EPA's proposed plan is a much-needed step forward to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and would benefit our mountain views, water, and the quality of outdoor air. AMC's science team continues to document the changing climate in mountains across the Northeast with warming even on New Hampshire’s highest peak, Mount Washington. Our findings are part of the mountains of evidence for the urgency of climate action and reducing carbon pollution. We need your support because EPA must account for each comment in this process and there are many who would like to derail action on climate. Speak up now!

BEGINNER RESOURCES »

Mike Zlogar, who built the privy, got help from long-time AMC volunteer Mike Rioual, and NET trail adopters, Jacob, Joe and Emerson. If you're interested in getting involved in volunteer projects with the Chapter, check out the upcoming events on our website.

WWLP »

Robyn actively works with the cycling chair to build a calendar of seasonal rides, volunteering to actively lead many of them. During the registration phase for each ride, she is the one who carefully screens each rider ensuring that those who participate are capable of riding safely with the group, at the prescribed pace. Riders have expressed their appreciation for the detailed pre-ride info sheet which she sends out to all confirmed riders a couple of days ahead of each event. Her dedication to the sport and toward active leadership in the cycling committee is greatly appreciated. She recently completed her outings leadership training. We are fortunate to have Robyn volunteering as both a cycling and, more recently, a hiking leader. Click here to read her bio and meet some more of our wonderful volunteers.

We're building it ... are you coming? It struck me recently the number and variety of outings and events that our AMC Western MA Chapter committees have created, planned, and posted: bicycling, conservation, paddling, hiking, learning, creating ... so many opportunities and experiences to take advantage of! We're building it, and we hope you'll come! Just click here to see the array of activities you can participate in. And read on for some fascinating and fun Noble View history, as well as initiatives to enhance your beloved trails! See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Volunteers Build a New Privy on the New England National Scenic Trail

On a recent weekend, a group of volunteers built a moldering privy at the Richardson-Zlogar Cabin located on Section 17 of the NET in Northfield, replacing the old pit privy. This moldering privy is a more environmentally-friendly method for human waste than a typical pit privy since it is above ground and breaks down faster, resulting in less soil and water contamination. This privy is also handicapped accessible. The project was spearheaded by Mike Zlogar, a longtime NET adopter who is also a skilled carpenter, and who built the Richardson-Zlogar cabin. Helping Mike were his wife, Sue Zlogar, also a long-time NET trail adopter, and the Chapter's NET Chair, Kevin Peloski.The cabin sits atop a mountain with incredible views of Mt. Grace and Mt. Monadnock, so perhaps you'll want to come for a visit to check out the new privy and the views. If you're interested in getting involved in trail work, click here to learn more. We are always looking for volunteers!

The Army Moves In

The Chapter's website has a wonderful timeline of the history of the AMC, from its inception in 1876 to its most recent purchase in 2022, the 27,000 acre Pleasant River Headwaters Forest in Maine. Of special interest to us here in western Massachusetts is the purchase of the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell in 1931. A recent addition to the timeline is a funny story about the Army arriving in 1943. Notes from a Chapter meeting in 1944 report that "a Signal Corps detachment camped at Noble View for the monumental rental fee of $1. Their framed canvas tents came in on a truck, and the boys were surprised when they permanently crippled the hilltop water system by driving their truck through the middle of it. All summer long the water system functioned at half capacity." Things went from bad to worse. Read the whole story from 1943 here.

Volunteer Vacancies in the Chapter

Our chapter runs on the enthusiasm and passion of its member volunteers. Volunteering for the AMC is a great way to meet people, learn more about recreating safely, give back to the community and have fun. We are actively seeking volunteers to serve on our Executive Committee, in roles such as Membership Coordinator, 20s/30s affinity group coordinator, Member at Large, and chapter Vice Chair. There are also many opportunities to do trail maintenance. Curious? Email us at info@amc-wma.org, or check out this link for more information. We'd love to have you join us!

While for many June 14 is an extra day off and a chance to catch up on sleep or yard work, we feel it's a great opportunity to remind everyone of the goal of the AMC. "AMC is inspired by the untold diversity of our members and friends. We aim to be an inclusive, equitable, and kind community. At AMC we are united in our adventures by mutual trust, collective safety, respect for the natural world, and appreciation for our time together outdoors. We pledge that AMC will always provide a welcoming and respectful environment." If you are looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth, simply search online for Juneteeth celebrations near you. There are many throughout western Massachusetts. One option is the Sojourner Truth Mobile Walking Tour in Northampton. Or perhaps, simply share the meaning of the holiday with someone else. Click here to learn more about the history of this holiday and ways to honor it.

Check out the Silvio Conte Nature Trail off Moody Bridge Road in Hadley. It offers an accessible gravel and raised boardwalk loop through forests and meadows, with lovely views of a stream and wildflowers. Along the trail there are viewing platforms looking across wildflower meadows, swamps and streams. The trail is lined with rosa flilpes, scenting the air with the aroma of roses, as well as daisies and other native perennials. This is the perfect family adventure, with signs encouraging folks to look for a variety of native plants, butterflies and birds. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Please be pick up after your dog! Waste bags and a receptacle are provided. Happy trails!

Thirty-eight guests and volunteers enjoyed stunning views and a short hike to admire the laurels followed by chili, cornbread, lemonade and strawberry shortcake outdoors on the picnic tables. Afterward, we ventured to a neighbor's property to discover their gorgeous field of mountain laurels. Finally, we enjoyed s'mores around the campfire. If you missed Laurel Weekend, feel free to come up anytime to walk the miles of trails or do the StoryWalk® with children, featuring "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom. This is the perfect family adventure, with signs encouraging folks to look for a variety of native plants, butterflies and birds. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Please be pick up after your dog! Waste bags and a receptacle are provided. Happy trails!

You can park at the new North Trailhead Parking lot on East Street in Easthampton and walk up the accessible trail to a picnic area with a lovely view. Continue on the New England National Scenic Trail, following the white blazes up towards Reservation Road and the Eyrie Ruins, the remains of a hotel that burned down in the early 1900's. There you will be greeted with another spectacular view of the Connecticut River valley to the north. You can also park at the visitors center and follow Reservation Road. No matter where you go in the park, you will be graced with beautiful mountain laurels. Happy exploring!

The Appalachian Trail Community designation application is a lengthy process that is submitted to the Appalachian Trail Committee (ATC) by the application committee within the town or city and then voted on by the Regional ATC Chapter following a presentation and review. Lee was approved in March by the New England Regional Committee and the designation proclamation is occurring at the ceremony in Lee on June 17, 2023. The AMC Western MA Chapter is one of the partnering organizations in this project, along with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Lee Land Trust, Lee Greener Greenway and The Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee. We congratulate Lee on receiving this designation and invite you to join in the ceremony. You can also join us for AMC’s Appalachian Trail Community hike to Upper Goose Pond on June 24, 2023.

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." -John Muir Happy National Trails Day! National Trails Day (NTD) falls on the first Saturday in June and was created to encourage folks to get out and discover their local trails. Here in Western Massachusetts, we will be honoring NTD with a whole month's worth of hikes and trail maintenance activities. Click here to search for AMC activities near you or view our interactive map for more events. How will you celebrate National Trails Day this year?

National Trails Day (NTD) occurs every year on the first Saturday in June and recognizes the benefits federal, state, and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature. Events held throughout the U.S. help promote awareness of the wide variety of services the trails systems offer. NTD encourages people to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors. Here in Western Massachusetts, we decided we needed a whole month to celebrate all the miles of trails we have, including the iconic Appalachian Trail that runs through Berkshire County, the New England Scenic Trail in the Connecticut River Valley, and the Robert Frost Trail that runs from South Hadley to Wendell. We invite you to check out a new section of a trail near you or visit our interactive map for NTD activities in Western Massachusetts. Do you have a favorite trail in Western Massachusetts?