Western MA Exchange Archive

The five-mile loop provided pretty views of the West Branch of the Westfield River and a chance to see three of the majestic keystone arch bridges built in the 1830s. The double bridge is found right next to the trail head parking lot and is still in use today. The two other bridges are no longer used since the track was rerouted in 1912 but have remained standing and are now part of the trail as you walk over them. After the hike, many of the participants visited the Chester Railway Museum for a private tour by Dave Pierce, President of the Chester Foundation and the Friends of the Keystone Arch Bridges. Dave shared many interesting and fun facts about the bridges and the history of the area. Many thanks to Dave for volunteering his time to share his wealth of knowledge! MORE PHOTOS »

• Youth Deer Hunt Day: September 27
• Shotgun Season: December 1 – December 13
• Primitive Firearms Season: December 15 – December 31
• Turkey
  • Archery only: October 6 – October 18
  • Shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, or archery: October 20 – November 1
  • Archery only: November 3 – November 29

MA HUNTING SEASONS »

Thirty women from MA, some surrounding states, and as far away as VA, gathered at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell on Saturday to learn, play and enjoy the outdoors together. Workshops throughout the day included painting, creative writing, yoga, orienteering, plant identification, edible and medicinal plants, and of course some hikes on the beautiful trails at Noble View. Participants shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as comradery and friendships - seeing old friends and making new ones. When the tornado warning sounded, everyone went inside the North Cottage, the musicians broke out their instruments and they had an impromptu sing-along until they could go back outside. A huge shout-out to Dawne Piers-Gamble, the Community Engagement Chair for the Western MA Chapter, for organizing the event, to all the experts who came to share their knowledge, and to all the volunteers who helped Dawne! What an incredible event! MORE PHOTOS »

REGISTER »

September. One of the best months of the year to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The temperatures are cooler and the bugs seem to disappear. We have lots of opportunities to join the fun with us – hikes, bike, rides, yoga, family activities, paddling, events for young members and so much more! There are several ways to stay informed of what's coming up: the Chapter Activities page of our website, the Activities Calendar to browse by date, and the AMC website to search for activities anywhere in the western MA area. We hope you will join us!