Hiking Committee

Upcoming Activities

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

[Women's+ Hike] 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.

[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.

Trail 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.

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.

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.