About us
Our trips page lists a variety of events, including hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, skiing, and many other outdoor-related activities club members are leading. Chiltern events are open to members and non-members alike, and activities range anywhere from an easy garden walk to a strenuous backpacking trip in the White Mountains. We welcome people of all abilities and backgrounds, so there's no need to feel intimidated if you're new to an activity.
Chiltern is an all-volunteer group that strives to create a relaxed environment for people to experience the outdoors together and bond as a community.
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The purpose of this group is to create a safe space where queer folks can get outside, make friends, and have fun exploring what beautiful New England has to offer! If you identify as queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, questioning, or anything in between, please join us!
People of all skill levels are encouraged to join. We encourage all members to plan their own hikes, overnight trips, and other fun events and suggest them to the group. Please feel free to ask me if you need any help in planning or posting an event of your own.
You must read the trail descriptions and pass requirements thoroughly, understanding that they may not be complete. Please bring a little cash for a daily stamp for your car if need be. Please also bring enough water, snacks and warm clothing for yourself.
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Chiltern Mountain Club (CMC) was founded in 1978 by Sturgis Haskins. At the time he lived in Boston. He posted an ad in a local paper asking follow gay men and lesbians to join him for a hike up Mt. Wachusett in central Massachusetts. Since then, the club grew into New England's largest and only gay and lesbian outdoor recreation club.
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How to pay your dues.
From your profile unique to this group in the left column, you can click on the "$25.00/year" link below the "Member Dues" to securely pay your dues online. You should have received an email from Meetup with instructions.
Alternatively, you can mail a check to PO Box 461, Danielson, CT 06239. We can manually update your dues expiration on Meetup once we receive payment. Please be aware that if we do not receive your check in time, Meetup may automatically remove you from the group for nonpayment. Simply rejoin and we will update you expiration manually.
Upcoming events
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Easy 2.5 mile Hike/Swim at Breakheart Reservation
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School, 100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, MA, USit looks like there's interest so this is a go...
This is an easy 2.5 mile afternoon hike (with a possible swim) around a small lake in the rear section of the Breakheart Reservation just north of Boston. It is a co-event with GayOutdoors (also LGBTQ).
A third is on paved fire roads and the rest on trails along the water. It’s 60% in the woods/shaded.
About 3/4s of the way around is a beach we'll stop at. It may be unswimmable/closed due to weeds or bacteria. I'll call the Friday before to see its status.
Towards the end some people often do an optional climb up to the top of a small hill with a a nice view of Boston. It adds about a 1/4 of a mile and 100ft of elevation with a short steep climb. It's easy to bypass if you want to keep it easy.
Anything more than a drizzle will cancel - there’s no rain date planned (although I will also run this hike in September).
Breakheart Reservation info & map - https://www.mass.gov/locations/breakheart-reservation. (From the rear entrance to the reservation we’ll go counterclockwise around Pierce Lake.)
NOTE: You can use "100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield MA" as the address. That's the address of the Northeast Regional Voc Tech, which shares a large parking lot with the Reservation.
Any questions email me at corgi321@pm.me.
*Directions
NOTE > Be sure to note that we're entering the Reservation through the less common rear entrance ("R" on the map in the photo. If you find yourself at "F" (which is where the visitor center is) get to "R" by going back out to the main road and turning right. Turn right at the light and pick up at "The last turn" below.).Parking is free.
Even if you’re using using GPS please note:
The last turn - the sign for Hemlock isn’t large. The turn is also marked by a largish sign for the Voc Tech and a ball field. (Note that there are also an elementary and a middle school on the main road by the turn - ignore them. The Voc Tech is separate and is up Hemlock behind them.)
Follow Hemlock into the lot at the end. You’ll see the school on the left. The entrance to the Reservation is marked by two stone pillars at the end.
Meet to the left of them. I’ll be wearing a beige Yosemite cap (with a round logo).
5 attendees
Horseneck Beach Day Trip - 2026
Horseneck Beach Main Parking, 164 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA, USOur annual trip to the one beach around here with non-freezing water returns!
As always, we scheduled this trip to coincide with the Chiltern Mountain Club. Chiltern may have a canopy tent for shelter from the sun. Feel free to invite any other LGBTQ+ groups!
Typically, about 35-45 people come to this annual beach day. Members and guests come from CT, MA, NH, RI, & VT. While the event starts at noon, people show up slowly all morning long, so join us anytime.
Followed by (optional) dinner. When you RSVP, please let us know whether you will be staying for dinner. (We'll double-check with you when it gets close.)
GETTING THERE: Everyone is responsible for arranging their own transportation. If you need a lift, or can offer one, leave a message on this Meetup page's "Comments" section.
Directions: http://bit.ly/3zpdUl9
What to bring?
Most importantly, sunscreen, plenty of water, and of course your bathing suit. If you're able, please bring snacks and liquid refreshments (non-alcoholic, of course) to share.Parking
The parking fee is $14 per car for MA residents and $40 per car for non-residents. Or purchase an annual pass for $60, or a Lifetime Senior Pass (62+) for only $10, but you have to get it ahead of time: https://www.mass.gov/locations/horseneck-beach-state-reservation .How to find us on Horseneck Beach?
Look for us near the FIRST legal cut-through of the dunes.
If you arrive before the others, please set up at the FIRST legal cut-through of the dunes.
Some people arrive early in the day. The Cambridge Men's Group tends to arrive around noon.
See the map in the event listing.Info & Traveling:
Click here (https://www.mass.gov/locations/horseneck-beach-state-reservation) for complete details about the beach and reservation.Directions:
Many people today have GPS devices or use online maps and directions service, so I'll spare the detailed directions. Briefly, to get to Horseneck Beach State Reservation, make your way south via I-95, I-495 or Route 24 to I-195 near Fall River, MA. From I-195 take exit 10 for Route 88 south and that’ll bring right to the reservation!Phone calls
Please do NOT wait to call Saturday morning. Please plan if you need more information. There is often no cell service on the beach.
Contact Bill if you have any questions. You can reach him by cell/text, 617-413-1052 or TheBilby@gmail.com.8 attendees
Past events
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