What we're about
This group is operated by Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Inc. 08-29-22.
#### We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249We #hikethehilltowns and cover Westfield to the New York State Border.
#### Once a month we host a publicly advertised "Group Hike" to a Hilltown destination that has good parking and a trail that is easy to moderate, with an available map, in general good for just about all levels. These are planned months in advance. Usually there will be a special guest or a theme/cause involving a trail creator, history of the place, etc. There are usually 25 to 40 hikers at the "group hikes".
"Flash hikes" are above and beyond our regular once monthly group hikes. Membership is required to participate in these events. Group size is typically up to 12 hikers. Short notice hikes in the Western Mass Hilltowns for experienced hikers, new places, adventures, historic hunts, mountains, old roads. GAIA gps app or CalTopo highly recommended. This is for adult hikers who have the gear, packs, poles, adventures in the hilltowns are anything goes including unusual weather, lots of rocks and elevation. Flash hikes are held usually on Fridays, Holidays. Saturdays and Sundays and are short notice. Destinations include remote trail heads, map less trails, historic hikes, scouting trips. If you are interested in flash hiking the events are announced using Facebook Messenger, membership is required, please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com if interested to learn more or sign up on www.hilltownhikers.com under the membership tab.
Dogs are always welcome at all of our hikes. We only ask that hikers are responsible for their dogs. No poop on trails, use a leash when needed.
We hike year-round. Rain and snow. We never cancel unless the situation is hazardous.
We do boundary stone hikes, General Knox Trail hikes, old railroad hikes, Native American Footpath hikes...you name it we hike there.
For info and questions email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com. www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com and www.hilltownhikers.com. Our hikes are usually 2 to 4 hours. Water and Maps provided.
Find Western Mass Hilltown Hikers on Facebook, Facebook Groups, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. Hashtag #westernmasshilltownhikers #hikethehilltowns
Upcoming events (3)
June 24th, 2023
Garnet Hill Peru 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
GPS[masked], [masked] trail head
Parking at the Garnet Hill Trailhead and along the side of Curtin Road
Hike Rating: Moderate, approximately 4 miles in and back with a spur to the Garnet Hill Plane Crash Site.
On August 15, 1942 at 9:30 pm a large US Army transport plane crashed into Garnet Peak, killing 16 paratroopers. The plane was flying from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to Rhode Island, and it lost its way during a storm. The path cleared was 60 feet wide and 180 feet long. Residents of Peru saw a flash of light and heard a crash. The people from around the area made their way through the dark, men came from neighboring towns to try to clear the brush to get to the site which was located on one of the most inaccessible summits in the state. Three men survived the crash. A stone monument was erected in 1950 with a bronze plaque listing the men who died. We will hike to the crash site and pay our respects and then continue up the mountain on the old woods road, part of the Peru State Forest to the summit of Garnet Hill with mountain views. The peak also contains a large amount or Garnets.
Please Register per car load here. Hike is free and volunteer lead, suggested donation is $5.00. Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs are allowed. Please bring hiking poles and a snack. We hike rain or shine. Be prepared for mud, rocks and some elevation. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com.
NEW! Become a Hilltown Hiker Member for more hikes! You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here
For more hike information email: [masked] or call/text[masked]. Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
Donate here:
Via our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers
Via Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers
Via Venmo: @hilltownhikers
Via Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)
We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #[masked]
- Andrea A.
- Western Mass Hilltown Hikers I.
- Marilyn
- 6 attendees
Join Christy Butler, author & photographer of “Berkshire Destinations“, along with Elizabeth Massa and Karen McTaggart (from the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers), for a moderate hike to Flag Rock Vista (on the west side of Monument Mountain), passing through its lower boulder field. Exploration of some splendid and humongous sized boulders will require short side-trips off the main trail. 3 hours–3.5 miles
Register HERE
Meet at side of road 0.2 mile north of Taft’s Farm/Division Road/Rt 183 junction. Driving on Rt 7, at the junction of Rts 7 & 183 at the north end of Gt. Barrington, drive north on Rt 183 for 0.8 mile. GPS[masked]° [masked]° Easiest way to find the trail head is enter Taft’s Farm into your Google Maps for driving directions. Go North past the farm and you will see the trailhead on your right along the road. PARKING IS ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, NOT NOSE IN.
Heritage Areas around the U.S. have distinctive histories, geographies, natural resources and fascinating stories to tell. Ours is one: comprising nine towns in Northwest CT and 20 in Berkshire County, MA. There are 49 Heritage Areas in the U.S. U.S. Congress has designated these areas, which are funded through the National Park Service. Find out more About Housatonic Heritage here.
Please email [masked] or call/text[masked] if you have any questions.
The HOUSATONIC HERITAGE WALKS are a partnership between the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, the numerous heritage organizations in the Upper Housatonic River Valley, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and the National Park Service.
Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Hike is free and volunteer lead; suggested donation is $5.00. Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs are allowed. Please bring hiking poles and a snack. We hike rain or shine. Be prepared for rocks and some elevation gain.
NEW! Become a Hilltown Hiker Member for more hikes! You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here
For more hike information email: [masked] or call/text[masked]
- Western Mass Hilltown Hikers I.
- Marilyn
- Barbara J
- 4 attendees
#hikethehilltowns with us!
September 17th, 2023
Chester Historic Factory Village Tour 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
A Housatonic Heritage Special Event
Parking and start of tour at the Chester Railway Station Museum, 10 Prospect Street, Chester, MA 01011. From Lee: Route 20 to Main Street, Chester, take right onto Prospect, take left after underpass.
We will start at the Chester Railway Museum. Hike Rating: Easy Approx. 2 mile loop
Join the Hilltown Hikers for a narrated tour by Dave Pierce (Chester Railway Museum) and John Garvey (Chester Historical) of the history of Chester Village. Established in 1783, we will visit the historic buildings of early industry and railroad history including; the Chester Granite Company, Pratt Truss Bridge, Irish Dormitory, Jail, Feed Store, White’s Hotel (1850), Bevan’s Drugstore, Pease Dry Goods Store, The Chester Becket Railroad Trail including trestle, High School/Grammar School and more. The Railway Museum and Historical Society will be open after the walk.
Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Hike is free and volunteer lead, suggested donation is $5.00. Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs are allowed. Please bring hiking poles and a snack. We hike rain or shine. Be prepared for mud and some road walking. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com.
NEW! Become a Hilltown Hiker Member for more hikes! You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here
For more hike information email: [masked] or call/text[masked]. Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
Tees, hoodies, hats, patches will be for sale, catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com
Donate here:
Via our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers
Via Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers
Via Venmo: @hilltownhikers
Via Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)
We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #[masked]
- Western Mass Hilltown Hikers I.
- Bernie O.
- Rhonda F.
- 6 attendees
Past events (50)
- Western Mass Hilltown Hikers I.
- Barbara J
- Jeanne Y.
- 6 attendees
