
What we’re about
**The Appalachian Mountain Club's Connecticut Chapter organizes about 1,000 hikes, bike rides, mountaineering and other events each year. Most of these do not appear in this Meetup. To get details of all of our events and to join our email lists please go to [www.CT-AMC.org](http://www.CT-AMC.org)** The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. AMC is the nation’s oldest outdoor recreation and conservation organization. The CT Chapter of AMC is a statewide organization that has something for everyone who loves to explore the outdoors, for beginners or experts. We offer hiking, kayaking, cycling, trail building and maintenance and land conservation activities throughout the year. So, what sets us apart? • Trained leaders means our activities are organized, everyone stays together as a group assisting each other as needed and we follow certain safety protocols. • Group activities are open to everyone (so long as you meet the fitness and equipment requirements). Events listed as Young Members are designed for members ages 20-40 but all AMC events are open to all ages. This Meetup group is sponsored by members of the AMC Connecticut Chapter. For additional information about AMC, the CT Chapter and the activities we-sponsor, please visit [www.ct-amc.org](http://www.ct-amc.org). Thru the year, we offer more than 1000 activities. All current activities are listed on our website for each activity committee. For example, current hiking activities including skiing and snowshoeing are shown on the [chapter website](http://www.ct-amc.org/excursions/HikeListings.shtm). The AMC web site ([www.outdoors.org](http://www.outdoors.org/)) has further information about the main club including lodging, adventure travel, and more. Just a reminder that only AMC-approved leaders may lead activities that will be listed on this site. We can allow others to co-lead activities with an approved leader. If you are interested in becoming an approved leader, the next leader training is always shown [on our website](http://ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm). **Please note:** Some events are marked "Registration Required". An RSVP here does **not** satisfy this requirement. Registration requires direct contact with the event leader, either by email or phone. \ [](http://ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SLEEPING GIANT - Red Diamond, Hexagon, and Triangle Trails with the Nature TrailSleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Mary Anne Hardy
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001TGSD
Audience: EveryoneDescription: Joint hike of the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) and the CT chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). A 7+ mile loop with 1000 feet of elevation covering the Red Diamond, Hexagon, and Triangle Trails. It will also cover a small part of the Blue Trail and the whole Nature Trail.
We will meet at the Mt. Carmel Avenue main entrance of Sleeping Giant at 9:15 AM and start the hike promptly at 9:30 AM. (Be ready to start hiking at 9:30, incorporate extra time BEFORE for restroom stop). Steady rain cancels. Please note that the trails at Sleeping Giant can be very rocky with some scrambling parts (both up & down). Sturdy hiking shoes with good grippy soles are a must. There is potential for some muddy and swampy sections. We plan to hike at a rigorous pace (2 mph) and these trails have uneven terrain with some challenging rocky sections. Bring water and snacks/lunch. No dogs. LEADER Mary Anne Hardy hardy.bujalski@gmail.com cell (203) 376-8791 (text preferred or call before 8 PM.
You can access trail maps at this link: https://sgpa.org/trails-maps/ (both pdf and GPS-enabled maps)
Note: This is hike #4 in the Giant Master hike challenge. You don’t have to be participating in the challenge to attend this hike. If you are interested in the challenge - check out this link: https://sgpa.org/giant-master/ . I’ve put together six hikes in total to complete all the trails.
If you are doing the challenge, here is the information for your Giant Master Log: Today’s hike completes the Red Diamond, Hexagon, and Triangle trails, the Blue trail in section I and the Nature Trail. If you are doing the challenge, here is the information for your Giant Master Log: Today’s hike completes both the red circle and square trails. Email me (hardy.bujalski@gmail.com) if you want the "key" to the giant master log showing what each hike covers.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register! It will bring you to the AMC CT registration page for this hike, you must register there. Meet up is just for advertising.
- Family Friendly Hike to Castle CraigNeeds location
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Deborah Minor
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001eiWP
Register By: 9/26/2025
Audience: FamiliesDescription: Have you ever driven through Meriden on Route 691 and noticed the castle-like tower perched on the traprock ridge overlooking the highway? Have you ever thought, "I wonder how you would get up to that tower?" Now is your chance! We will meet at Hubbard Park in Meriden and climb up to the tower, take in the views, have lunch, and then hike back down. There are a few steep sections of trail, but this is completely "doable" for kids over the age of 5, and for adults who are looking for a short hike that offers great views in all directions. Please bring water and a snack/lunch, wear sturdy footwear, and dress in layers appropriate for the weather. Specific details on meeting place will be emailed to all registered participants the night before the hike.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
- Cycle Harlem Valley Rail to Trail, Amenia to Copake Falls, NYNeeds location
Activity Type: Biking | Road
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Barbara Beckerman, Joseph Snyder
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001WAJp
Audience: EveryoneDescription: SOC ride (10-12mph) Autumn is a beautiful time of year to cycle the scenic Harlem Valley Rail Trail. https://www.hvrt.org/the-trail . Cycle this trail in two sections, Amenia to Millerton, NY ( 26 miles) for the first day and Copake Falls to Millerton, NY the second day (22 miles). Stay one night in Great Barrington, MA. Meet 10:30 am at Wassaic Metro North Station, Route 22, Amenia, NY, cycle to Millerton, NY and back to our cars. Then drive to Great Barrington, MA. for an overnight stay to Great Barrington, MA . approx. 31 miles from Amenia, NY to Great Barrington, MA. Enjoy the variety of restaurants in downtown Great Barrington for dinner. Next morning, after breakfast (included in price), drive 13 miles to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Parking lot, Copake Falls, NY. Trip cost: $77 dbl. occupancy, $154 single occupancy. Non -AMC member fee $25 extra. Leaders: Joe Snyder and Barbara Beckerman 203 - 641-4162 text before 8 pm ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Trip details provided upon registration
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
- TIMBERLAND PRESERVE, GUILFORD, MODERATENeeds location
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Mary Anne Hardy
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001gMA1
Audience: EveryoneDescription: About 5.5+ miles on woodland trails at a moderate pace (about 2 mph). Registration requested. The route goes on terrain with some ups and downs (about 500 feet of elevation gain) down to Upper Guilford Lake, over to the Iron Stream cascade (hopefully not dried up) and along the bottom of the gorge. One steep but short scramble uphill out of the gorge. Very short road walk. Some possible muddy areas. Meet at New England Trail entrance on Rte. 80 at 8:45 am for prompt 9:00 am start. Steady Rain cancels. Bring water and a snack - two short snack breaks planned. Directions: From junction of Rtes. 139 (Great Hill Road) and Rte. 80 in North Branford center, travel east on Rte. 80 for about 5 miles to a parking area on the left. The lot is 1.9 miles East of the intersection of Rte. 80 with Rte. 77 in Guilford. You will see the oval blue trail sign. The parking area is just after Maple Hill Road on the opposite side of Rte. 80. If you come to Twin Bridge, you've gone too far. (Google maps Ref.: New England Trail 319 CT-80). Leader: Mary Anne Hardy email: hardy.bujalski@gmail.com mobile 203 376 8791 (text only, unknown callers blocked)
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!