About us
Welcome! We’re the 20s/30s Committee of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Western MA Chapter — a fun, friendly group for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who love the outdoors and want to explore Western Mass and New England with others.
Whether you’re new to hiking, just moved to the area, or have years of outdoor experience, you’ll find a welcoming community here. We organize group hikes, paddles, ski trips, campouts, social gatherings, trail work days, and more — all with a focus on community, inclusivity, and shared adventure.
You don’t need to be an AMC member to join our Meetup group or come to events (though we love it when you become one!). Most of our activities are free or low-cost and are led by trained volunteers who are excited to share their passion for the outdoors.
Join us to explore new trails, meet like-minded folks, and build lasting connections — both on and off the trail.
Upcoming events
14

(20/30s) Hiking Beartown State Forest: Benedict Pond & the Ledges Loop
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Robert Williams
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Hz9l
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other folks in their 20s/30s for a hike through Beartown State Forest ! We’ll be hiking a lovely loop along the Benedict Pond Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Starting near Benedict Pond we’ll make our way toward the AT and the Ledges scenic vista. Our route will take us further along the AT before connecting with the Mt. Wilcox trail and returning to Benedict Pond.
The total distance is 4.1 miles with ~550 ft of elevation gain. We’ll hike at a pace of 1.5 mph while enjoying the scenery and taking a few breaks along the way. Expect to be on the trail for 3 – 4 hours. Our route covers a variety of terrain including rocks, gravel, and the potential for mud. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
After the hike, we’ll head to Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington to join other 20/30s members from the Western Massachusetts Chapter for a social event!
*** Join the Western MA 20s/30s WhatsApp Group , where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! We always welcome your feedback on this activity and your experiences with the AMC Western MA 20s/30s community.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(20s/30s) Tour de Ponds Backpacking Trip (Rescheduled)
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Backpacking | Backpacking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Michael April
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001G3W1
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join AMC Western MA 20s/30s for a late summer backpacking trip in the Green Mountain National Forest! Over two days, we’ll hike around 15 miles over some rolling hills, "tour" some secluded ponds, and climb up Stratton Mountain, where we will find views of the valley below.
This is a self-supported backpacking trip designed for hikers with prior independent experience. We are capping the group size for this hike at 5 hikers and 2 leaders. Participants should be confident in carrying all necessary gear, managing their own shelter, food, and water treatment, and hiking sustained mileage over two days. Expect late summer trail conditions, including mud, bugs, hotter days and cool overnight temperatures.
We’ll coordinate gear checks, car shuttles, and group communication with confirmed participants prior to the trip.
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Ethan Guertin (he/him): Ethan lives in Turners Falls, MA and is a hiking, backpacking, and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. He grew up spending time outside and enjoys activities such as hiking, backpacking, fishing, and paddling.
Mike April
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Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30s! • Join our 20s/30s WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups • Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA 20s/30s.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(20s/30s) Bucolic Barrington Berkshire Biking!
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Biking | Road
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Mark Hawthorne
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Hy8r
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other folks in their 20s/30s for an afternoon road ride around South Berkshire county! We will start in Great Barrington then head south to explore some calm scenic country roads in Sheffield and South Egremont.
A hiking group will be out at the same time, and we'll all re-group together afterwards with other 20s / 30s members from the chapter for a social at Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington!
Mileage: 19 miles
Elevation Gain: 745 feet
Pace: 10-12 mph average, staying together as a group with a leader + sweep. We will stop at all major intersections to regroup.
Bike Recommendation: A road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist e-bike (no throttle)
Gear Needed: bike, spare tube or tubeless tire kit, water, snack, helmet. Helmets are required on all AMC rides.
If you haven’t ridden with us before, we’ll reach out after you register with a few quick screening questions. Once you’re confirmed, we’ll send you the ride details 2-3 days before, including the starting location.
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Mark Hawthorne (he/him): Mark lives in Lanesborough, MA and is a biking leader for the Western MA Chapter. When out of the saddle, Mark enjoys giving back to the community via volunteering with organizations in the Berkshires and serving on committees for the town of Lanesborough.
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Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30s! • Join our 20s/30s WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups • Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA 20s/30s.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(20s/30s) Early Autum Equinox Social
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Social | Local Socials
Difficulty: 1 - Accessible
Trip Leader(s): Olivia Laramie, William Poole
Registration Type: Show & Go
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001I809
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Come join folks in their 20s and 30s at Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington, MA to kick off the Autumnal Equinox and bring in all things fall and spooky season! There will be a hike and a bike ride in the area beforehand. Some food and drinks provided! We have booked the upstairs event space, called the Hayloft - come on up and join us at 2:30pm. We look forward to meeting new faces and reconnecting with returning folks! If you haven't yet attended an AMC event, this would be a great way to meet some folks!
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
Past events
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