AMC Western MA 20s/30s

Activity Type: Social | Local Socials
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart, Olivia Laramie
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Cnu1
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s and 30s for a day of White Water Rafting with Zoar Outdoor! We will be rafting down a Class 2 section of the Deerfield River (with one Class 3 rapid). Lunch provided. $120 a person - payment required by 7/20.
All participants will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. The Zoar Gap Rafting trip is roughly a 5 mile section of class II whitewater with one class III rapid on the Deerfield River in Northwestern Massachusetts. A Zoar Guide will be on each boat and will be in charge.
Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet! In warm summer weather, participants may be comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. In cooler weather, wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler air and water temperatures. We ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip. Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs! Bring any required medications as well as extra money for souvenirs, gratuities, etc. Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as Zoar will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats. For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following: - Must wear our helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)*. - Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction. - Independently roll face up in water while wearing a PFD - Demonstrate dynamic sitting position with head above water (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water. - Be able to navigate with minimal assistance on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.
You will be required to sign a waiver that will be sent to you before the trip.
**** Leader Bios: Olivia Laramie (she/her): Olivia lives in Easthampton and is a social leader for the Western MA Chapter. Olivia enjoys backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, and volunteering in her community, specifically for causes that support women and girls.
Hew Hart (he/they): Hew lives in South Deerfield, and is a hiking, backpacking, paddling, and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. He thru-hiked the AT in 2022, has completed the NH48, and enjoys building community centered around the outdoors.
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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!

Activity 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/a5UVX000001GMyT
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s/30s for a late afternoon hike through the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area !
We’ll be hiking a pleasant out and back route through the area, exploring lovely forest, wetlands, and enjoying views of the lake along the way. Starting from the Cooke Ave trailhead we’ll make our way along the Boggy Meadows Road to the Fitzgerald Lake dam. From there we’ll return to the trailhead along the Marian Street trail, Middle Path, Pine’s Edge trail, and Boggy Meadows Road.
The total distance is 3 miles with minimal elevation gain. We’ll hike at a relaxed pace with the main goal of enjoying the scenery! Expect to be on the trail for 1.5 – 2 hours. While relatively flat, our route covers a variety of terrain including rocks, gravel, and the potential for mud. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dogs are allowed and must be leashed at all times . Please let the leader(s) know if you intend to bring your pup!  After the hike, we’ll head to a nearby spot in Northampton or Florence (TBD) for food/drinks, totally optional, but a great way to keep the conversation going! *** 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!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Mark Hawthorne, Roseanna Lacas
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Gn5p
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a 1.6-mile hike up the Cheshire Cobbles! We will climb around 600 feet and hike along a segment of the Appalachian Trail to some gorgeous panoramic views of Cheshire Reservoir, Mount Greylock, and the surrounding Taconics. The terrain will be rocky and rooty at times, so closed-toed footwear is recommended. The first half of this hike is steadily uphill. There will be light scrambling near reaching the scenic view point halfway through the hike. After the hike, folks who are interested in a bite to eat or a drink are welcome to join us at Common Table in Cheshire, MA.
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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.
Rosie Lacas (she/her): Rosie lives in Amherst, MA and is a hiking, biking, and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. She has special interests in plant and wildlife ecology and the history of rural New England. She is working on her NH48 and takes great joy in planning outdoor adventures.
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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!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Robert Williams
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001GbMP
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join some folks in their 20/30s on a hike up North Sugarloaf and along the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail!
This hike will be approximately 3 miles with around 650 feet of elevation gain. We are aiming to complete this hike in two hours, so we will be maintaining a steady pace with water breaks and stops at notable vistas.
After the hike, those who are interested in a bite to eat or something to drink will be welcome to join us at 3 Amigos in Amherst, MA!

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!