AMC Western MA 20s/30s

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Chelsea Taylor
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000018uvh
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join AMC Western MA 20s/30s for a relaxed evening hike at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton. We will meet at 6:00 PM and take a ~2 mile loop through open fields, quiet woods and wetland edges. The trail is flat and easy to follow.
Weeknight hikes are a great way to unplug and unwind after the workday! Come explore a new spot in good company - You just might find it's your FAVORITE new spot!
Afterwards, folks are welcome to join for dinner/drinks at Fitzwilly's Restaurant in Northampton.
Note: Dogs are NOT allowed in the Wildlife Sanctuary.
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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): Hew Hart, Josh Reynolds
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX00000195mH
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify the native trees of Massachusetts? We live in an era where you can hold up a phone camera and get an instant ID, but getting to know our local trees more slowly through observation tends to stick a lot better - and builds a deeper relationship with the ecological communities we live in!
Join us on a relaxed educational hike around Hallockville Pond in the Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest! We will be starting our hike around 5:30PM and returning to our cars around 7:00PM. This hike is a length of 1.1 miles with minimal elevation gain. There are some rustic trail bridges and structures and occasional uneven footing due to roots, rocks, etc.
The pace will be very slow, as the goal of this hike is education, not speed. We will stop frequently to observe various tree species and talk about general methods of identification and specific characteristics. There are no expectations around how much we will cover - the hike will be guided by curiosity.
This activity is specifically geared for people who have little or no experience and would like to learn, but all experience levels are welcome, provided you want to contribute to a beginner-friendly learning environment.
Afterwards, join us for an optional dinner gathering at The Lakehouse in Ashfield to continue the conversation!
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Josh Reynolds (he/him): Josh lives in South Deerfield, and is a hike leader for the western MA chapter. He studied ecology and natural history (amongst other things) at Hampshire College, and continues to enjoy learning and sharing about local landscapes and ecosystems. He has 10 years of experience in professional trail work, spanning several regions of the country.
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: 1 - Accessible
Trip Leader(s): Kevin Morgan-Rothschild
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000018l4P
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join us for a fun evening of candlepin bowling at the historic Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley on Tuesday, June 2 . We are hoping to reserve the whole place, giving us the chance to enjoy a classic New England activity together.
Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley has been welcoming bowlers since 1906 and is described as one of the oldest bowling alleys in the country. Candlepin bowling is a little different from regular bowling: the balls are smaller, the pins are thinner, and everyone gets three rolls per turn. It is easy to learn, surprisingly challenging, and fun whether you are a total beginner or an experienced bowler. This will be a social event focused on enjoying one of Western Massachusetts’ most charming local venues and not hiking mountains. No bowling experience is needed. Come as you are, bring your good humor, and be ready for a little friendly competition.
Costs are $22/person, all registered guests who come are required to pay to bowl. Optional $6/person for pizza.
Cancellation: No problem - please try to let us know by May 30.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Backpacking | Backpacking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001uyyb
Register By: 5/22/2026
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Curious about backpacking, but not sure where to start? Join us for a relaxed, hands-on introduction at AMC’s Noble View Outdoor Center. This weekend workshop blends practical skills with friendly, low-key instruction to help you gain confidence and comfort in the backcountry.
We’ll camp on the tent platforms and, after our first night, we’ll hit the trail — packing up as if heading into the backcountry and hiking the local trail network before setting up camp again at day’s end right where we started. Evenings will feature campfires, social time, and informal discussions. Noble View offers nearby parking, a bathhouse with toilets and showers, and a comfortable setting to build your backpacking confidence.
Topics Covered: Leave No Trace principles, site selection, water filtration, waste disposal, food storage, gear selection (especially the “Big Three” — shelter, sleep system, and backpack), as well as trip planning, nutrition, hydration, packing strategies, and tips for staying comfortable in changing conditions.
Preferred Experience: Participants should have some experience with car or front-country camping, be flexible, and be able to tolerate occasional discomfort (we promise it’ll always be safe, supportive, and fun!).
Required Gear (available to borrow if needed): Shelter – tent, tarp, or other suitable setup Sleep system – sleeping bag or quilt, sleeping pad Backpack – large enough for overnight gear Food – easy-to-prepare meals Clothing – layers appropriate for the forecast Other essentials – water bottles or reservoir, headlamp, eating utensils, personal items, and rain protection Missing something? No problem — we have gear available to borrow, and will share detailed packing and planning information ahead of time. This trip is intended for first-timers and beginners, so don't stress over what you have or need!
Goal: For participants to be ready to join our to-be-planned beginner backcountry trips later in the season!
**** Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group , where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings!
Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s !
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!