(20s/30s) Hike Mount Norwottuck Via North Side Trail

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Daniel Willig, Hew Hart
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000016AYn
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: This 4.6-mile loop with 900ft of elevation gain winds through the rugged beauty of the Mount Holyoke Range in Amherst. We’ll start off easy along the North Side Trail, weaving through a young beech forest and crossing several streams. As the trail begins to climb, we’ll connect with the Robert Frost Trail and steadily gain elevation before linking up with the New England Trail. Next, we’ll scramble through the Horse Caves and, soon after, gain elevation quickly as the trail steepens into the most challenging stretch—a rocky ascent over loose basalt clasts that leads us to the summit. After taking in the views, we’ll descend a moderately steep trail, looping back to the North Side Trail and the trailhead.
Our goal is to finish the loop within the estimated timeframe. We will hike at a brisk, conversation-friendly pace and will adjust the tempo and/or route as needed to keep the group together. We’ll take short breaks as necessary and one longer break to eat and enjoy the views. Hike times may vary depending on trail conditions and weather. If conditions are unfavorable, an alternative route or cancellation may occur. We will also be observing Leave No Trace principles.
*Please come wi th a sturdy pair of shoes with good grip, two liters of water and snacks/food.
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Dan Willig (he/him): Dan views the outdoors as space for both recreation and deep reflection. He intergrates mindfulness into physical activity, forstering a deeper conection with himself and others in nature. Dan enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, exploring new trails and just about everything else.
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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Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!