About us
Welcome! This group is organized by the Appalachian Mountain Club (the AMC) Western MA Chapter and brings together people who love hiking and exploring the outdoors in Western Massachusetts and beyond.
We host free or at-cost, volunteer-led outings including hikes and other outdoor activities. All activities are open to everyone, whether or not you’re an AMC member, and are led by trained AMC leaders.
Our goal is simple: great trips, supportive leadership, and a welcoming community that enjoys being outside together.
Interested in leading hikes or getting involved? Training and mentorship are available—reach out to the organizer to learn more.
We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Upcoming events
38
Drytooling Crag Day at the Keene Rail Cut
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Climbing & Mountaineering | Ice
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Christopher Neil
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Krvd
Audience: EveryoneDescription: Join us for a day of drytooling at the Keene Rail Cut. This is a casual crag day for people who want to get on rock with tools, practice movement, and get mileage before ice season.
Cost: Free. Date: Sunday, November 15. Group size is limited to 10.
Requirements: You must be able to belay. This is not a learn-to-belay day, and everyone is expected to take turns managing the rope for partners. Helmet, harness, belay device, and locking carabiner. Ice tools and crampons. Gear prep: Come make last year's points worse before changing them for ice. Details on meeting time and location will go out to registered participants.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(20s/30s/40s) Mt. Greylock Globetrot
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Mark Hawthorne, Robert Williams
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001MpUj
Audience: 20’s & 30’s; AdultsDescription: Join other folks in their 20s/30s/40s for a hike up Mt. Greylock via the Gould Trail and the Appalachian Trail! This hike is a 6.0 mile loop route that peaks at the highest point in Massachusetts! The trail is a steady incline up with ~2,068 ft of elevation gain. The Cheshire Harbor and Brookside trails will be taken on the way back down the trailhead which provide switchbacks for a more calm descent. We’ll take multiple breaks to admire the scenery and break for lunch on the trail. Expect to be on the trail for 4 - 5 hours.
*** Mark Hawthorne (he/him) : Mark lives in Lanesborough, MA and is a biking and hiking 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.
Rob Williams (he/him): Rob is a hiking leader with the Western Massachusetts chapter. He lives in Northampton, MA and enjoys outdoor activities of all kinds.
***
Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30/40s! • Join our WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
South and North Sugarloaf
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Margot Lacey
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001MaDx
Audience: EveryoneDescription: South Sugarloaf is a familiar hike in the Pioneer Valley. Many people never venture on to North Sugarloaf. On this hike we will do both! With few leaves on the trees, there should be stellar views to the south and west from both summits. This hike will be about 5.5 miles with approximately 1100 fee of elevation gain. We will move at a moderate pace, with breaks to enjoy the views.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(20s/30s) Night Hike - Ruggles Pond Loop
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Mark Hawthorne
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001MMhF
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other folks in their 20/30s on a night hike around Ruggles Pond!
The hike will be approximately 2 miles long and will circle around Ruggles Pond. The trail is mostly flat with some gradual hills, some portions may be muddy. This is a popular destination for birding and watching wildlife. Headlamps or flashlights will be required for this activity. Please indicate if you will be needing a flashlight in the application.
After the hike, folks who are interested in a bite to eat or a drink are welcome to join us at the Rendezvous in Turners Falls, MA
Ethan Guertin (he/him): Ethan lives in Turners Falls, MA and is a hiking and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. He grew up spending time outside and enjoys activities such as hiking, backpacking, fishing, and paddling.
Mark Hawthorne (he/him): Mark lives in Lanesborough, MA and is a biking and hiking 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.
Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30s!
• Join our WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups • Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
Past events
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