What we’re about
Welcome to the AMC - Delaware Valley Chapter Meetup Group
The AMC, the Northeast's oldest outdoors club, gets people outdoors for hiking, backpacking, biking, trail maintenance and more. The club also focuses on conservation, outdoors education and camping/cabin accommodations.
Our 20s/30s AMC Meetup Group
If you are interested in activities geared for younger members, click https://www.meetup.com/amc20sand30s/?eventOrigin=your_groups to join the AMC 20s/30s Meetup Group.
Finding AMC Delaware Valley Activities
Only a fraction of DelVal activities are posted on Meetup. To explore all DV activities for hiking, backpacking, biking, trail maintenance and more, click on DV Monthly Activities. A Google calendar view of DV activities will display.
To find outdoors opportunities in NJ, NY, and New England, visit https://activities.outdoors.org/s/? to view all activities of all chapters.
Our Leaders
Our trained activity leaders are experienced outdoors people who volunteer their time and expertise. Their goal: to share fun, friendly and safe outdoors experiences. While safety is their primary concern, participants must also accept risk and responsibility for their own safety.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Mental Health for the Outdoors (Online) (3 sessions) *Must Register to attend*Link visible for attendees$15.00
This Mental Health and the Outdoors three-session series is a unique opportunity to explore the healing power of nature and its impact on mental well-being. Held online due to popular demand, this interactive session combines evidence-based insights, mindfulness practices, suggested nature experiences, and group discussions to help participants build resilience and sustainable self-care routines. It's best to have access to the outdoors for these sessions.
Join us on May 7th, May 14th, and May 21st from 7pm to 9pm EST for this transformative experience. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, connect with nature, or simply take a break from the hustle of daily life, this event offers tools and activities to rejuvenate your mind and spirit. We will be focusing on how to integrate more outdoors time into daily life and the multitude of ways it impacts your mental health.
Special Registration Info: This workshop is an AMC Field Trip event: a type of AMC experience designed to explore a particular aspect of the great outdoors.
Field Trips are open to both AMC members and non-members, but members get priority and attend for free.
- AMC Members: As a member, please register for FREE at this linked form and also mark yourself as going on Meetup.
- Non-Members: Please mark yourself as going here on Meetup and then register and pay $15 on AMC's website in order to attend the workshop. $15 is the total cost for the entire 3-part series.
The link to attend will not be posted here on Meetup; it will only go to those who sign up on Appalachian Mountain Club's website, linked above.
- Non-Member Special Offer! Join AMC when registering for this Field Trip and you can attend the activity for free and get 20% off your first year of AMC membership! You can then attend any Field Trip event during the rest of your membership year FOR FREE.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS:
Lisa Chou is the Membership Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, and a dedicated AMC leader with over 10 years of experience. An avid backpacker, hiker, and camper, she excels at introducing newcomers to the outdoors and helping them build confidence with their gear and outdoor skills. As a Masters-prepared registered nurse with a passion for mental health, Lisa integrates wellness practices into every adventure to highlight the healing power of nature. She is committed to inspiring her family—including her three children—and the broader community to embrace outdoor experiences that nurture both body and mind.
Karla Geissler is the Education Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, and an AMC leader who has used the outdoors to seek relief from difficult circumstances and build community.
Liz Danovich is a Young Members Co-Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, and a recent addition to our volunteer executive committee. She is a registered and licensed occupational therapist who has co-authored publications on the benefits of the outdoors for physical and mental balance.
Please note: This workshop is suitable for ages 16+, but to comply with Pennsylvania youth protection Laws, children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.
- Mental Health for the Outdoors (Online) (3 sessions) *Must Register to attend*Link visible for attendees$15.00
This Mental Health and the Outdoors three-session series is a unique opportunity to explore the healing power of nature and its impact on mental well-being. Held online due to popular demand, this interactive session combines evidence-based insights, mindfulness practices, suggested nature experiences, and group discussions to help participants build resilience and sustainable self-care routines. It's best to have access to the outdoors for these sessions.
Join us on May 7th, May 14th, and May 21st from 7pm to 9pm EST for this transformative experience. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, connect with nature, or simply take a break from the hustle of daily life, this event offers tools and activities to rejuvenate your mind and spirit. We will be focusing on how to integrate more outdoors time into daily life and the multitude of ways it impacts your mental health.
Special Registration Info: This workshop is an AMC Field Trip event: a type of AMC experience designed to explore a particular aspect of the great outdoors.
Field Trips are open to both AMC members and non-members, but members get priority and attend for free.
- AMC Members: As a member, please register for FREE at this linked form and also mark yourself as going on Meetup.
- Non-Members: Please mark yourself as going here on Meetup and then register and pay $15 on AMC's website in order to attend the workshop. $15 is the total cost for the entire 3-part series.
The link to attend will not be posted here on Meetup; it will only go to those who sign up on Appalachian Mountain Club's website, linked above.
- Non-Member Special Offer! Join AMC when registering for this Field Trip and you can attend the activity for free and get 20% off your first year of AMC membership! You can then attend any Field Trip event during the rest of your membership year FOR FREE.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS:
Lisa Chou is the Membership Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, and a dedicated AMC leader with over 10 years of experience. An avid backpacker, hiker, and camper, she excels at introducing newcomers to the outdoors and helping them build confidence with their gear and outdoor skills. As a Masters-prepared registered nurse with a passion for mental health, Lisa integrates wellness practices into every adventure to highlight the healing power of nature. She is committed to inspiring her family—including her three children—and the broader community to embrace outdoor experiences that nurture both body and mind.
Karla Geissler is the Education Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, and an AMC leader who has used the outdoors to seek relief from difficult circumstances and build community.
Liz Danovich is a Young Members Co-Chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, and a recent addition to our volunteer executive committee. She is a registered and licensed occupational therapist who has co-authored publications on the benefits of the outdoors for physical and mental balance.
Please note: This workshop is suitable for ages 16+, but to comply with Pennsylvania youth protection Laws, children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.
- Valley Forge Fast-Paced Workout HikeValley Forge Artillery Park, Valley Forge, PA
Join me for some enjoyable exercise: a fast-paced hike on Mt. Misery and Mt. Joy in Valley Forge National Historical Park. I will aim for 5-7 miles at an average speed of 3.4+ mph when moving (a bit slower in up-hill and rough sections, but faster in easier sections), with elevation gain around 800 – 1,300 feet. The intent is to offer fast hikers an aerobic workout.
Meet in the Artillery Park parking lot, at the end near the restrooms. GPS coordinates: 40.0939, -75.4490
Bring water, clothing appropriate for the weather (layers work well), sturdy footwear (hiking shoes or boots work well), and a smile. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.
If the hike is canceled, such as due to weather, I plan to announce this at least two hours in advance.
AMC is a non-profit organization and the hike leaders are volunteers. All participants will need to sign the AMC liability release agreement (you can review it in advance at https://amcdv.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/amc-release.pdf). Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will need to sign the agreement for them. Alternatively, you can register on the AMC website and sign the agreement in advance there: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000013bGz2AI/act00013083. The AMC website also shows many other AMC events that might interest you.
If you are running late or have questions, call or text me (Pat) at 610-220-7012.
Let’s get some exercise and enjoy it!
- TALL PINES STATE PRESERVE AND WOODS OF WENONAH AFTERNOON HIKETall pines state preserve , Sewell, NJ
Join us for a 6-mile moderate paced hike at picturesque: Tall Pines State Preserve and Woods of Wenonah.
Meet at 2:45 pm. Hike starts promptly at 3:00 PM Tall Pines State Preserve, 1705 Glassboro Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080
We will hike on wooded, meadow, some paved trails and some neighbor roads. We'll do about 300 ft total elevation. The trail does have sections that can be a bit wet, muddy, and uneven, Wooded trails can be rocky.
During the hike please don't be afraid to speak up if you need a break. This isn't a long hike, and we have plenty of time for breaks, but I'm known to just keep walking.
Bring sturdy footwear and water.
Inclement weather may cancel hike. If doubtful, check the status of the hike on https://www.meetup.com/Appalachian-Mountain-Club-Delaware-Valley-Chapter// the day of the hike or contact the leader.
Online registration in the AMC system is not required for this hike. All participants will need to agree to and sign a paper AMC legal waver sheet just prior to the hike if you did not register online in the AMC Outdoor Connector.
Please note: In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other Chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.
