About us
Our trips page lists a variety of events, including hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, skiing, and many other outdoor-related activities club members are leading. Chiltern events are open to members and non-members alike, and activities range anywhere from an easy garden walk to a strenuous backpacking trip in the White Mountains. We welcome people of all abilities and backgrounds, so there's no need to feel intimidated if you're new to an activity.
Chiltern is an all-volunteer group that strives to create a relaxed environment for people to experience the outdoors together and bond as a community.
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The purpose of this group is to create a safe space where queer folks can get outside, make friends, and have fun exploring what beautiful New England has to offer! If you identify as queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, questioning, or anything in between, please join us!
People of all skill levels are encouraged to join. We encourage all members to plan their own hikes, overnight trips, and other fun events and suggest them to the group. Please feel free to ask me if you need any help in planning or posting an event of your own.
You must read the trail descriptions and pass requirements thoroughly, understanding that they may not be complete. Please bring a little cash for a daily stamp for your car if need be. Please also bring enough water, snacks and warm clothing for yourself.
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Chiltern Mountain Club (CMC) was founded in 1978 by Sturgis Haskins. At the time he lived in Boston. He posted an ad in a local paper asking follow gay men and lesbians to join him for a hike up Mt. Wachusett in central Massachusetts. Since then, the club grew into New England's largest and only gay and lesbian outdoor recreation club.
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How to pay your dues.
From your profile unique to this group in the left column, you can click on the "$25.00/year" link below the "Member Dues" to securely pay your dues online. You should have received an email from Meetup with instructions.
Alternatively, you can mail a check to PO Box 461, Danielson, CT 06239. We can manually update your dues expiration on Meetup once we receive payment. Please be aware that if we do not receive your check in time, Meetup may automatically remove you from the group for nonpayment. Simply rejoin and we will update you expiration manually.
Upcoming events
1
Easy 2.5 mile Hike at Breakheart Reservation
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School, 100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, MA, USEntering from the Reservation’s Wakefield/Rear entrance this is an easy 2.5 mile afternoon hike (with a beach for a dip) around a small lake in the rear section of the Breakheart Reservation just north of Boston. It is a co-event with GayOutdoors (also LGBTQ).
A third is on paved fire roads and the rest on trails along the water. It’s 60% in the woods/shaded.
About 3/4s of the way around is a beach we'll make a stop at. If the weather's nice and you might want to take a dip bring your suit. (The only caveat is that it's the off-season and the porta potties to change in may've been taken away. You may need to wear your suit in/out for the hike. I will try and call and get info on the facilities the Friday before.)
Towards the end some people often do an optional climb up a side trail to the top of a small hill with a distant view of Boston. It adds about a 1/4 of a mile and 100ft of elevation with a short steep climb. It's easy to bypass if you want to keep it easy.
Anything more than a drizzle will cancel - there’s no rain date planned.
Breakheart Reservation info & map - https://www.mass.gov/locations/breakheart-reservation. (From the rear entrance to the reservation we’ll go counterclockwise around Pierce Lake.)
NOTE: You can use "100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield MA" as the address. That's the address of the Northeast Regional Voc Tech, which shares a large parking lot with the Reservation.
Any questions email me at corgi321@pm.me.
*****Directions
NOTE > Be sure to note that we're entering the Reservation through the less common rear entrance. If you find yourself at the front entrance (which is nearer Rte 1 and where the visitor center is) get to "R" by going back out to the main road and turning right. Go approx 1 mile to the light and turn right at the light and pick up at "The last turn" below.)Parking is free.
Even if you’re using using GPS please note - the last turn - the sign for Hemlock isn’t large *but* there is a largish sign for the Voc Tech (and a ball field) on the corner. Note that there is also an elementary and a middle school on the main road by the turn - ignore them. The Voc Tech is separate and is up behind them.)
Follow Hemlock into the lot at the end. You’ll see the school on the left. The entrance to the Reservation is marked by two stone pillars at the end.
Meet to the left of them. I’ll be wearing a beige Yosemite cap (with a round logo).
4 attendees
Past events
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