What we’re about
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 (2)
See all- Halloween Cemetary & Cellar Hole Hike in FitchburgFlat rock Burbank Trailhead, Fitchburg, MA
Please join us (Chris & Josiah) for an autumn Halloween hike at Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary and Fitchburg Watershed. We will meander our way through rolling trails and old roads reclaimed by nature. At about the halfway point, we will come to a small 19th century cemetery which may be a good spot to eat a substantial snack. Expect te whole hike to take up to 3 hours, but we will most likely finish in <3 hours. There are options to extend the hike if people want, and there will be trail junctures for an easy return to the parking lot if people can only join us for part of the hike.
Parking: We will meet at the Flat Rock entrance behind Burbank Hospital which has ample parking (carpooling is encouraged whenever possible). Use 85 Burbank St, Fitchburg, MA 01420 as a destination.
Public transit: The Wachusett/Fitchburg train leaves North Station at 7:45am and arrives in Fitchburg at 9:10. The train passes through some notable cities and towns such as Waltham, Concord, Littleton/495, and Ayer. if anyone needs to take the train, please let josiah know and he can pick you up at the Fitchburg station (the stop before Wachusett)
Post-hike: If time allows, we can grab lunch at a local restaurant. Group size may determine the venue. Some suggestions:
- Mill No. 3 Farmstand (deli sandwiches), Fitchburg
- Rise & Grind Cafe, Fitchburg
- Tacos Tequila, Fitchburg
- Thirsty Robot Brewery, Fitchburg
- Victor's on Main (Dominican), Fitchburg
- Wachusett Brewery, Westminster
Trip activity level - Relaxed: Suitable for most active participants with full mobility and participants new to the activity described. Expect to be actively on the move for about 3 hours/day. You may be on the trail, slopes, or water for a longer time, but there will be plenty of rest breaks.
Although trip activity levels can be highly subjective, CMC often refers to the AMC's guide for a trip's activity rating so there are clear and objective descriptors: https://www.outdoors.org/trip-rating/
Please read the above description and assess your own ability to participate in an activity. Remember, this is not a race, so the group may move at a slower pace.
Property and trail description: Our route will be different than described, but we will be exploring many of the same paths and trails described, https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/flat-rock/trails
Property Regulations: As a CMC event, we must observe property rules at places we visit. Although many wildlife sanctuaries and drinking water supply lands are popular for various kinds of reasons, we must follow the stricter of both property regulations as we will be crossing into different wildlife areas:
- Foot travel only; please stay on trails
- Dog walking is prohibited; please leave your four-legged friends at home (well-behaved leashed - by city ordnance - service animals welcome)
- Please refrain from foraging, smoking, and feeding wildlife
