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 toughly, 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.
We do our best to create a safe and warm environment - free from transphobia, racism, sexism, or any other inappropriate behavior. Lets make this a nice, and inclusive space for us all!
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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.
Upcoming events (3)
Join Chiltern Mountain Club, the LGBTQ Meetup of Central MA, and the Cambridge Men's Group for our annual Beach Day at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport Point, MA.
Typically, about 35-45 people come to the CMC's annual beach day. Members and guests come from CT, MA, NH, RI, & VT. The club is planning to have a canopy tent for shelter from the Sun. While the event starts about 10am, people show up slowly all morning long, so join us anytime.
Parking
The parking fee is $13 per car for MA residents and $40 per car for non-residents.
What to bring?
Most importantly, sunscreen, plenty of water, and of course your bathing suit. If you're able, please bring snacks and liquid refreshments (non-alcoholic, of course) to share.
How to find us on Horseneck Beach?
The beach is nearly 3 miles long and parking is approximately in the middle. From the bathhouse and snack bar, take a right at the end of the boardwalk, heading west (towards RI). Follow the paved road (partially covered by sand) and pass through the second major opening in the dunes to the beach, and we usually set up near here on the beach. We may not be able to display any signage (it's against reservation policy), but we are usually the only group with a large.
Info & Traveling:
Click here (https://www.mass.gov/locations/horseneck-beach-state-reservation) for complete details about the beach and reservation. If you're on Facebook, please use the event wall to post comments if you are looking to carpool or find a ride if you don't have a car. Click here (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-transportation) for a map of park-and-rides throughout Massachusetts.
Directions:
Many people today have GPS devices or use online maps and directions service, so I'll spare the detailed directions. Briefly, to get to Horseneck Beach State Reservation, make your way south via I-95, I-495 or Route 24 to I-195 near Fall River, MA. From I-195 take exit 10 for Route 88 south and that’ll bring right to the reservation!
Calls
Please do NOT wait to call Saturday morning. Please plan if you need more information.
Contact Josiah if you have any questions. You can reach me by cell/text,[masked] or [masked].
- Josiah R.
- Allan
- Bill B.
- 8 attendees
Join Liz and the gang for another long weekend of camping at Lamoine State Park in Lamoine, Maine. The campground is a secluded, wonderful place across Frenchman Bay from Acadia National Park. We have reserved a large group area. The campground has great showers and facilities. Acadia National Park affords great opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking in both Frenchman Bay and local lakes. Rentals are available for biking and kayaking.
On Saturday night we will get together for a cookout including local lobsters bay side. Everyone helps out with the shopping and cooking. The cost for the weekend will run around $40-$50 for camping four nights and the cookout. The cost depends on the number of campers.
- Elizabeth W.
- Allan
- Denny D.
- 6 attendees
BLOCK ISLAND FALL CYCLING (HIKING)
DATE: Sep 24, 2022
Hike/Event Location: New Shoreham RI
Trip Leader(s)
Jonathanclark Hartford, CT United States,
Garynorman Granby, CT United States
Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Hike Difficulty Level: Moderate
Please join us for a day of cycling 15 miles around the beautiful rolling countryside of Block Island. Most riding will be on paved roads but there could be short sections on dirt roads where larger tires might be better. Highlights include North Lighthouse, Southeast Lighthouse, Vail Beach and Mohegan Bluffs. Make a weekend out of it and book local accommodation for the nights of Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September (and Sunday night 25 September, as well, if you want to join us for a nice long weekend). Sunday I'll lead a walk on trails at Clay Head for those who stay the weekend and might be interested in a bike/hike event. Assuming COVID remains in decline by the Labor Day, we expect this event to proceed without any restrictions within the group. We'll be checking back with the manager at the Island Manor Resort after Labor Day for any updates/changes to the situation there. This event is co-listed on ‘Gay Outdoors’.
Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot
For daytrippers, please pack your lunch and get yourselves to Point Judith/Galilee RI by 8:30AM in time to park your car and get tix for the 9AM departure ferry to Block Island (http://www.blockislandferry.com for complete directions on how to get to the ferry - and any COVID updates). Once you've disembarked, please make your way to 215 Chapel Street (Island Manor Resort) and Unit #19/20. For those weekenders already on the island, please get your lunch at the Island Grocery (or elsewhere) and meet us at Island Manor Resort (Unit #19/20) on Chapel Street by 10:30AM. After meeting up with the daytrippers and getting lunches stashed in the apartment, we'll head out on our adventure. Morning ride out to the North Lighthouse and back; afternoon ride looping around the southern part of the island. Afternoon ride followed by Happy Hour at my timeshare unit. Dinner @ 7PM for those on-island and the 7PM ferry for those heading back to the mainland. As of this writing, Block Island is open, subject to CDC guidelines. I'll be checking back with the manager at the Island Manor Resort after Labor Day for any updates/changes to the situation there.
- Gary N.
- Nancy G.
- Stephanie M.
- 3 attendees
Past events (25)
- Steve
- Daniel R.
- 3 attendees
