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 (4)
See all- BLOCK ISLAND FALL CYCLING (HIKING)New Shoreham, New Shoreham, RI
Hike/Event Location: New Shoreham RI
Trip Leader(s)
Jonathan Clark, Hartford, CT
Gary Norman, Granby, CT
Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Cycling Difficulty Level: Moderate (Many rolling hills with some steep grades)
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 29 and Saturday 30 September (and Sunday night 1 October, 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 that day.
###### 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). 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.
