Appalachian Mountain Club Worcester Chapter

Registration Required: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001tXxF/act00017078

AMC 150 Relay Hike: Mid State Trail Rutland to Spencer (w/optional iNaturalist opportunity!)

Join us in celebrating 150 years of AMC with the AMC 150th Relay—a 1,500-mile journey from Virginia to Maine. Join the celebration by hiking a segment of the relay along 5 miles of the Massachusetts Mid State Trail, which runs north-south through central Massachusetts. This morning hike will start Rutland and will end at Spencer– we’ll spot cars at both ends of the trail to make this a one way hike. The terrain and pace will be moderate, with elevation gains of ~500 ft.

There will also be an opportunity to use iNaturalist along the hike if you'd like to do so-- those who would like to participate can come a little early to the hike and Laura will provide a brief training. We'll be able to take some observations during water breaks along the trail.

Registration Required: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX00000181RN/act00020896

Join us for this 3.5 mile hike on the treasured East West Trail in Worcester from Beaver Brook Park to Institute Park. Optionally, make it 5 miles by hiking back to Bancroft Tower where there will be limited tours. The tower is one of the landmarks of Worcester and the East West Trail and was built by philanthropist Stephen Salisbury III in 1900 as a memorial for the famous Worcester resident George Bancroft. This urban hike will take us by several historical landmarks, including the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District. We will hike at a moderate pace. As it is an end to end hike, it will require a carspot. We will end at Institute Park in time for the big TrailsFest celebration (more information below).

Participants are required to have proper hiking shoes with good tread and laces, a backpack to carry gear, and at least 1 L of water. Specific details will be sent to those who register.

After this trip, please join us for the AMC150 Worcester Chapter TrailsFest 2026, taking place Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Institute Park in Worcester!

TrailsFest, which has been held annually since 2018, coincides with National Trails Day and is co-hosted by a group of organizations including the Appalachian Mountain Club and Park Spirit.

At this event, we celebrate trails in all their forms, including hiking trails, bike paths, waterways, and climbing routes. Here is what the day will look like:

• Morning through 12pm: Activities like this one throughout the area.
• 12pm to 4:00pm: AMC150 Worcester Chapter TrailsFest celebration at Institute Park. Food, live music, speakers, friends, and fun!
• BYO non-alcoholic beverages and a chair.
• Bring yourself, your friends and family, and spread the word!

In 2026, the Appalachian Mountain Club is celebrating 150 years of protecting, enjoying, and understanding the outdoors! At the heart of the celebration is the AMC 150th Outdoor Relay—a connected series of outdoor adventures traveling from Virginia to Maine with a commemorative AMC flag carried along the entire route.

REGISTRATION via AMC Outdoor Connector is required: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000017kTl2AI/act00020824

Slow down and take in nature with certified yoga instructor and forest bathing leader Dawn Geoffroy at the Greater Worcester Land Trust’s beautiful Cascades property. We will be stopping by and reflecting at many of the water features of this property as well as some unique sites.

There is an initial, steep, 400’ ascend up the Cascades then a pause at Wunneompsett - “Beautiful Rock”, continuing on with stops at water features, then to the stone amphitheater. Expect typical New England roots and rocks along the trail.

Details:

• Duration for this to be approximately 2 hours with a total distance of 3.4 miles.
• Bring water, snacks, and something waterproof to sit on
• Hiking poles are recommended
• Depending on weather, there could be muddy areas or short stream crossings
• Severe weather cancels and the group will be notified the day before

Final details will be sent out to attendees 2 days in advance.