What we’re about
This group is operated by Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Inc. 08-29-22.
#### We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249We #hikethehilltowns and cover Westfield to the New York State Border.
#### Once a month we host a publicly advertised "Group Hike" to a Hilltown destination that has good parking and a trail that is easy to moderate, with an available map, in general good for just about all levels. These are planned months in advance. Usually there will be a special guest or a theme/cause involving a trail creator, history of the place, etc. There are usually 25 to 40 hikers at the "group hikes".
"Flash hikes" are above and beyond our regular once monthly group hikes. Membership is required to participate in these events. Group size is typically up to 12 hikers. Short notice hikes in the Western Mass Hilltowns for experienced hikers, new places, adventures, historic hunts, mountains, old roads. GAIA gps app or CalTopo highly recommended. This is for adult hikers who have the gear, packs, poles, adventures in the hilltowns are anything goes including unusual weather, lots of rocks and elevation. Flash hikes are held usually on Fridays, Holidays. Saturdays and Sundays and are short notice. Destinations include remote trail heads, map less trails, historic hikes, scouting trips. If you are interested in flash hiking the events are announced using Facebook Messenger, membership is required, please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com if interested to learn more or sign up on www.hilltownhikers.com under the membership tab.
Dogs are always welcome at all of our hikes. We only ask that hikers are responsible for their dogs. No poop on trails, use a leash when needed.
We hike year-round. Rain and snow. We never cancel unless the situation is hazardous.
We do boundary stone hikes, General Knox Trail hikes, old railroad hikes, Native American Footpath hikes...you name it we hike there.
For info and questions email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com. www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com and www.hilltownhikers.com. Our hikes are usually 2 to 4 hours. Water and Maps provided.
Find Western Mass Hilltown Hikers on Facebook, Facebook Groups, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. Hashtag #westernmasshilltownhikers #hikethehilltowns
Upcoming events (1)
See all- York Lake Hike and CCC Ceremony in SandisfieldYork Lake, New Marlborough, MA
York Lake Hike in Sandisfield at 11:30 am
AND
CCC Ceremony by the DCR at 2:00 pm
December 16th @ 11:30 am
Parking next to York Lake in the Sandisfield State Forest
Route 183/New Marlborough-Sandisfield Road in Sandisfield, MA 01230
Hike Rating: Easy to moderate with some uneven footing, 2.2 mile loop around the lake.Join us for a two-part day at the Sandisfield State Forest, with 9,500 total acres of forest including York Lake a shallow 35-acre man-made lake. Elevation of the lake is 1,544 feet and is named after Samuel A. York, a farmer from Cummington who was DCR Commissioner in 1933. The trail is 2.2 miles long around the lake with bridges, wildlife, Norway Spruce and Scotch Pine plantations. Once flat farmland of Township Number three, Sandisfield was incorporated in 1762.
On December 16, 1934, five young men from 196 Company, Civilian Conservation Corps (this state forest) were killed in a truck accident on their way to church in Great Barrington. At 2:30 pm, DCR staff dressed in era uniforms, will hold a ceremony here including a wreath laying and taps as a 48-star flag is retired. CCC artifacts will be available for viewing. We will also visit the site of the old camp S-71 and its relics and learn about the Sandisfield “Beavers” who built York Lake.
Hike rating is easy to moderate with some uneven footing 2.2 miles. Participate in either the hike or the ceremony or both. Heavy snow will cancel. Dress for winter conditions, ice and snow. suggested hike donation is $10, donations are appreciated!
Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided. Be prepared for rocks, roots, mud and some elevation. We will hike rain or shine. No dogs on this one. Suggestion donation is $10, hike is volunteer lead. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249
NEW! Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page hereSee all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com For more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, YouTube, TikTok Pinterest and Twitter. Search our hashtags #westernmasshilltownhikers #hilltownhikers and #hikethehilltowns Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249.
Tees, hoodies, hats, window stickers, patches and photos will be for sale at the hike, the complete free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com
Donate here:
Via our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers
Via Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers
Via Venmo: @hilltownhikers
Via Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)
Mission Statement: Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249
