Western MA Hiking/Paddling/Biking (& more)

Activity Type: Trail Work | Trail Work
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Cosmo Catalano
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001IVrB
Audience: Everyone

Description: Autumn is soon upon us, and it's time to close up the Upper Goose Pond Cabin for its winter nap. We'll sweep and clean, install shutters, carry the dock out of the water, put the canoes away, take down the "Cabin Open" sign and do some minor maintenance. Easy/Moderate 1/2 mile up hill hike from the meeting location to the Cabin. If you would like to work in the (chilly) water, bring some suitable footwear--only two folks need to actually be in the pond. We might carry up some firewood if we have enough folks. We'll likely carry out a couple of bags of trash and left over food at the end of the day. While we hope for a spectacular fall day, dress for the expected weather--we'll work rain or shine. We'll likely finish up around lunchtime, but bring something to munch on and water to drink. Meeting location is behind a locked gate, so please be on time.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Biking | Road
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Brant Cheikes, Janine Papesh
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001I2XR
Register By: 10/8/2026
Audience: Adults

Description: Join us for a delightful 38-mile road ride from Bernardston to Guilford VT and back . We will be travelling on beautiful rural roads with low traffic. The route is almost entirely on paved roads, but we will travel on a 1.5-mile dirt road through Fort Dummer State Park to reach our mid-ride lunch break at the Guilford Country Store. The dirt section is hard packed and should be fine for regular road bikes with regular tires and wheels (i.e., no gravel biking equipment needed). In total we will climb approximately 1900 feet over the course of the ride with some steep grades over 9%. This ride is suitable for experienced cyclists who are comfortable on long rides with many climbs. We will sustain a moderate average riding pace of 12-14mph. Expect to be on this activity for up to five hours, which includes 3-4 hours of actual bike riding. We will keep the group together, take periodic breaks, and have lunch together halfway through the ride.
If we don’t know you, you will be contacted once you register and asked to answer a few screening questions. You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist e-bike (no throttle) in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube or tubeless tire kit to fix a flat. Once confirmed, you will be sent a detailed information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary guidance. The information sheet is sent either two or three days prior to the ride.
IMPORTANT – Only confirmed riders are sent the information sheet which contains the ACTUAL START LOCATION. Confirmed riders must read the INFORMATION SHEET. The information sheet is only sent to the email address of confirmed riders.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Benjamin van der Hulst
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001EvU5
Audience: Everyone

Description: Create art of nature with AMC Staff and the New England Trail's artist-in-residence, Alex Salsberg! Join us for a peaceful ~3 mile out-and-back hike through the hemlock forests of Northfield Mountain to a scenic overlook on the Erving Ledges. We will be drawing our surroundings; the plants, animals, views, and whatever else you may see on the trail! Art supplies will be provided by staff.
This hike is free and open to the public.
When: Sunday, October 11th , 11:30am- 3:30pm (If you can't commit the full day, that is okay! Just let us know!)
Where: New England Trail Section 16 Parking ( 207 Mountain Rd, Erving, MA 01344)
What to Bring: As we plan to spend the day out on the trails, please bring along a comfortable hiking pack with water (2L recommended) and snacks. This is a fall hike which may be chilly, so be sure to dress warmly if needed.
What to Expect: We will provide an opportunity for hikers to walk along an easy trail and create art of their surroundings. It will be an easygoing hike with plenty of time to take in all of the nature around us. Art takes time!

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Joyce Samet, Deborah Garlick
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001IU3t
Audience: Adults

Description: We will meet at 2 07 Warren Wright Rd, Belchertown, MA, 01007, US (42.321626, -72.46142) at 9 am, which is where the hike will end. We will then car spot to the Notch Visitors Center, Amherst, MA, 01002, US (42.305176, -72.52836) where the hike will begin. This hike is about 6.3 miles (Section 2 about 5 miles and Section 3 about 1.3) with about 800 ft of elevation.
From Notch Visitor Center the RFT follows the NET up toward Mt Norwottuck. The RFT branches off from the NET just east of the Horse Caves skirting the north slope of Mt Norwottuck. It then cuts south and reconnects with the NET in the saddle between Mt Norwottuck and Rattlesnake Knob. There are sweeping views in three directions from Rattlesnake Knob. The trail then takes a steep descent and then goes over rocky terrain to the summit of Long Mountain, which also has very nice views. The RFT then continues down to Harris Mountain Road where we then cross to connect with Section 3, which is a relatively short and easy walk. It starts in open woods and then crosses a utility corridor, which leads to a quiet road walk through Amherst to Belchertown where it ends on Warren Wright Road near Lawrence Swamp.
Please note that we will still be in bear hunting season and archery hunting for deer (as well as turkey hunting). Wear bright orange. Bring plenty of water, snacks and/or lunch, dress in layers as we move toward cooler weather. Also, the hike has some steep up and down areas and can very rocky and slippery. Poles are highly recommended.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!