Western MA Hiking/Paddling/Biking (& more)

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!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Kevin Morgan-Rothschild
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001KSQz
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20/30s on a night hike up South Sugarloaf Mountain!
The hike will be approximately 2 miles long with 450 feet of elevation gain. The trail will manage a steady grade for the ascent, and we will return down the trail we took up. When we get to the top, we will have views of the valley below! We will likely be in the dark for the majority of this trip, which will provide a unique view from the top on the valley down below. Headlamps / flashlights will be required for this hike, please identify if you will be needing this in the application.
After the hike, folks who are interested in a bite to eat or a drink are welcome to join us at 3 Amigos in Amherst, MA.
Ethan Guertin (he/him): Ethan lives in Turners Falls, MA and is a hiking and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. He grew up spending time outside and enjoys activities such as hiking, backpacking, fishing, and paddling.
Kevin Morgan-Rothschild (he/him): Kevin grew up in Amherst, MA and moved back a couple years ago after a 17-year hiatus in Louisiana, France and the Netherlands. He enjoys bike touring, hiking, cooking anything from pancakes to New Orleans cuisine, gardening, sustainability, and of course exploring woodsy Western MA.
Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30s! • Join our WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups • Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Climbing & Mountaineering | Gym
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Danielle Rich
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001IM7x
Audience: Everyone

Description: Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 6:00pm at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing. Please be aware that an active membership or day pass is required to climb at CRG Hadley and you must also sign their liability waiver. Rental gear is available. If you know how to belay but are not certified to belay at Central Rock Gym, you will need to pass a belay test upon entering the gym.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Social | Local Socials
Difficulty: 1 - Accessible
Trip Leader(s): Jakob Palches
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001J6dp
Audience: Everyone

Description: Come join other AMC folks for food truck Friday behind Abandoned Building Brewery in Easthampton!
Bring your own Camp chair so we can make a dedicated AMC circle for our group. The tables go fast!
Bonus (for full street cred) meet up on your bike at the round house in Northampton (just below Pulaski park) at 4:30PM to bike over to the event via the rail trail (leaving at 4:40).
https://www.abandonedbuildingbrewery.com/food-truck-fridays-2026

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!