About us
Welcome! We’re the 20s/30s/40s Committee of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Western MA Chapter — a fun, friendly group for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who love the outdoors and want to explore Western Mass and New England with others.
Whether you’re new to hiking, just moved to the area, or have years of outdoor experience, you’ll find a welcoming community here. We organize group hikes, paddles, ski trips, campouts, social gatherings, trail work days, and more — all with a focus on community, inclusivity, and shared adventure.
You don’t need to be an AMC member to join our Meetup group or come to events (though we love it when you become one!). Most of our activities are free or low-cost and are led by trained volunteers who are excited to share their passion for the outdoors.
Join us to explore new trails, meet like-minded folks, and build lasting connections — both on and off the trail.
Featured event
Upcoming events
13
(20s/30s/40s) Beer Tasting @ Mike's Maze
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Social | Local Socials
Difficulty: 1 - Accessible
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001JGGb
Audience: 20’s & 30’s; AdultsDescription: Join other folks in their 20s/30s/40s for an evening at Mike's Maze Beer Tasting at Warner Farm in Deerfield — a flashlight-lit maze crawl with local craft beer tasting stations hidden throughout. As dusk falls, we'll navigate the corn maze, track down brews from local Western MA breweries, and work through themed trivia along the way.
Tickets must be purchased in advance — this event sells out. Click here to purchase tickets (choose October 16). Must be 21+ with valid ID. Tickets are non-refundable but transferable to the posted rain date (the following Saturday).
No dogs, please (Mike's Maze policy).
https://www.mikesmaze.com/beer-tasting-mazes/***
Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30s/40s! • Join our WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
30’s/40’s Canoe to Hike | Bardwell's Ferry to Stillwater Bridge, Mohican -
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Paddling | Flatwater
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Jakob Palches, Hew Hart
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001IQJd
Audience: 20’s & 30’s; AdultsDescription: If you enjoy river trips without a car portage, small waterfalls, elaborately engineered bridges, steep muddy slopes, bald eagles and USGS monitors this one is for you!
Join other folks in their 30s & 40s on this canoe-to-hike trip, which goes 3.5 miles down the lower Deerfield river and back to the put in along the adjacent Mohican - Mohawk Trail.
Rough Schedule:
10:00AM-10:40AM: Arrivals and pre trip. 10:40A-11AM: Launch. 11:00AM-12:30PM: On the water. 12:30PM: Lunch on shore just before the takeout. 1:300PM: Takeout and gear car gear swap (get your hiking shoes and day packs). 1:40 PM to 4:30(ish) Hike back to the put in.
Please bring a lunch to have at the end of our paddling section.
Please wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. They will do both of those things.
The put in and trail include long sections that are steep and likely muddy. This is an AMC “level 3, Easy” tip. Expect to be physically active for up to 4 hours (though we will be outside a little longer).
Along the river there are several sections of moving water and one drop that can rated be up to class II depending on level that day. We will discuss and observe each of these sections before we make a go/no go decision as a group (to portage around or paddle).
We will have a pre-trip meeting for about 30 minutes in the lot above the put-in to get to know each other, go over paddling skills, safety, communication and expectations on the water.
Canoes, paddles and PFDs are provided courtesy of tip leader Jakob and The Ashmere Project. Donations (not required) can be made online at ashmereproject.org .
People are also welcome to bring their own boats and gear.*
Please discuss with the leaders to to be sure your boat is a good fit for the trip. We are likely to scrape bottom on a few sections in low water
Boats will be locked up and any personal paddling gear can be stowed in our “gear car” staged at the take out.
Dogs are welcome but please reach out to the leaders so we can communicate appropriately with others on the trip.
Recommended gear list:
Sturdy shoes (for put in and paddling) Sturdy shoes for hike (to stash in the gear car) 2 liters of water, lunch and a snack. Extra layers. Synthetics and wool layers are encouraged for the on water section. Warm hat Rain/wind gear (pending forecast) A day pack. A small dry bag/case is encouraged (if you have one). Your own paddling gear Please message the leaders with any questions!
This is an inaugural event for the Western MA AMC 30s & 40s group!Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(30s/40s) Chesterfield Gorge Reservation
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Itof
Audience: 20’s & 30’s; AdultsDescription: Join other folks in their 30s/40s for an early evening hike at Chesterfield Gorge Reservation. We’ll meet at 5:30 PM at the trailhead for a relaxed 1.5-hour walk exploring the gorge and surrounding woods. Expect easy to moderate terrain, good company, and a chance to unwind outdoors.
Parking is $5 (or free for Trustees members and Chesterfield residents) and can be pre-paid here .
After the hike, we’ll (optionally) head to Northampton for dinner at Northampton Brewery.
Dogs are allowed in the reservation, and must be leashed at all times; please let the leader(s) know if you intend to bring your pup!
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Hew Hart (he/they): Hew lives in South Deerfield, and is a hiking, backpacking, paddling, bicycling, and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. He thru-hiked the AT in 2022, has completed the NH48, and enjoys building community centered around the outdoors.
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Stay Connected with Western MA 30s/40s! Join our WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
(20s/30s) North Sugarloaf Night Hike
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Mark Hawthorne
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001J2lV
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike up North Sugarloaf and along the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail!
This hike will be approximately 3 miles with around 650 feet of elevation gain. We will likely be wrapping up our hike in the dark, so flashlights / headlamps will be required for this trip. Please identify in the application if you will be needing one.
After the hike, those who are interested in a bite to eat or something to drink will be welcome to join us at 3 Amigos in Amherst.
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.
Mark Hawthorne (he/him): Mark lives in Lanesborough, MA and is a biking leader for the Western MA Chapter. When out of the saddle, Mark enjoys giving back to the community via volunteering with organizations in the Berkshires and serving on committees for the town of Lanesborough.
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!
1 attendee
Past events
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