AMC Western MA 20s/30s

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001E3jp
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join AMC Western MA 20/30s on a leisurely stroll 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!
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.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Backpacking | Backpacking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Hew Hart
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001E1zl
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join AMC Western MA 20s/30s for a late summer backpacking trip in the Green Mountain National Forest! Over two days, we’ll hike around 15 miles over some rolling hills, "tour" some secluded ponds, and climb up Stratton Mountain, where we will find views of the valley below.
This is a self-supported backpacking trip designed for hikers with prior independent experience. We are capping the group size for this hike at 5 hikers and 2 leaders. Participants should be confident in carrying all necessary gear, managing their own shelter, food, and water treatment, and hiking sustained mileage over two days. Expect spring trail conditions, including mud, bugs, and cool overnight temperatures.
We’ll coordinate gear checks, car shuttles, and group communication with confirmed participants prior to the trip.
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Ethan Guertin (he/him): Ethan lives in Turners Falls, MA and is a hiking, backpacking, and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. He grew up spending time outside and enjoys activities such as hiking, backpacking, fishing, and paddling.
Hew Hart (he/they): Hew lives in South Deerfield, and is a hiking, backpacking, paddling, 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 20s/30s! • Join our 20s/30s WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups • Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA 20s/30s.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Roseanna Lacas
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000002C4En
Register By: 8/12/2026
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on a hike at Bartholomew’s Cobble, a National Natural Landmark, learning about ferns, the ecological diversity that happens when multiple soil types are present, unique insects, a very large cottonwood tree, and floodplain forests along the way. Starting at the parking lot, we will take a route initially along the Housatonic River and the floodplain forest at a slow pace, allowing for education and discussion about the interesting ecological aspects of this hike. We will then ascend a moderate incline to the scenic vista at the top of Hurlburt’s Hill. After taking in the view and breaking for water and conversation, we will return to the trailhead via Tractor Path.
The hike will be about 3.2 mile in total with about 540 ft of elevation gain. I recommend bringing a small day pack with plenty of water for the summer temps, a light snack, and perhaps some binoculars or hiking poles if desired. I welcome you to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy together after our hike. There are picnic tables at the trailhead.
Please wear appropriate footwear for the hike like sneakers, hiking boots, or sandals with a sturdy sole and heel strap like Chacos. We will still hike in light rain but heavy rain will cancel the hike. The Trustees ask for a $5 fee per person, or free if you are a Trustees member.
**** This hike is part of the WMass 20s/30+ Wessels Series in which we will use Tom Wessels’ New England’s Roadside Ecology as a guide to talk about the interesting ecological aspects of the WMass /Southern NH/Southern VT area. Here is the full series schedule: Sunday April 19 Elder’s Grove 10am Saturday May 16 Wantastiquet Mountain 11am Saturday June 6 William Cullen Bryant Homestead 5pm Saturday July 11 Rhododendron State Park 11am Saturday August 15 Bartholomew’s Cobble 4pm Saturday September 26 Monument Mountain 2pm Saturday October 10 Vernon Town Forest 11am Saturday November 21 Pisgah State Forest 11am
**** Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group , where participants share upcoming events, photos, and occasionally connect around informal, non-AMC outings!
Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s !
We always welcome your feedback on this activity and your experiences with the AMC Western MA 20s/30s+ community.
**** Rosie Lacas (she/her): Rosie lives in Amherst, MA and is a hiking and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. She has special interests in plant and wildlife ecology and the history of rural New England. She is working on her NH48 and takes great joy in planning outdoor adventures.
(activity photo courtesy of the Trustees website)

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Social | Local Socials
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart, Olivia Laramie
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Cnu1
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s and 30s for a day of White Water Rafting with Zoar Outdoor! We will be rafting down a Class 2 section of the Deerfield River (with one Class 3 rapid). Lunch provided. $120 a person - payment required by 7/20.
All participants will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. The Zoar Gap Rafting trip is roughly a 5 mile section of class II whitewater with one class III rapid on the Deerfield River in Northwestern Massachusetts. A Zoar Guide will be on each boat and will be in charge.
Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet! In warm summer weather, participants may be comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. In cooler weather, wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler air and water temperatures. We ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip. Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs! Bring any required medications as well as extra money for souvenirs, gratuities, etc. Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as Zoar will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats. For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following: - Must wear our helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)*. - Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction. - Independently roll face up in water while wearing a PFD - Demonstrate dynamic sitting position with head above water (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water. - Be able to navigate with minimal assistance on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.
You will be required to sign a waiver that will be sent to you before the trip.
**** Leader Bios: Olivia Laramie (she/her): Olivia lives in Easthampton and is a social leader for the Western MA Chapter. Olivia enjoys backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, and volunteering in her community, specifically for causes that support women and girls.
Hew Hart (he/they): Hew lives in South Deerfield, and is a hiking, backpacking, paddling, 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 20s/30s! • Join our 20s/30s WhatsApp Community for upcoming events and informal meetups • Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s
We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA 20s/30s.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!