Western MA Hiking/Paddling/Biking (& more)

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Jim McNerney, Michael April
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Im7F
Audience: Everyone

Description: Hike to the summits of Mount Tom and Whiting Peak. Route details: Intermediate out and back hike 7-7.5 mile range with lots of uphill (~1,000 ft. elevation gain) at the start followed by a ridge walk. Enjoy views of neighboring peaks, towns, local farmland and early fall foliage.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity 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; Adults

Description: 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!

Activity Type: Biking | Gravel
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Steve Maislin, Robyn Maislin
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Gu45
Audience: Adults

Description: Ride on gravel and dirt roads (hard packed, loose dirt, a little sandy) through the farm fields of Hatfield. ABOUT HALF OF THIS 15-mile RIDE IS ON DIRT AND GRAVEL, This ride will have a special opportunity for a nice lunch in a wonderful setting at Black Birch Vineyard after the ride. The speed of the ride will be slower due to a more challenging riding surface. This ride requires gravel or mountain bikes. It can be an eBike that is gravel-capable. Tires should be at least 38mm wide and have a grippy tread. Because this ride involves Black Birch Vineyard, which has delicious wood-fired pizza and other snacks along with various liquid refreshments, you must be confirmed to attend this event.
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 bike as described above, 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): Hew Hart
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Itof
Audience: 20’s & 30’s; Adults

Description: 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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Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!