About us
Welcome! We’re the 20s/30s Committee of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Western MA Chapter — a fun, friendly group for people in their 20s & 30s 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.
Upcoming events
15
(20s/30s) Greenfield Gravel Grinder
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Biking | Gravel
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Taylor Guss, Mark Hawthorne
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001FCRh
Register By: 9/11/2026
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join the AMC Western MA 20s/30s group for a gravel ride up one of Greenfield's best dirt roads around! We will head north from Greenfield along the Green River, cross the border into Vermont, relax at a covered bridge and have a picnic lunch before turning around. If you've been interested in gravel cycling but haven't tried it before, this is a perfect intro to it, with some climbing, dirt roads, and beautiful views!
Length: 22 miles, 95% gravel / dirt road surface. Elevation Gain: 1,070 feet. While there are not any steeply-graded climbs, there is a continuous climb + elevation gain as we ride north for the first half of the ride. The second half is almost all negative grade back into Greenfield. Riders must be comfortable with some moderate, sustained climbing. Bicycle: As this is a dirt road with loose gravel and many ruts, a gravel bike with at least 40mm tires or wider is required. Mountain bikes are also welcome. Other Gear: Bring a lunch if you'd like to eat at the covered bridge! Multiple water bottles strongly recommended. Spare tube + tire change kit strongly recommended. Helmets are required on all AMC rides.
If this is your first ride with us, we may reach out to you with a couple of screening questions.
About the Leaders:
Taylor Guss (he/him): Taylor lives in Northampton, MA and is a biking leader for the Western MA Chapter. His love for the outdoors was fostered while hiking the AT in Virginia as a Boy Scout. He currently enjoys taking in everything the valley has to offer, including hiking, running, and biking/bikepacking.
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 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!
1 attendee(20s/30s) Stanley Park
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Social | Local Socials
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Stephanie Muldrew, Roseanna Lacas
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001HSs9
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other folks in their 20s/30s for an evening hike through Stanley Park in Westfield!
We’ll be hiking a pleasant out and back route through the area, exploring lovely forest, wetlands, and enjoying views of the river along the way.
The total distance is about 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. We’ll hike at a relaxed pace with the main goal of enjoying the scenery and each others' company. Expect to be on the trail for about 1 hour, as park gates close 30 minutes before sunset. While relatively flat, our route covers a variety of terrain including rocks, gravel, and the potential for mud. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dogs are allowed and must be leashed at all times . Please let the leader(s) know if you intend to bring your pup! After the hike, we’ll head to Skyline Beer Co. for food/drinks. Totally optional, but a great way to keep the conversation going!
*** Join the Western MA 20s/30s WhatsApp Group , where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! We always welcome your feedback on this activity and your experiences with the AMC Western MA 20s/30s community. ******** Stephanie Muldrew (she/her): Based in Northampton, Stephanie is a hiking and social leader for the Western MA Chapter. She loves creating spaces where people can share joy and learn from each other, as well as hiking, swimming, crafting, yoga and dancing in her spare time.
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.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee(20s/30s) Ruggles Pond Loop
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Ethan Guertin, Robert Williams
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001IDxV
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other 20/30s on a leisurely stroll around Ruggles Pond in the Wendell State Forest.
The hike will be approximately 2 miles long and will circle around Ruggles Pond. The trail is mostly flat with some gradual hills, some portions may be muddy or buggy. This is a popular destination for birding and watching wildlife.
After the hike, folks who are interested in a bite to eat or a drink are welcome to join us at the Rendezvous in Turners Falls, MA.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee(20/30s) Hiking Beartown State Forest: Benedict Pond & the Ledges Loop
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Robert Williams
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Hz9l
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join other folks in their 20s/30s for a hike through Beartown State Forest ! We’ll be hiking a lovely loop along the Benedict Pond Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Starting near Benedict Pond we’ll make our way toward the AT and the Ledges scenic vista. Our route will take us further along the AT before connecting with the Mt. Wilcox trail and returning to Benedict Pond.
The total distance is 4.1 miles with ~550 ft of elevation gain. We’ll hike at a pace of 1.5 mph while enjoying the scenery and taking a few breaks along the way. Expect to be on the trail for 3 – 4 hours. Our route covers a variety of terrain including rocks, gravel, and the potential for mud. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
After the hike, we’ll head to Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington to join other 20/30s members from the Western Massachusetts Chapter for a social event!
*** Join the Western MA 20s/30s WhatsApp Group , where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings! We always welcome your feedback on this activity and your experiences with the AMC Western MA 20s/30s community.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
Past events
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