AMCBerkshire.OrgThe Western Massachusetts chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club

Join Berkshire/Worcester Chapters weekend extravaganza at Cardigan Lodge. We’ll have fun as we hike, cycle, paddle, eat, socialize, gather ‘round the campfire and more! Rates include 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 trail lunches, 2 dinners and happy hour snacks Saturday evening. Adults $138.50; Youth (ages 13-17) $117.78; Children (ages 3-12) $61.08. Campsites available for $25 per night (2 tents, 6 persons maximum). Optional camper meal package (1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch): Adult, $35; Youth $31, Child $20. To reserve your spot, call AMC Reservations 603-466-2727 (Mon-Sat, 9 am to 5 pm) by April 25 and specify Group#186854. Other questions call or email Eric Gove (amc.berkshire.te@gmail.com) (413.374.0467), please leave a message with a good time to call as I work odd hours.)

The Upper Goose Pond Cabin will be closing for the season on October 16th. The last day for hikers to use the cabin will be October 15th. After closing hikers may use the open porch or tent platforms to camp as in the past. Hikers are advised to use the bear box to store their food as bears have been active in the area.

The Belchertown Conservation Commission along with the Kestrel Land Trust and Charlie Eiseman of Northern Naturalists are sponsoring a nature hike at Holland Glen and Wentworth Conservation Area on June 12th from 10am to noon. Registration is required, group size is limited. Call 413-323-0405 or email info@kestreltrust.org to reserve a slot and get meeting location details.

Join us on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2011 as we continue restoration efforts on a segment of the New England National Scenic Trail at Mt. Tom.

Reservation staff, the Appalachian Mountain Club, NET personnel and Trailwrights, Inc (a professional trail maintenance organization) will demonstrate to volunteers-and guide them through-the techniques of trail restoration.

A great opportunity to learn or update skills, meet new faces, enjoy hearty food, and help to restore this trail for future generations.

Snacks will be provided on both days; lunch will be provided to all-day participants on Saturday.

Download the flyer (316k) at (http://amcberkshire.org/files/MtTom_LendAHand.pdf).

Pre-registration REQUIRED!

Contact: Bill Finn,
Volunteer Coordinator &
NET Stewardship Council Member
billfinn00@comcast.net
413.265.0404

The Hiker Shuttle operates daily from June 3 through September 12, and on weekends and holidays from September 18 through October 17.

For a map, daily schedule and more information please go to http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodging-shuttle.cfm.

These are the latest trail updates. Feel free to print out a copy. This section will be updated regularly.

A presentation put together by the Berkshire and Worcester Chapters to help you prepare for three season hiking.

AMC-Berkshire’s ‘Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee’ is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of the almost 90 miles of Appalachian Trail within Massachusetts, coordinating the extensive volunteer effort that keeps the trail open and beautiful. We work in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the National Park Service (NPS).

A tale of a January trip to Cardigan High Cabin Outing Featuring Snow and Good Fun, by David Koerber of AMC Berkshire’s Outings Committee…

The AT is managed as a “primitive footpath”. Hikers are expected to be self-reliant, and to carry appropriate equipment for the season and terrain.

Because the AT can be very busy, we ask all hikers to respect the trail, overnight sites, and their fellow travelers. The Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee in partnership with Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation established the following guidelines and regulations to aid in that effort: