Appalachian Mountain Club officials first discussed the creation of a New York branch of the organization in 1904, but not until 1912 did they take formal steps in that direction. New York-based members began organizing early that year. They took their first official outing, a walk on Staten Island, in April, and then met to plan a series of outings through the spring and summer. In December, AMC's Council voted to recognize the New York Section formally.

The section's first annual report expressed "the convincing hope that the work and ideals within New England could bear transplanting. Those who know find the soil ready and the spirit already kindled." The section had 74 members in its first year and led 50 hikes to still-popular spots like the Palisades and Delaware Water Gap.

John Ritchie, past AMC board president and journalist, liked what he saw. "The New York section has been quick to adopt the manners and customs in general of the home club," he wrote in a Boston newspaper in 1913. Boston Appies noted at least one difference on New York excursions, however. "New Yorkers are not able to resist the temptations of the wayside inn," Ritchie wrote. "If one of these institutions happens to come into view it is likely to prove a more powerful magnet, even if there are several hours left of daylight, than to continue in the out-of-doors."

In 1918 the section became a chapter. Formal canoeing, rock climbing, and skiing programs began to flourish, and the chapter built a camp, still in operation today, on Fire Island. These and other accomplishments were memorialized in a carefree song (sung to the tune of "The Great American Railway") on the occasion of the chapter's 25th anniversary:

In nineteen twelve our Katherine C.
Van Allen started the A.M.C
With fifty-two folks on a Saturday spree,
The A.M.C. New York Chapter.

We chose soon after a Committee
And President, Treasurer, Secretary,
Messrs, Bullard, and Fuller, Miss Bates, all three
Of the A.M.C. New York Chapter

In nineteen fourteen by the way
We found a room where we could be gay
With lectures, sandwiches, doughnuts, And tea,
The A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In nineteen fifteen in the spring
Trail work began with all willing.
Round Wanaque Midvale the axes did Ring
For the A.M.C. New York Chapter

War work started in seventeen
We chose ambulance service and Orphans keen
For contributions both big and lean
From the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

'Twas nineteen hundred and nineteen When
Agitation for Sunday walks began,
Since officially on them was put a ban
By the A.M.C. Boston Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and twenty-three
We fought and fit considerably
That our annual meeting in spring Might be,
For the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

On Columbus Day in twenty-five
Busted Squirrel Inn plumbing and we Froze alive
But red leaves on snow made the Spirits revive
For the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and twenty-six
"Spad" was up to his usual tricks.
Oh! The "Timp" by moonlight was full Of sticks
For the black and blue New York Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and twenty-seven
During Saturday walks instructions Were given
On trees, rocks, flowers, and stars Of the heaven
To the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In the same year our friend Charles Drew
Said average attendance in fractions Would do.
The wicked man would cut us in two
In the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

Fire Island shack was built up fast
And Nick tried to nail himself up As a mast,
But 'twas hard to look permanent there In the blast
For the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

Since new members flocked to A.M.C. Doors,
The membership group had numerous Chores.
"Mama" Boston received our suggestions With roars,
But copied the New York Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and twenty-nine
From Bear Mountain Bridge To Connecticut line
For twenty-three miles our trails We could find
Cut by the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In this same year the Follies began.
Find something funnier now if you can.
You don't have to stick to our old plan
For the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In the early thirties rock climbing Was done.
Perce could hang by a hobnail And say it was fun.
The uncowed to belays and traverses Were won
In the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and thirty-two
We took to canoes and water too.
We thought we had a marvelous crew!
In the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

By nineteen hundred and thirty-three
We were doing our best to learn to ski,
With many a bang to skull and knee
Of the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and thirty-six
A girl came out with heels like sticks,
With a black silk coat she looked like nix
To walk with the New York Chapter.

In thirty-five and one year more
Our babies were increased by four
With IQ’s running right up High Tor
For the future New York Chapter.

In every year we've had romance;
Appies are willing to take a chance.
Of brides and grooms there's wide expanse
In the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

In nineteen hundred and thirty-eight,
Though the snow has been missing up to date
Our HOPES run HIGH we're glad to state
In the A.M.C. New York Chapter.

After a century, the New York–North Jersey Chapter (renamed in 1983) has grown to 12,000 members, with committees for everything from hiking and backpacking to sailing and softball.

Images seen here appear courtesy of the AMC Library and Archives. Duplicates can be ordered for a fee. Funds support efforts to preserve the club’s historical collections. Contact Library and Archives at 617-391-6629, visit the website, or send an e-mail for details.