AMC trail volunteers can choose one (or more!) terrific locations: the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey, White Mountain National Forest, and two unique parks in Maine (Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park).
Berkshires
The Berkshire mountains of western Massachusetts are sandwiched between the Connecticut River Valley to the east and the Hudson River Valley to the west. The rolling scenic hills are packed with protected forests, retired and active farmland, small New England towns, historic landmarks, and many hiking and paddling opportunities. The Berkshires are also home to 90 miles of the Appalachian Trail and Mount Greylock, the tallest peak in Massachusetts. Elevations range from 600 feet to 3,400 feet, and the forest is mixed mid-Atlantic deciduous hardwoods and northern coniferous. Trail work takes place on 60 miles of trails within the Mount Greylock Preserve and 90 miles of the Appalachian Trail between the Connecticut and Massachusetts borders.
Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) encompasses more than 30 miles of the Delaware River, 25 miles of the Appalachian Trail, numerous historic farms and villages, the towering cliffs of the Delaware Water Gap, and some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the mid-Atlantic region. AMC volunteers maintain over 50 miles of hiking trails within the park. Trails wind down deep hemlock ravines with numerous cascading waterfalls, meander through ancient farm fields, and explore ridge top mountain laurel thickets. The DWGNRA is one of the closest, most extensive outdoor recreation opportunities within the greater New York City area.
The Mohican Trail crew, working solely in the DWGNRA bases its operations out of the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center. The camp is located along the Appalachian Trail on the banks of Catfish Pond on the Kittatinny Ridge of western New Jersey. The area is surprisingly secluded and remote.
Cardigan Lodge and Reservation, N.H.
Cardigan Lodge, situated in the Shem Valley in Central New Hampshire offers a quiet getaway for hikers and trail maintainers. The lodge, originally a farm-turned-ski lodge, is a piece of history. The quiet mountains and hills that surround it provide a variety of hiking and skiing opportunities.
White Mountains, N.H./Maine
The White Mountains serve as a playground for recreation and outdoor enthusiasts throughout New England. Some of the unique features in the White Mountain National Forest include: Mount Washington, the highest peak north of the Smokey Mountains and east of the Mississippi; Tuckerman Ravine, a glaciated bowl with year-round beauty; and the largest area of Alpine Zone vegetation east of the Rockies and south of Canada. Our trail work takes place throughout the forest: The AMC maintains 324.1 miles of trail in the WMNF, mostly undertaken by volunteers!
Baxter State Park
Situated in north-central Maine, Baxter State Park with its 204,733 acres of preserved wilderness is truly an outdoor enthusiast's delight. The topography is quite varied, from gentle contoured paths through wooded forest to the rocky trails of Maine's highest mountain, Mount Katahdin. The park's primary mission " as a sanctuary for wild beasts and birds " makes it a naturalist's paradise. Moose, deer, bear, beaver, loons, and many other species are often seen at close range. The flora is quite varied, and fields of berries are not uncommon. The evening sky also is exceptional, sometimes featuring Northern Lights.
Acadia National Park
Acadia offers some of the most diverse hiking opportunities in the U.S. From oceanside to mountaintop trails, the views can be magnificent. Trails range from steep mountain climbs with scenic wooded areas and open ridge walks to gentle routes and carriage paths used by walkers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
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