Build confidence on real rock with this hands‑on introduction to outdoor climbing. Learn movement techniques, knots, belaying, and safety basics while enjoying a fun, supportive session on natural stone.
Are you ready to take your anchor building to the next level? This advanced clinic focuses on constructing and evaluating rock climbing anchors when using artificial protection such as spring-loaded camming devices and passive gear. Participants will spend most of their time practicing placing gear, building anchors, and evaluating each other’s work. This day is valuable to anyone who is seeking knowledge in building traditional gear anchors.
The Rock Climbing Intro to Anchor Building Clinic focuses on developing skills to build strong and reliable top rope anchor systems. Participants will learn to evaluate both natural features like trees and rocks, as well as artificial bolted anchors, while emphasizing edge safety and climbing ethics. Key topics include anchor construction techniques, knot review, force dynamics, and Leave No Trace principles.
*Trustees: Winter Ecology Snowshoe Walks with William Randolph
Explore winter ecology while snowshoeing on beautiful Trustees properties. Become better acquainted with the wild world and let Adventure East be your guide. This immersive experience blends natural history, ecology, and adventure—perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Glide across Lake Warner’s calm waters by canoe as you explore wetlands, lily‑pad channels, and wildlife‑rich coves. This gentle outing offers excellent opportunities to spot herons, songbirds, and other wetland birds up close.
Hike from Bullitt Reservation to Chapel Brook on a scenic, moderate 3.5‑mile route through forests, fields, and streams, ending at the beautiful multi‑tiered Chapel Falls—guided by an Adventure East naturalist.
Discover the underground world of Clarksville Cave on a guided caving adventure. Navigate narrow passages, explore natural chambers, and learn essential caving techniques in a fun, supportive small‑group experience.
Join our Connecticut River Kayak‑Camping Series for a fully guided 3‑day paddle through the scenic Vermont–New Hampshire corridor. Enjoy 40 miles of river, stunning views, historic sites, wildlife, and two nights of comfortable camp living—all gear, meals, and logistics included. Perfect for both new and experienced paddlers.
Stump Sprouts offers a breathtaking wild setting for seasoned skiers ready to elevate their technique. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and over 25 kilometers of trails—this is a skier’s paradise. Join a knowledgeable guide to refine your skills while exploring the quiet beauty of snow-laced forests, open meadows, and winding woodland paths.
Discover the quiet magic of winter in this gentle, beginner-friendly cross country skiing class set on the serene trails of Western Massachusetts. Glide through snow-covered spruce and hardwood groves, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of winter in the woods. No experience necessary—just a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature’s quiet beauty.
Embrace Your Inner Warrior: Women's Wellness Retreat
Escape to the serene Berkshire hills for a weekend dedicated to nurturing your confidence, courage, and feminine power. Join Zelda Hotaling and Ami Jean Aubin as we explore the essence of the female warrior archetype through engaging activities and deep self-discovery. This exclusive experience is designed for women who seek to reconnect with their higher selves and unleash their inner strength.
Enjoy a fall foliage ride exploring the history of Western Massachusetts between the towns of Turners Falls and Northfield along the Connecticut River. We'll stop at 4 Star Brewery at the end of the ride.
Experience the magic of hiking by moonlight. Our Full Moon Hikes span multiple Western MA destinations—offering options from easy to moderate—with big views, steady guidance, and time to soak in the night sky together.
Enjoy an evening paddle along the Connecticut River as we travel from Sunderland to the Hatfield Boat Ramp under the glow of a full moon. Gentle current, quiet river sounds, and a calm night sky make this a memorable summer outing.
Glide across the calm waters of Tully Lake beneath a bright full moon. This guided evening paddle follows quiet coves and shorelines, balancing relaxed paddling with time to soak in night sounds and starry skies.
This 31-mile ride through the Green River Valley takes you along classic Vermont and Western Mass gravel roads. With incredible views and nearby waterfalls, this ride is not to be missed.
This is one of the most popular rides in the valley and right outside our front door! Leaving the Adventure East shop in Sunderland we will ride over the Connecticut River and turn onto River Road in Deerfield, head up to Turners Falls and return through Montague.
Slow down and reset with a naturalist‑guided holiday hike at Mt. Toby’s Cranberry Pond. This gentle 2–3 mile walk offers space to breathe, learn about winter ecology, and reconnect with nature during the busy season.
In this half day course, you will create your own container using harvested ash bark, that you will sew together with spruce root and finish with a red willow rim.
Learn foundational kayaking skills on the calm waters of Lake Warner. This beginner session covers efficient strokes, boat control, safety basics, and confidence‑building practice in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Learn foundational river‑kayaking skills on a calm Class I stretch of the Connecticut River. With a senior guide, you’ll practice efficient strokes, reading current, eddy turns, peel‑outs, in a supportive, hands‑on session.
Paddle through one of the most scenic stretches of the Connecticut River on this guided two‑hour adventure. Explore the steep‑walled French King Gorge, circle historic French King Rock, and enjoy stunning views of the award‑winning French King Bridge, launching from the riverside grounds of historic Cabot Camp.
Through conservation efforts, nesting pairs of bald eagles are at record levels along this quiet stretch of the Connecticut River. Join us for an unforgettable birding adventure led by a senior naturalist and certified kayak guide, this guided trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and observe a diverse array of bird life in their natural habitat.
Mindful Winter Tracking: Intro to Wildlife Tracking for Adults
Explore the outdoors while getting better acquainted with the beings we share the land with. This tracking program will teach you the basics of identifying wildlife track and sign.
Hike the iconic Seven Sisters Traverse along the Mt. Holyoke Range—a rugged, view‑filled ridge walk with constant elevation changes. Our guides set a steady pace, manage logistics, and keep the day safe and fun.
Mt Toby Geology Tour with Professor Richard Little
Travel around Mt. Toby on a geology‑focused road tour with Professor Richard Little, stopping for short hikes to explore formations shaped by Pangea, glaciers, and ancient Lake Hitchcock. [adventureeast.com]
Explore the forests of Western Massachusetts on a guided mushroom‑hunting walk. Learn how to identify fungi, read habitat clues, and safely forage while discovering the hidden world beneath the forest canopy.
Learn the fundamentals of archery while exploring focus, posture, and mindful movement. This beginner‑friendly session blends technique with the calming, meditative qualities of this ancient practice.
Join us at the magical Temenos Retreat Center for a gentle, day long, restorative outdoor experience. This retreat is designed to support your health, deepen your sense of belonging, and cultivate gratitude for the living world. This program weaves together evidence‑based mindfulness practices with ecological observation, helping you reconnect with both your inner landscape and the living systems that surround you.
Unplug for a few hours and take a rejuvenating stroll through the forest with us. This gentle, mindful outdoor experience invites you to slow down and connect deeply with the healing powers of nature. With the support of a trained guide, you’ll learn to attune your senses, settle your nervous system, and move through the landscape with presence and ease.
This three-day, two-night experience is designed for the hiker looking to expand their backpacking experience. In this rustic course, we will stay as a group, cooking meals on a stove, and learning the tips and tricks of backpacking. This course will be hands-on and moderately challenging.
Wander among some of the tallest white pines and oldest hemlocks in Western Massachusetts on this guided walk through the historic William Cullen Bryant Homestead’s old‑growth forest.
Enjoy a serene night paddle on the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts as you circle the Sunderland Islands and stop on Island Two for exceptional Perseid meteor‑shower stargazing.
Pocumtuck Range Paddle: Montague, MA to Sunderland, MA
Enjoy a scenic 10‑mile paddle on the Connecticut River as we launch from Rock Dam in Montague and travel downstream toward Sunderland. This full‑day outing offers smooth to moderately swift currents, a peek up the Deerfield River, and stops along islands and sandbars where Bald Eagles and other raptors are often spotted.
Join us at Adventure East for a 16-hour (2-day course) to learn the basics of backcountry medical care. The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets the American Camp Association guidelines.
Paddle the lower Connecticut River at dusk to watch tree swallows gather in a breathtaking sunset murmurations near Goose Island. A guided, small‑group outing timed for peak late‑summer displays.
Tastes of the Valley-Bike to Farms in Hadley and Sunderland
The Connecticut River Valley boasts some of the best soil and oldest farms in the country, producing a wide range of agricultural products. This tasting tour offers a chance to explore local farms, sample their products, and learn about small-scale farming in the Pioneer Valley. Highlights include Thomas Farm's award-winning Chevre cheese, Carrs’ Cider's traditional hard ciders, and North Hadley Sugar Shack's famous cider donuts and maple syrup.
Trustees Notchview: Family Wildlife Tracking with Ami Jean Aubin
Explore the outdoors while getting better acquainted with the beings we share the land with. This tracking program will teach you the basics of identifying wildlife track and sign.
October can be the most beautiful time of year for exploring the local forests of New England. We have carefully chosen the best scenic locations for optimal foliage viewing.
Celebrate the turning of the seasons with Adventure East on a mindful Spring Equinox Walk at The Trustees’ newest property, Beaver Brook. As winter softens and spring begins to stir, we’ll explore the emerging signs of renewal—budding branches, birdsong, and the gentle thaw of the forest floor.
This two-day, one-night experience is designed for the hiker new to backpacking and looking to expand their camping skills in a controlled environment. In this rustic course, we will stay as a group, cooking meals on a stove, and learning the tips and tricks of backpacking. This course will be hands-on and moderately challenging.
Join us on a walk in the woods as we explore vernal pools. Learn about the unique habitats of salamanders, fairy shrimp, and wood frogs and how they have adapted to survive from one season to the next.
Spend the day visiting three stunning Western Massachusetts waterfalls—Glendale Falls, Chesterfield Gorge, and Chapel Falls—on a guided, gentle‑to‑moderate hiking and sightseeing adventure with transportation included.
This is an all-levels restorative yoga experience in a beautiful and serene location followed by a mindful outdoor walking meditation in nature. Enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells of nature through an embodied exploration of mindfulness, movement, breath, and the senses. You will build strength, flexibility, and self-awareness while deepening your appreciation for our local forests and reaping the mind-body health benefits of nature and community.
Discover deep rest and awaken to the landscapes within.
Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” is a guided meditation practice that invites the body into profound relaxation while the mind journeys through vivid inner landscapes. In this practice, participants rest comfortably—safe, warm, and cozy indoors—while being gently guided into states of awareness that open the door to renewal, clarity, and peace.