committee –> excursions

Excursions

Excursions is the hiking committee of the NH Chapter. We have many activities going on each month. Our volunteer Trip Leaders lead trips to many places in northern New England, some that may be familiar and many that will be completely new to you. We'll take you to the tallest peaks of the Presidential Range and to the smaller ones, like Willard and Major. We don't just go to the White Mountains! In southern NH we hike in places like the Monadnock-Sunapee and Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenways, and Pawtuckaway State Park. We also sponsor trips to the New England and NH 100 Highest peaks, many of which don't have trails.

On our trips, the safety of the group is always paramount. All of our activities are led by trained volunteer Trip Leaders and may vary from single day to multi-day events.

Come meet our leaders.  They would like to introduce themselves.

Trip Blogs and Galleries - Take a look at pictures and stories from some of our trips.

Winter is a fine time to climb in the snow and rime. To get a feel, see Jen and Leon's Jan 7, 2012 Flume Slide hike and Jan 11, 2012 Mt. Garfield hike videos by Steve Mansfield.

In addition to our general hiking trips, we have some specialized groups and activities that might fit your specific need:

Family Group

The Family Group creates opportunities for families with children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors together. Details Here.

Over-55 Group

The Excursions Committee's Over-55 Group subcommittee runs trips that appeal to those of all ages who want trips at a more leisurely pace! Details Here.

Workshops

If you are a new hiker or an old mountain goat, check out our workshops we hold at Cardigan Lodge.Details Here. We also hold leadership training.

2012 Annual Winter Hiking, Skiing & Leadership Workshop

February 22-24, 2013 (Second workshop)
Instruction in safe Winter mountain travel for experienced 3-season hikers
Cardigan Lodge, Alexandria, NH
Winter is no reason to stay inside. Details

Annual Excursions Spring School - Hiking, Leadership

April 19-21, 2013
Instruction in safe mountain travel for hikers of all levels
Cardigan Lodge, Alexandria, NH
Spring is coming!  Dust off your backpack and refine your skills. Details

Annual Activities: Hut Nights and the Presidential Range Hike The Excursions Committee also sponsors two hut nights a year.  The Presidential Range Hike is a trip we run once each summer in mid July. (2012 marks the 46^th Year!). The Winter Hiking Series teaches experienced 3-Season hikers how to safely equip and prepare for hiking in the winter.

Annual Winter Hiking Series (Training)

October 20-21, 2012 & Weekends Through Dec. 22 (Registration Full)
Winter Hiking Training for Experienced 3-Season Hikers.

This course and series of training hikes always finishes to rave reviews and great friendships. It is taught by enthusiastic and knowledgeable hikers whose main goal is to have you thoroughly enjoy the winter wonderland of the high peaks while being safe and comfortable.

You simply can't find a better group of instructors ... and they all volunteer their time for the love of the sport. Along the way you'll pick up hundreds of tips and techniques garnered from thousands of hikes in New Hampshire and around the world.

This course is one of those life-changing opportunities.

This Course gives you the training and experience to successfully and safely hike in Winter. Details

47^th Annual Presidential Range Hike

July 13 – 21, 2013  (Registration Deadline: June 1)
Climb a dozen 4000 ft. peaks including Mt. Washington
8 nights lodging at AMC huts
Hike over 50 miles of scenic trails in WMNF including many on the Appalachian Trail. Maximum 21 hikers. There are a variety of hiking options each day. Make great friendships. Details

Get Involved!

I know that when I first joined AMC I wasn’t sure how to get started. Which hike would be appropriate for my abilities? Where should I hike? If you have similar questions, please send me an email, and I will help you out and point you in the right direction. Have fun!

Jennifer “Jen” Varney
Excursions Co-Chair
[Click to reveal email]

Leadership Opportunities

The Excursions Committee is the hiking committee for the New Hampshire Chapter of AMC. Our leaders lead hikes of all sorts, for participants of many interests.

Do you have young children who love the outdoors? Would you like to lead them and their families to fun, interesting destinations? Please consider becoming a leader for our Family Group.

Perhaps you’re a mature hiker, still out there hiking many of the high peaks, but at a gentler pace. You may wish to become a leader for our Over 55 Group, which isn’t limited to any specific age.

If your interest is in taking walks in your local conservation areas or sanctuaries, with occasional short hikes of fewer than 5 miles, then our Walks and Short Hikes leadership is for you!

Perhaps you’re an accomplished peak-bagger and frequent hiker to the White Mountains. Would you like to “give back” by leading other hikers to your favorite destinations? Please consider becoming a Class 2 (three-season) or Class 1 (four-season) leader.

For more information on any of these categories, please email an Excursions Committee co-chair at [Click to reveal email]

To find out a little more about how we train our leaders and their experience see our Leadership Qualifications page and read about our Leadership Training - Fall or Winter or Spring