What we’re about
Welcome to our New England Hiking Group where we come together to discover the beauty of nature while connecting with others who share a love for adventure and exploration. We are a community of nature enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the great outdoors through hiking, nature walks, observing wildlife, and edible wild mushroom foraging. Our group focuses on stress release, spiritual healing, and developing a connection with nature. Join us for slow hikes, wildlife sightings, weekend outings, and socializing with like-minded individuals. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, our group offers opportunities for adventure, metabolism boost, and energy release. Let's discover the beauty of New England together!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Quabbin ParkQuabbin Park, Belchertown, MA
Length: 2.97 miles
Type: loop
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 272 feet
Quabbin Park and Reservoir Stunning views. Some closed paved road hiking but mostly trail hiking.We will take our time and stick together
Optional light lunch;
Rose32 Bread
412 Main St, Gilbertville, MA 01031No dogs
By signing up for this hike I understand that during my participation in Herd of Turtles, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each Outing and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the Outing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel and the Herd of Turtles has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in adventure travel such as Herd of Turtles outings and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed. I confirm my understanding that: I have read any rules and conditions applicable to the Outing made available to me; I will pay any costs and fees for the Outing; and I acknowledge my participation is at the discretion of the leader. The Outing officially begins and ends at the location(s) designated by the Herd of Turtles. The Outing does not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from the Outing, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. If I decide to leave early and not to complete the Outing as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against the Herd of Turtles, arising from that decision. Likewise, if the leader has concluded the Outing, and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against the Herd of Turtles, arising from that decision. This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY Herd of Turtles, Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, and Event Organizers from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by negligence in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Herd of Turtles its Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, Event Organizers, volunteers, committee members, and leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant on the outing. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors accompanying me on the Outing. I have read this document in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and Damages and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing.
- Southwick Wildlife Management AreaSouthwick Wildlife Management Area , Southwick, MA
Length: 4.71 miles
Type: loop
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 135 feet
Southwick Wildlife Management Area
This hike is all open meadows. We often see a large variety of birds, including the blue bird of happiness.We will take our time and stick together
Optional light lunch;
Congamond Coffee & Cafe
108 Congamond Rd, Southwick, MA 01077No dogs
By signing up for this hike I understand that during my participation in Herd of Turtles, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each Outing and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the Outing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel and the Herd of Turtles has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in adventure travel such as Herd of Turtles outings and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed. I confirm my understanding that: I have read any rules and conditions applicable to the Outing made available to me; I will pay any costs and fees for the Outing; and I acknowledge my participation is at the discretion of the leader. The Outing officially begins and ends at the location(s) designated by the Herd of Turtles. The Outing does not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from the Outing, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. If I decide to leave early and not to complete the Outing as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against the Herd of Turtles, arising from that decision. Likewise, if the leader has concluded the Outing, and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against the Herd of Turtles, arising from that decision. This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY Herd of Turtles, Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, and Event Organizers from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by negligence in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Herd of Turtles its Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, Event Organizers, volunteers, committee members, and leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant on the outing. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors accompanying me on the Outing. I have read this document in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and Damages and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing.
- Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife RefugeFannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge, Longmeadow, MA
Length: 2.73 miles
Type: loop
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
The Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge and the larger floodplain area known as the “Longmeadow Flats” has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and an Important Bird Area by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. This hike doesn't look like much but we always see a lot of wildlife here.We will take our time and stick together
Optional light lunch;
Calabrese Market
54 Park St, West Springfield, MA 01089No dogs
By signing up for this hike I understand that during my participation in Herd of Turtles, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each Outing and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the Outing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel and the Herd of Turtles has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in adventure travel such as Herd of Turtles outings and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed. I confirm my understanding that: I have read any rules and conditions applicable to the Outing made available to me; I will pay any costs and fees for the Outing; and I acknowledge my participation is at the discretion of the leader. The Outing officially begins and ends at the location(s) designated by the Herd of Turtles. The Outing does not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from the Outing, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. If I decide to leave early and not to complete the Outing as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against the Herd of Turtles, arising from that decision. Likewise, if the leader has concluded the Outing, and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against the Herd of Turtles, arising from that decision. This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY Herd of Turtles, Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, and Event Organizers from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by negligence in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Herd of Turtles its Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, Event Organizers, volunteers, committee members, and leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant on the outing. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors accompanying me on the Outing. I have read this document in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and Damages and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. - Facing Rock Wildlife Management AreaFacing Rock Wildlife Management Area, Ludlow, MA
Length: 4.72 miles
Type: loop
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation Gain: 427 feet
This is a forested trail hike. The Facing Rock Wildlife Management Area conservation property is owned by the Department of Fish and Game.We will take our time and stick together
Optional light lunch;
Randall's Farm
631 Center St, Ludlow, MA 01056No dogs
By signing up for this hike I understand that during my participation in New England Hiking Group, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each Outing and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the Outing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel and the New England Hiking Group has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in adventure travel such as New England Hiking Group outings and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed. I confirm my understanding that: I have read any rules and conditions applicable to the Outing made available to me; I will pay any costs and fees for the Outing; and I acknowledge my participation is at the discretion of the leader. The Outing officially begins and ends at the location(s) designated by the New England Hiking Group. The Outing does not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from the Outing, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. If I decide to leave early and not to complete the Outing as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against the New England Hiking Group, arising from that decision. Likewise, if the leader has concluded the Outing, and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against the New England Hiking Group, arising from that decision. This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY New England Hiking Group, Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, and Event Organizers from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by negligence in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the New England Hiking Group its Organizers, Co-Organizers, Assistant Organizers, Event Organizers, volunteers, committee members, and leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant on the outing. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors accompanying me on the Outing. I have read this document in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and Damages and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing.
