Base to Peak

Fall Season – August 30 – November 22

Base to Peak is a progressive hiking program designed to help you build strength, stamina, and trail confidence in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Participants can choose 8 out of the 12 hikes to complete, allowing for flexibility while still progressing toward their goals. The program starts with low-elevation, beginner-friendly trails and gradually increase distance and difficulty each week—culminating in a summit of Mount Willard, one of the most beautiful peaks in New England!

At Ample Access Outdoors, we believe the outdoors should be inclusive, empowering, and fun—and no one should feel left behind on the trail. Our pace is set by the back of the group and we have a strict no-one-left-behind policy. If you’ve been wanting to hike more but felt unsure of where to start, this is your program.

✨ Base to Peak is more than just a hiking program—it’s a slow, intentional journey toward strength, confidence, and adventure. You’ll train at your own pace, with a welcoming community and expert guidance to cheer you on every step of the way!

What to Expect

Gradual Progression – Each week, hikes increase in distance, elevation, and difficulty.
No One Gets Left Behind – We hike together, with the slowest hiker setting the pace.
Frequent Breaks – Time to rest, refuel, and take in the scenery.
Trail Coaching & Skill-Building – Learn essential hiking techniques along the way.
A Positive and Welcoming Community – This is a judgment-free, weight-neutral space.

What’s Included?

12 progressive hikes with expert guidance from experienced, supportive leaders.
Hiking education workshops covering safety, navigation, first aid, and trail etiquette.
Downloadable resources – guides, checklists, and information briefs.
A structured training plan designed to build endurance each week.
Gear guidance & recommendations – Learn what to wear and pack!
Trail-specific coaching on different terrains, inclines, and hiking techniques.
Pre-hike warm-ups & post-hike recovery tips to keep you feeling strong.
A weight-neutral, encouraging environment – No weight loss talk, just personal achievement & fun!
Weekly emails with hike details, preparation tips, and progress tracking.
Live Q&A sessions and frequent follow-up support.
A private group chat for encouragement, questions, and accountability.
Post-hike reflection prompts to track mindset shifts and growth.
Final summit celebration – Certificates, prizes, and a community of new hiking besties!

Who is this program for?

If you’ve ever thought, I’d love to hike more, but I don’t know where to start, this is for you!

Beginner to low-intermediate hikers looking to build endurance.
Anyone comfortable walking 1–2 miles on flat terrain who wants to increase stamina.
Hikers who prefer a supportive, slow-paced group—no rushing here!
People who want to make new trail friends in an uplifting, inclusive space.
Anyone ready to challenge themselves and have fun!

Program details

Participants can choose 8 out of the 12 hikes to complete, allowing for flexibility while still progressing toward their goals.

Saturday, August 30 | Marjorie Swope Park, Concord, NH
Saturday, September 13 | Middlesex Fells Reservation, Medford, MA
Saturday, September 20 | West Rattlesnake Natural Area, Holderness, NH
Saturday, September 27 | Oak Hill Lower Trails, Concord, NH
Saturday, October 4 | Ward Reservation, North Andover, MA
Saturday, October 11 | Erving State Forest, Erving, MA
Saturday, October 18 | South Uncanoonuc, Goffstown, NH
Saturday, October 25 | Mount Holyoke Summit, South Hadley, MA
Saturday, November 1 | White Mountain National Forest, Lincoln, NH
Saturday, November 8 | Miller State Park, Petersborough, NH
Saturday, November 15 | Blue Hills Reservation, Milton, MA
Saturday, November 22 | Crawford Notch State Park, Petersborough, NH

All hikes will start in the morning, between 7 a.m. – 10 a.m., determined by factors such as weather conditions, trail difficulty, length, terrain, and participant input. Dates and locations of hikes are subject to change.

PRICING STRUCTURE

At Ample Access Outdoors, we remain deeply committed to economic accessibility and ensuring that nature is a welcoming space for everyone. However, due to the loss of DEI funding, we are now operating without external financial support. As a result, our programs now require participant contributions to help cover essential costs such as permit fees, instructor compensation, and program materials.

We understand that financial barriers can limit access to outdoor recreation, which is why we continue to offer sliding scale pricing, payment plans, and scholarship opportunities to keep our programs as accessible as possible. Your support not only allows us to sustain these programs but also helps us continue advocating for a more inclusive outdoor community.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this shift. Every registration helps us keep inclusive, community-driven outdoor experiences alive—thank you for being part of this journey with us!

$960 – Standard Rate: Supports program sustainability and allows us to offer equity pricing to others.
$720 – Community Rate: A reduced rate for those who need some financial flexibility.
$480 – Equity Rate: Intended for those from historically marginalized communities or experiencing financial hardship.
$240 – Partial Scholarship: We have a small number of partial scholarships available.

Please contact email brittany@ampleaccessoutdoors.com for information regarding payment plans.

Hiking for All Bodies

Online Course

This 6-week online course is designed to equip participants of all body types and experience levels with the knowledge and confidence to begin hiking safely and joyfully. If you’ve never been on a trail before, need tips to accommodate your body’s needs, or want to build more confidence and joy in the outdoors, this course is for you!

What you’ll learn: How to start hiking as a beginner (and why it’s a body-positive activity!), a deep dive into gear essentials for all bodies, how to plan your next hike, trail safety and etiquette, and how to be present and mindful in nature.

Currently there are no upcoming dates for this course.
Please contact Brittany at Ample Access Outdoors for more information.

Inclusive Outdoor Recreation

Ample Access Outdoors hosts guided outdoor activities in Western Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Activities are carefully planned to be inclusive, fun, and safe. There are two types of activities:

Community walks: Free guided nature walks are held once a month throughout the year. Trails are accessible via the MBTA.

Outdoor recreation: Guided activities like hiking, kayaking, birding, and snowshoeing are scheduled throughout the year. A small registration fee is required to cover associated costs like park fees, transportation, and equipment rentals.

What to expect: We hike at an intentionally slow pace that is comfortable for the whole group, with frequent pauses to rest, reflect, and enjoy the scenery together. A typical hike lasts for about 2 hours. Our only goal is to enjoy being out in nature together: We complete the entire hike as a group and adapt the route as needed.

Ready to enjoy an outdoor adventure and make new friends? Sign up for our next event!

Consultations & Training

Ample Access Outdoors is proud to partner with your organization to provide guidance, training, and support. Previous partners have included the Parker Wildlife Refuge, Queer Scouts, and the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

What we offer: Guided hikes designed for your group’s specific needs, customized curricula and education materials, and in-person and online trainings and consultations tailored to your organization’s needs. Brittany is also available to guest lecture and to appear on your panel or podcast.

Questions about collaborating with Ample Access Outdoors? Contact us!

Programs & Services