Hiker on the Appalachian Trail

County-Wide
413 442-8928

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs 2100 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. 90 miles of this long-distance footpath are in Massachusetts, running along the ridges and traversing the valleys of Berkshire County. Conceived in 1921 by Massachusetts native Benton McKaye, the Trail was designed to provide a continuous green corridor along the ridge of the Appalachian chain of mountains and hills.

The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts provides a broad array of hiking opportunities for both the long distance hiker and the day hiker. Lodges, cabins, shelters, tent platforms and campsites with outhouses are found along the trail for overnight and extended trips. The trail travels over Mount Greylock in the north and Mount Everett in the south, and through the Housatonic Valley and many small towns. Bascom Lodge atop Mt. Greylock offers information, food and lodging for hikers and visitors.

Caring for the trail
A unique cooperative management effort exists between the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conference, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. Trail maintenance is carried out by AT Committee volunteers of the AMC-Berkshire Chapter and DCR ’s Ridgerunners Program. Corridor monitoring of both state and federal corridor Trail lands is accomplished by AMC-Berkshire Chapter volunteers.

If you notice any problems on the Trail, please contact the DCR Office located at 740 South Street/P.O. Box 1433, Pittsfield, MA 01202, 413 442-8928. If you would like to become involved in the stewardship of this National Scenic Trail in Massachusetts, contact: AMC Berkshire Chapter, AT Committee, or the DCR Office.

Trail Map
Click here to view a trail map

Recreational Opportunities
Hiking, Wilderness Camping

Park Directions
The Appalachian Trail runs north-south through the Berkshires in western Massachusetts.
Entrance may be gained through Clarksburg State Forest, October Mountain State Forest, Mt. Greylock State Reservation, Beartown State Forest, and Mt. Everett State Reservation.