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Appalachian Trail: Salisbury to US-20
Hiking Trail
Hard
47.41 mi
10,859 ft
The first half of Massachusetts, widely renowned for Mount Everett and Guilder Pond.
Heading north on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, pass a couple of high points and continue onto the highest mountain summit in Connecticut—Bear Mountain. Enjoy the panoramic views before descending off the north slope and into Massachusetts.
Heading due north, the trail enters the Mount Everett State Reservation, first crossing over Mount Race before summiting the 2,600' peak of Mount Everett.
According to Wikipedia, "The mountain is known for its expansive views of the southern Taconics and Berkshires; for its old growth pitch pine and scrub oak; for the Appalachian Trail's north-south traverse of its shoulders and summit grounds; and for its rare plant and animal communities."
Along the northern base of the mountain, the trail skirts around Guilder Pond. A trailhead adjacent to the lake makes this a popular day hiking opportunity, with a trail circumnavigating the pond.
As the trail leaves the mountain ridge, it makes several road crossings, winding through the Berkshires and crossing the Housatonic River near US-7. Continuing in a northeastern direction, the trail winds through East Mountain State Forest.
Ahead, the trail crosses into Beartown State Forest and passes Benedict pond, another area with options for shorter day hikes. As you reach Tryingham, the AT reaches Cobble Hill Park, with a spur trail leading to a high point. For a shorter day hike, the Tryingham Cobble Loop can be accessed from town and incorporates a small portion of the AT.
Finishing out this segment, the trail skirts around Goose Pond and terminates on the north side of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Northwest on US-20, a pull-off serves as the primary parking area to access the trail.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Heading north on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, pass a couple of high points and continue onto the highest mountain summit in Connecticut—Bear Mountain. Enjoy the panoramic views before descending off the north slope and into Massachusetts.
Heading due north, the trail enters the Mount Everett State Reservation, first crossing over Mount Race before summiting the 2,600' peak of Mount Everett.
According to Wikipedia, "The mountain is known for its expansive views of the southern Taconics and Berkshires; for its old growth pitch pine and scrub oak; for the Appalachian Trail's north-south traverse of its shoulders and summit grounds; and for its rare plant and animal communities."
Along the northern base of the mountain, the trail skirts around Guilder Pond. A trailhead adjacent to the lake makes this a popular day hiking opportunity, with a trail circumnavigating the pond.
As the trail leaves the mountain ridge, it makes several road crossings, winding through the Berkshires and crossing the Housatonic River near US-7. Continuing in a northeastern direction, the trail winds through East Mountain State Forest.
Ahead, the trail crosses into Beartown State Forest and passes Benedict pond, another area with options for shorter day hikes. As you reach Tryingham, the AT reaches Cobble Hill Park, with a spur trail leading to a high point. For a shorter day hike, the Tryingham Cobble Loop can be accessed from town and incorporates a small portion of the AT.
Finishing out this segment, the trail skirts around Goose Pond and terminates on the north side of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Northwest on US-20, a pull-off serves as the primary parking area to access the trail.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Mountain Rd Climb | 0.61 mi | 400 ft | 12.3% |
| Mt Riga Rd Climb | 0.79 mi | 646 ft | 15.5% |
| Mt Washington Rd Climb | 0.58 mi | 151 ft | 4.9% |
| Scoville Ore Mine Road Climb | 0.26 mi | 131 ft | 9.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.69 mi | 453 ft | 12.3% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.76 mi | 348 ft | 8.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.73 mi | 722 ft | 18.5% |
| To The Old Firetower | 0.67 mi | 719 ft | 20.1% |
| Home Road Climb | 0.74 mi | 463 ft | 11.7% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.66 mi | 502 ft | 14.2% |
| Old Beartown Road Climb | 0.25 mi | 197 ft | 14.5% |
| Old Beartown Road Climb | 0.41 mi | 210 ft | 9.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.28 mi | 187 ft | 12.5% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.64 mi | 423 ft | 12.4% |