RagingHampster
12-13-2003, 18:42
Started just off from RT.2 at Mt.Williams Reservoir (1,020ft) and hiked south on the AT 2 miles to the Mt. Prospect Scenic Lookout (2,510ft). From there I headed about 1 mile further to Mt. Williams (2,951ft). I then backtracked about 1/2 mile to the blue blazed Money Brook Trail and followed it about 1/2 mile to the Wilbur Clearing Shelter and had lunch. The shelter is quite nice, with views of Mt. Prospect and the sounds of a creek down below. Well maintained. After lunch, I backtracked to the AT, and then followed it down to Mt. Williams Reservoir where my Van was parked.
Right now this section has about 3" of hardpack and 3" of powder, easily hiked in a pair of insulated boots. The section from the Reservoir to the Lookout is quite steep and has alot of ice covered rock formations you have to climb up (or bushwack around). I wore 4pt instep crampons and had zero trouble. The summits actually have about 6-8" of powder in places, so the going can be slow in boots. Great views of Western Mass, the Taconics, Other parts of the Berkshires, and even glimpses of the Southern Adirondacks. My thermometer read 7*F on the summit of Mt. Williams, and the wind is fierce putting the chill well below zero. Bundle up if you go!
I put a couple pics in the gallery.
Right now this section has about 3" of hardpack and 3" of powder, easily hiked in a pair of insulated boots. The section from the Reservoir to the Lookout is quite steep and has alot of ice covered rock formations you have to climb up (or bushwack around). I wore 4pt instep crampons and had zero trouble. The summits actually have about 6-8" of powder in places, so the going can be slow in boots. Great views of Western Mass, the Taconics, Other parts of the Berkshires, and even glimpses of the Southern Adirondacks. My thermometer read 7*F on the summit of Mt. Williams, and the wind is fierce putting the chill well below zero. Bundle up if you go!
I put a couple pics in the gallery.