View Full Version : 7 day hike in late August, early september.
Lillianp
08-11-2009, 10:01
Hey all, I've just realized that I have the ability to go for a week long hike starting in about 2 2 weeks from now. I live in eastern Mass and have the ability to probably be in Western Mass or New Hampshire. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good 5 day hike? I might cop out and do an overnight around greylock or maybe I'll hike south on the AT in mass (I'm still a beginner in terms of backpacking, so I'll be slow) for several days. If anyone has any better ideas, please let me know!
-Lillian
You didn't say if you plan on driving to the trail or not, but here is one suggestion.
Start near Great Barrington.
Leave your car in the lot on Lake Buel Rd.
Hike as far as you feel like hiking. You can catch a bus back to Great Barrington from Lee, Dalton, Cheshire and even further up the line.
Short taxi ride back to your car.
Oh -there will be bugs, bring DEET.
Snowleopard
08-11-2009, 11:11
I like the area from Salisbury, CT north to Jug End, higher elevation, some bare rock summits, great views, somewhat harder physically. The only down side would be that transportation back to your car would be harder without hitchhiking.
If you don't have a car, I think there are buses to Williamstown and N. Adams from Boston. Then take the AT south (north transport back might be harder).
NH -- there are infinite possibilities. Get a white mountains trail map at EMS or REI and plot a route. If you're in good physical condition for hard uphills. The AMC at Pinkham Notch has a hiker shuttle to get you back to your car.
Blissful
08-11-2009, 12:04
Ct and MA is a good place to stretch your legs with some adequate climbs. I also liked Vermont very much. NH on up is tough if you aren't used to backpacking, so I'd opt for an easier route right now.
Lillianp
08-11-2009, 14:52
I do have a car, & I have day hiked in the whites, as well as done a 2.5 day, 2 night backpack trip there twice, once near Cannon, I believe and once on the Presidential range, though both had a base camp, rather than hiking to a new camp for the second night. I think I'd prefer doing Western Mass or CT now and a weekend long trip later in the fall in the Whites to prepare for the AT next spring. Thanks for all the opinions, keep them coming! :-D
Lillian
wystiria
08-11-2009, 15:55
I am also a fan of salisbury ct, to Jug end. gorgeous! in fact I like the section continuing north to Lee, love Tom leonard SH and Goose pond!
you could do the entire section in 7 days no problem. from CT 41 to Rt 20 in LEe its 50 miles.
I would want to stay at Riga Lt, sages ravine, dally on race mnt. and everet, stay at Tom Leonard and goose pond
obviously not a full list but some ideas :)
Chenango
08-11-2009, 16:07
I just did a nice weekend in southern VT. I started Fri evening at Route 9 and head north about 1.5 mi to Melville Nauman (sp?) shelter. Then Saturday I continued north to Goddard Shelter near summit of Glastonubry Mtn (about 8.5 mi). On Sunday I did the 10 mi back to the car. This is a relatively moderate hike with a super view from the fire tower on Glastonbury.
Of course, I also agree with Wystiria and Snowleopard. The Salisbury to Jug End hike is fun.
Whatever you go, have fun out there.
Homer&Marje
08-11-2009, 16:22
I'll vote on the Salisbury to Jug End....I just did Sages Ravine to Goose Pond Road in 4 days....it easily can be extended. I did not stay at Race Brook Falls campsite and I heard it was real nice...
Some good views, slightly difficult hiking mixed with a lot of flats through the pastures and corn fields...
Really nice hike though.....a nice relaxing day through Sages Ravine is well worth it.
Bennington, VT to Manchester, VT is 40 trail miles....just about right for a leisurely 5 day hike. Very remote (by AT standards), great views from Glastenbury and Stratton, wonderful Stratton Pond and bus service between the two towns.
Lillianp
08-16-2009, 10:41
Does anyone know about the parking situation in Salisbury, CT? Can I leave my car at the trailhead for 5-6 days and not worry about it?
Thanks!
Homer&Marje
08-16-2009, 14:07
The Undermountain trail head a few miles north on Rt. 41 is where I parked and it's a safe parking lot. I want to say about 2 or miles North of Salisbury and the Undermountain trail is 1.9 miles up to the AT.
I don't know about the parking in the town of Salisbury...
Lillianp
08-16-2009, 15:42
Thanks so much! I will find maps and then look into that parking lot.
Homer&Marje
08-16-2009, 16:54
Compliments of the ones who got me on this hike.
There is another parking spot on Rt 41 about 1/2 mile north of downtown Salisbury, Where the A.T. crosses rt 41..
Snowleopard
08-17-2009, 01:19
I recently bought the map that homer posted in Great Barrington. It's a lot nicer to use the paper version. http://www.bnrc.net/map.htm
PS
Why is it GREAT Barrington?? Why GREAT? Pretty good Barrington, OK Barrington, yes, but great? I've wondered about this for many years.
wystiria
08-17-2009, 16:44
I have left a car at almost all of the CT trail heads for 3-7 days with no issues. I may have gotten lucky, but considering I have been hiking these sections for the last 15 years I am thinking it will be fine.
the lot on Rt 41, I recently left my car in for 3 days no issue