Sorry to come late to this party. Here's the scoop for Mass:
--The State Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed all AT campsites on DCR lands, ostensibly to reduce the risk of Covid 19 (let's not get into how stupid this is--I'm aware!).
--Camping anywhere on the AT in Mass is only permitted at designated campsites (which, as noted above, are closed on state lands). This regulation has been long standing and has successfully concentrated overnight use at designated overnight sites, so that the trail remains in as natural a state as possible w/o a rogue campsite (and its accompanying fire ring, trash, poop, stripped trees and undergrowth) every half mile or so.
--Our experience last season, and so far this season, is that hikers are camping at the "closed" sites anyway. We have not heard of any enforcement action on the AT since this closure started last year (not to say that it could not happen, but so far, DCR has other priorities). State RR were out last year and will be again this year, just like always--they have no enforcement powers and are there to provide an educational resource, and won't get on your case unless you are being really stupid (which does happen from time to time).
--Sites on National Park Service (NPS) lands are open for tenting, but the facilities (shelters, tent platforms, privies, cabins, etc) are closed (this is true for all overnight sites on NPS Appalachian Trail Lands, though AT overnight sites on most National Forests are open at present).
--There are two NPS sites in Mass: Upper Goose Pond Cabin and Shaker Campsite. The Cabin is closed and locked but there are tentsites in the immediate area. We left a part of the dock is in the pond from last year, and while it's a "facility" there are no NPS rangers there to keep you off of it. Shaker Campsite, has no shelter--tenting is permitted on the existing tentsites. PLEASE be bear aware at this site--it's in the middle of prime bear habitat and bear do occasionally visit. Because hikers have been super careful to keep their food and smellables in the bear box, we have not yet had to close this site. Please respect the bears and keep your stuff locked up except when using it.
All overnight sites in Mass have privies. These privies are not locked.
AT volunteers are maintaining the overnight sites and privies--give them a break--don't make a mess, or do stupid things. If you see a problem at an overnight site or on the trail send me an email:
[email protected]
(
[email protected])
NY HIKER 50: Please note that AMC controls nothing on the AT in Mass--true, our trail club is a (very small) piece of the AMC--but they do not set management practices or policies for the AT in Mass.
Happy Hiking,
Cosmo
Thanks Cosmo - this info is very helpful and a big thank you for all the work the volunteers do in your area to make it possible to enjoy the AT!!!!