Getting Started on the AT

[AmonStone]

Although I've been hunting for 25 years and camping for about 20, I've haven't done alot of actual trail hiking.
In looking around, I find that the AT passes right thru the Berkshires here in Massachusetts.
What I was wondering was this. Would a short hike between two shelters be a good way to start out?
I see that there is a shelter in October Mountain State Forest in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, and another that's about 9 miles away.
Would this be a good way to break the ice?

[tlap]

There are some nice sections of trail in MA. If you are going out on a day hike, focus on a section between convenient access roads. If you find a shelter en route, it's a good place to take a break.

Rt 23 to Beartown Mountain Rd is one of my favorite short hikes, around 6 miles.