(c) Rick Fetridge 1996

Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires

Nearly ninety miles of the Appalachian Trail wind through Berkshire County. Hike for a day or take advantage of the numerous overnight shelters for long trips. Explore the natural world of mountains, streams, lakes and forests in the hills of western Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts section, from Sages Ravine to the Vermont state line, is cooperatively maintained and managed by both the AT Committee Volunteers of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - Berkshire Chapter and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner Program.

This webpage contains information and guidelines to help you plan your hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Enjoy your hike and the beauty of the Berkshires!

Welcome to the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs 2100 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. 90 miles of this long-distance footpath are in Massachusetts running along the ridges and traversing the valleys of Berkshire County.

Conceived in 1921, by Massachusetts native Benton McKay, the Trail was designed to provide a continuous green corridor along the ridge of the Appalachian Mountain chain of mountains and hills. In 1968 the footpath was officially designated a National Scenic Trail, and in 1969 the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM) enacted legislation to protect the Appalachian Trail. In 1978, DEM, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), initiated a land acquisition program to protect the trail corridor.

The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts provides a broad array of hiking opportunities for both the long distance hiker and the day hiker. Lodges, cabins, shelters, tent platforms and campsites with outhouses are found along the Trail for overnight and extended trips.


Caring For The Trail

A unique cooperative management effort exists between the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conference, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. Trail maintenance is carried out by the AT Committee volunteers of the AMC-Berkshire Chapter and DEM's Ridgerunners Program. Corridor monitoring of both state and federal corridor Trail lands is accomplished by AMC-Berkshire Chapter volunteers.

If you notice any problems on the Trail, you can contact either:

DEM Division of Forests and Parks Regional Headquarters
740 South Street, P.O. Box 1433, Pittsfield, MA 01202
413-442-8928


Appalachian Mountain Club Regional Office, Rockwell Road/P.O. Box 1800, Lanesborough, MA 01237, 413-443-0011

Free - Year Round - Daily

If you would like to become involved in the stewardship of this National Scenic Trail in Massachusetts, contact:

AMC Berkshire Chapter, AT Committee P.O. Box 2281, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or the DEM/AMC Regional Offices listed above

Visitor Guidelines

  • Carry out everything that you carry in to keep lunch spots and overnight areas clear of litter

  • Park your car only in designated areas. If you are not sure, check with local residents, police, or DEM Regional Headquarters in Pittsfield (for state forest areas) before you leave your car.

  • Stay on the trail. The footpath is marked with white rectangular blazes. Side trails are marked with blue blazes. Please stay away from residences adjacent to the trail.

  • Camp only in designated areas. AMC and DEM encourage the use of a lightweight camping stove for cooking. Open fires are only allowed at the designated campsites and shelters, using fallen wood only.

  • Treat or filter all drinking water. Do not contaminate the water supply when washing yourself or your dishes.

  • Move at least 50 feet away from the Trail and 200 feet away from water to bury human waste for proper decomposition.

  • Travel in small groups; no more than ten people for camping.

  • State and Federal law prohibits vehicles and horses on the Trail. Foot travel only.

  • Pets should be kept under control at all times.

  • Maximum stay of two nights at any campsite.

More Information

Detailed maps and guides for the Appalachian Trail are published by the Appalachian Trail Conference. Copies of the ATC Guide to the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts and Connecticut are available in bookstores, at Bascom Lodge and/or the state visitors center on Mt. Greylock and by mail from the AMC.

How You Can Help


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