The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) long. The path passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
In Massachusetts, the Appalachian Trail passes through 14 towns as it traverses the state from the Connecticut border to the Vermont border. The AT enters Massachusetts at the town of Sheffield near the Connecticut border and exits at Williamstown near the Vermont border. The trail covers around 90 miles (145 km) through the western part of the state.
List of Towns in Massachusetts the Appalachian Trail Goes Through
Here are the 14 towns in order that the Appalachian Trail passes through in Massachusetts:
- Sheffield
- Mount Washington
- Egremont
- Great Barrington
- Stockbridge
- Dalton
- Cheshire
- North Adams
- Clarksburg
- North Adams
- Florida
- Savoy
- Charlemont
- Williamstown
1. Sheffield
Sheffield is a small rural town in Berkshire County near the Connecticut border. The Appalachian Trail enters Massachusetts here after passing through the northwest corner of Connecticut. The AT runs for about 5 miles through Sheffield, passing attractions like the Barshadell Brook Falls and an old charcoal pit used for fuel production in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Mount Washington
Mount Washington is another small rural town in Berkshire County. The Appalachian Trail runs for around 7 miles through Mount Washington and some of its notable landmarks. These include the Mount Everett Reservation and the Mount Bushnell forests. The trail also passes across the Konkapot River in this section.
3. Egremont
Egremont is located just south of Mount Washington along the AT. The trail covers close to 6 miles as it passes through the Jug End State Reservation and the Mount Bushnell State Forest. The landscape here consists of rugged mountains, high ridges, forests, streams, and waterfalls.
4. Great Barrington
Great Barrington is the first larger town the Appalachian Trail goes through in Massachusetts. This town in Berkshire County has around 7,000 residents. The AT runs for nearly 4 miles through Great Barrington, passing by attractions like the Housatonic River Walk and the Guthrie Center historic community.
5. Stockbridge
Stockbridge is another populated town along the trail in Berkshire County. The Appalachian Trail runs for around 6 miles through Stockbridge, crossing the Housatonic River. The trail also goes by the Chesterwood estate and museum.
6. Dalton
Dalton is located in the midst of the Berkshires region that the AT travels through in Massachusetts. The trail covers around 5 miles as it passes through wooded hills and mountains in Dalton. This section includes landmarks like the Cheshire Harbor Reservation and Cheshire Lake.
7. Cheshire
Cheshire is a small community north of Dalton along the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs for nearly 7 miles through the rural forests and hills of Cheshire. This leg passes through parts of the Savoy Mountain State Forest.
8. North Adams
North Adams is the largest municipality the Appalachian Trail passes through in Massachusetts. The trail runs for about 5.5 miles through this historic industrial city in the northwest part of the state. The AT goes near attractions like the Western Gateway Heritage State Park.
9. Clarksburg
After North Adams, the Appalachian Trail enters the small town of Clarksburg. It covers around 2.5 miles through Clarksburg, traversing dense forests and ascending the slopes of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts.
10. North Adams
The Appalachian Trail passes through North Adams a second time after looping through Clarksburg. It runs for another 4 miles through North Adams on the western slope of Mount Greylock before continuing north.
11. Florida
Florida is a sparsely populated rural town north of North Adams that the Appalachian Trail travels through. The AT covers around 3 miles of forests and streams in Florida. This leg passes through a section of the Savoy Mountain State Forest.
12. Savoy
Savoy is located in the northern Berkshires near the Vermont border. The Appalachian Trail runs for roughly 5 miles through Savoy, crossing several streams and mountains. The landscape here is remote and undeveloped.
13. Charlemont
Charlemont is another small rural town the Appalachian Trail passes through as it nears the end of its journey in Massachusetts. The AT covers close to 7 miles through Charlemont, including parts of the Savoy Mountain State Forest.
14. Williamstown
Williamstown is the final town the Appalachian Trail travels through in Massachusetts before crossing into Vermont. The trail runs for around 4 miles through Williamstown, ending near the Vermont border after passing Prospect Mountain and other hills. Williamstown is home to Williams College.
The Appalachian Trail’s Passage Through Western Massachusetts
As the overview shows, the Appalachian Trail takes a northerly route through the western part of Massachusetts as it traverses between Connecticut and Vermont. The AT passes through the heart of the Berkshires region, known for its rugged mountain terrain, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and quaint small towns.
The trail covers some of the most challenging hiking and ascends to the highest points in Massachusetts along this passage. The AT climbs over many peaks and ridge-lines over 1,000 feet in elevation, including the state’s highest point – Mount Greylock – at 3,489 feet tall. The landscape ranges from river valleys to dense woods to steep climbs up mountains.
The AT also connects many parks, forests, reservations, and natural landmarks as it winds through these rural western towns and villages. From state forests and mountains to rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail links together the outdoor recreation sites and scenic natural areas that Massachusetts has to offer along its route.
Key Facts and Data on the Appalachian Trail through Massachusetts
Here are some key details and statistics on the section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Massachusetts:
- Length of AT through MA: 90 miles
- Number of MA towns passed through: 14
- First town entered: Sheffield
- Last town exited: Williamstown
- Highest elevation reached: 3,489 feet (Mount Greylock)
- Major landmarks passed: Mount Greylock State Reservation, Mount Everett Reservation, Jug End State Reservation, Mount Bushnell State Forest, Housatonic River, Western Gateway Heritage State Park
- State and national forests crossed: Mount Greylock State Reservation, Mount Washington State Forest, Savoy Mountain State Forest, October Mountain State Forest
Table of towns in order with mileage
| Town | Mileage of AT through Town |
|---|---|
| Sheffield | 5 miles |
| Mount Washington | 7 miles |
| Egremont | 6 miles |
| Great Barrington | 4 miles |
| Stockbridge | 6 miles |
| Dalton | 5 miles |
| Cheshire | 7 miles |
| North Adams | 5.5 miles |
| Clarksburg | 2.5 miles |
| North Adams | 4 miles |
| Florida | 3 miles |
| Savoy | 5 miles |
| Charlemont | 7 miles |
| Williamstown | 4 miles |
The Terrain, Climate, and Elevations along the AT in Massachusetts
The Appalachian Trail through Massachusetts is characterized by rugged terrain with many mountains, ridges, hills, and valleys. The topography varies from steep climbs up peaks to descents into river gorges and lowlands. Some key aspects of the terrain and elevations along the AT through Massachusetts include:
- The trail ascends from around 700 feet elevation at the Connecticut border to over 3,400 feet at the summit of Mount Greylock
- There are many steep climbs and descents along ridge-lines and mountains exceeding 1,000 to over 3,000 feet
- Rugged mountains crossed include Mount Frissell, Mount Alander, and Mount Prospect
- Valleys traversed include those of the Housatonic River and its tributaries
- Forested hills and ridges make up much of the landscape throughout
- The climate brings very cold winters and warm humid summers
- Spring and fall are moderate seasons for hiking the AT through western Massachusetts
The varying terrain and elevation changes make hiking the AT through Massachusetts challenging but scenic. Excellent views are found atop the high peaks and ridges, while the river valleys and forests below also provide visual diversity along the trail’s path.
Major Parks, Forests, and Natural Features along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts
As it traverses western Massachusetts, the Appalachian Trail connects many state and national parks, forests, and scenic natural features and landmarks. Some of the major ones crossed by or near the AT include:
- Mount Greylock State Reservation – Encompasses Mount Greylock, the highest peak in MA at 3,489 feet
- Mount Washington State Forest – Contains mountains, streams, waterfalls around Mount Washington
- Jug End State Reservation – Rugged landscape with ridges, peaks, and rivers
- Mount Everett Reservation – Managed state reservation southwest of Mount Washington
- Savoy Mountain State Forest – Remote protected forests in the northern Berkshires
- October Mountain State Forest – Large state forest south of North Adams
- Cheshire Harbor Reservation – Scenic waterways and recreation near Cheshire Reservoir
- Housatonic River – Major river valley crossed by the AT in Massachusetts
- Bartholomew’s Cobble – Unique geological and biological features
These natural areas provide excellent scenery, outdoor recreation, and ecological value along the Appalachian Trail’s pathway through Massachusetts. They are all highlights to experience for AT hikers.
Planning and Preparing for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike in Massachusetts
For long-distance hikers attempting a thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail, the 90-mile stretch through Massachusetts is an important and challenging segment. Some tips for preparing to hike the AT through Massachusetts include:
- Get in good physical shape – Training with regular cardio and strength exercises
- Obtain quality hiking boots, gear, and apparel suited for rugged mountain terrain
- Consult AT guidebooks and maps on the Massachusetts section
- Pack clothing and supplies for variable mountain weather conditions
- Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated during climbs
- Plan transportation/logistics for accessing the trailheads in Sheffield and Williamstown
- Consider hiking partners, permits, and camping locations along the AT in MA
- Time the hike between spring and fall when weather is more favorable
- Prepare for challenging high-elevation and steep sections of trail
- Allow 2-3 weeks to complete the full MA portion at a moderate hiking pace
Proper physical and logistical preparation makes for a safer, more enjoyable Appalachian Trail thru-hike through the scenic western landscape of Massachusetts. It is a challenging but rewarding section for AT long-distance hikers.
Notable Features and Attractions along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts
In addition to the beautiful mountain scenery, some particular natural and historic features stand out along the Appalachian Trail’s route through Massachusetts:
- Mount Greylock – Highest peak in MA at 3,489 feet; sweeping views
- Sages Ravine – Dramatic gorge with waterfalls and rock formations
- The Cobbles – Unique jumble of cliffs, crevices, and boulders
- Cheshire Harbor – Scenic reservoir, lakes, and streams
- Thundering Falls – Cascade waterfall near North Adams
- Bascom Lodge – Historic AT shelter and cabin near Mount Greylock’s summit
- Ice Gulch – Narrow passageway cut through huge ice chunks
- Rattlesnake Gutter – Notable forested gorge along a stream
These and many other landmarks make the AT through Massachusetts an exceptionally scenic hike. The natural beauty, forests, mountains, streams, and waterfalls all contribute to this portion’s allure for Appalachian Trail hikers.
Conclusion
The 90 miles of the Appalachian Trail through western Massachusetts present a landscape of rugged natural beauty juxtaposed with quaint New England towns. As it traverses the heart of the Berkshires from Connecticut to Vermont, the AT climbs over high ridges, peaks, and valleys, including Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state. Hikers pass through 14 towns along the way, with vistas, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and diverse terrain characteristic of this challenging but picturesque section of the longer Appalachian Trail. Proper planning and preparation allows hikers of all abilities to enjoy theAT’s magnificent passage through Massachusetts.