Easy to Moderate Backpacking Route in Central/Western Mass ?

[jdecker 10]

Hello.

 

Our Troop is requesting recommendations for easy to moderate backpacking routes in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Scouts age from 13 to 16, all trained in Leave No Trace. We'd prefer an easy approach on Friday evening (in the dark), hiking the miles on Saturday, and a shorter Sunday. A two car route is OK.

 

The AT seems possible, but are there "legal" campsites near the trail that can accomadate ~15 campers ?

 

We'd prefer to keep the drive to about 90 minutes from the Fitchburg area and the Troop has backpacked a lot in Mohawk State Forest area.

 

I apologize if this has already been disussed in this forum.

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

Jim Decker

Troop 189

Sterling, MA

[scoutingagain 20]

Welcome JDECKER,

 

We have not tried these, but I stumbled on this website that included reviews of backpacking trips in the Green Mountains. These may be of interest.

 

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl/green_mountain/recreation_management/backpacking/index.htm

 

For very beginning backpackers, check out Mt. Alander in Washington State Forest in the the SE Corner of Massachusetts. It's a 1.5 mile hike in to several primitive campsites that will easily accomodate 15 hikers. There is also a 15mile loop that can be done that would loop around and bring you back to the AT that passes thru the area.

 

I'd be interested in hikes in the Mohawk State Forest.

 

SA

[theysawyoucomin' 10]

Jim, I live over the hill to the west, south of Albany. At the Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza they have many maps.One map is the Taconic Trail but I don't know how steep it is or how easy it is to get off and on. The map is $9. the Trail is 35 miles total I think. They have an award for doing it in 24 hours so it cannot be that killer. They also have patches. Give the book house a call and ask for the map specialist.

 

Sorry I have more questions than answers.