IN THE BERKSHIRES
Monday, May 18
Guilder Pond AT to Appalachian Trail Parking at Kellogg Road
START AND END LOCATION: Sheffield( 42.144423,-73.360084) Distance: 9 miles Elevation gain: about 1,500 ' Starting at Guilder Pond parking area, the trail passes by a quick view of scenic Guilder Pond and then shortly coming to a two side trails— one leading to the Hemlock shelter and the other to the Glen Brook shelter. Continuing north, the AT begins a gentle descent along the east slope of Mt. Undine( 2203 ') and then climbs a gradual ascent to reach the wooded summit of Mt. Bushnell. The trail crosses two intermediate summits and reaches Jug End summit at the north end of the ridge affording a spectacular view. After a gradual descent from Jug End summit, the AT reaches a crest of rock, the " jug’ s end," with steep outcrops and extensive open views to the NW and SE. Mt. Greylock is clearly visible on the northern horizon. The trail then begins a steep zigzag descent over rock ledges and eventually approaches and crosses over Jug End Road and passing two stone walls and an open pasture view before coming to MA41. A gradual ascent brings the trail into the trees along a woods road atop a ridge. The trail crosses a series of bog bridges to higher ground and another ridge. And over Hubbard Brook on a large bridge and arrives at Egremont Road, where across the street, a kiosk and stone monument commemorate the last battle of Shays’ Rebellion in 1798. Travel on a grassy farm road through active farm fields and enter the woods climbing and descending a hill and then crossing West Road. The trail follows the edge of a swamp, then crosses the swamp on a series of bog bridges and railroad tracks. Following the embankment for a short distance, cross the field to US 7. The trail then enters an overgrown field and an active farm field meandering along the banks of the Housatonic River, entering the woods briefly, and emerging at another active farm field. Trail skirts the edge of the field to the end of a section at Kellogg Road.
JOIN THE RELAY
IN THE BERKSHIRES
Tuesday – Wednesday, May 19-20
AT Berkshires: Sheffield to Tyringham
START LOCATION: 64 Kellogg R, Sheffield( 42.144301,-73.360609) END LOCATION: Appalachian Trail at 176 Main Rd., Tyringham( 42.234857,-73.19428) Distance: 20 miles of the AT Elevation gain: 4,074 ' Difficulty rating: 5 – Vigorous This is a two-day, one-night slackpack / backpack in the Southern Berkshires along the Appalachian Trail. The group will hike on moderate terrain, enjoying views from multiple ledges, the Ice Gulch and Tyringham Cobble. You’ ll shelter for the night just steps off the trail at The Memorial Chapel AT Great Barrington, where you’ ll have the option to leave your heavy gear, hiking with only a day-pack. There will be ample room for tenting, with the option to shelter inside in the event of wet or cold weather. Electricity, bearbox and portapotty are on site. Potable water, fresh-perked morning coffee, and other amenities will be provided. Meet at The Memorial Chapel AT to drop off overnight gear / food. Next, drive to the end destination on Main Road in Tyringham, where two vehicles will be left, and then drive south to the start point in Sheffield. Participants should be prepared to shuttle or carpool with other attendees, and some may be asked to use their personal vehicles to help shuttle others. This is a point-to-point hike over moderate terrain with some strenuous sections; you will be expected to hike at a slow-moderate pace of about 2 mph moving and 1.5 mph overall. Each hiker must have all required gear, clothing, food, and water to be self-sufficient for a two-day, one-night backpack.
Thursday – Friday, May 21 – 22
Backpacking the Appalachian Trail( 20s / 30s +)
START AND END LOCATION: Appalachian Trail( 42.286224,-73.175525) Distance: 19 miles Difficulty rating: 5 – Vigorous Join AMC Western MA 20s / 30s for a spring weekend backpacking trip along a quiet, forested stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires. Over two days, you’ ll hike through classic New England woods, with rolling ridgelines, seasonal stream crossings, and peaceful sections of remote trail. This is a self-supported backpacking trip designed for hikers with prior independent experience. The group size for this hike will be capped at five hikers and one leader. Participants should be confident in carrying all necessary gear, managing their own shelter, food, and water treatment, and hiking sustained mileage over two days.
Saturday, May 23
Relay Ride from Washington Noble View Outdoor Center
START AND END LOCATION: AMC Noble View Outdoor Center, 635 S. Quarter Rd., Russell Difficulty rating: 4 – Moderate Join the 27-mile mixed surface ride( Approximately 70 % on road and 30 % unpaved dirt / gravel roads, with roughly 2,000 ' of climbing) through the beautiful Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts. While the overall route trends downhill, there are short, intense uphill segments of climbing, so this activity is most suitable for riders comfortable with going uphill. Riders should have experience with both on and off road riding as well as group riding etiquette. Overall pace will average 12-14 mph( i. e. a moderate paced ride that will last between 2 and 3 hours). A gravel bike, touring bike, or hybrid bike may be used, any of which could also be electric pedal-assist. Road bikes with gravel appropriate tires( at least 30mm in width) may also be used. We will meet for the ride at 9:00 AM at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, where we will have our initial ride briefing, safety talk for the day, and final bike checks. From there, we( and our bikes) will be shuttled by our friends at Adventure East to the ride start point in Washington, where we will receive the official relay flag to carry forward on its journey northward. At the conclusion of the ride, our group will enjoy a cookout at Noble View, generously sponsored by the Western Mass chapter. n
AMC is embarking on a 1,500-mile relay from Virginia to
Maine that starts on March 14.( Left, Corey David Photography; top, Paula Champagne courtesy of AMC) Above, AMC Western MA offers guided hikes on Mount Greylock during the spring, often focusing on the Appalachian Trail or trails near the summit.
( Anastasia Stanmeyer)
Spring 2026 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 81