Mount Frissell
Mount Washington State Forest
Mount Washington, MA
Snowshoeing | Hunting | Hiking
Alander Mountain 545 East St., Mount Washington, MA
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Part of
Mount Washington State Forest
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Dogs allowed - Leashed
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Low Visitation
- Parking
- Picnicking
- Restroom
- Scenic View
Summit of Alander Mountain.
Picnic area alongside the trail.
Wooden bridge crossing over a creek on the trail.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Alander Mountain
This trailhead will bring visitors to an extensive hiking area in the southwestern corner of Western Massachusetts. The main trail heads to the top of Alander Mountain, where visitors can access a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Leaving the parking lot, hikers will head up a wide trail through a small meadow and dense hemlock forests. Blue blazes will lead hikers up the Alander Mountain Trail, though some paths branch away and head in other directions through the woods. The Charcoal Pit Trail, for example, will lead hikers alongside old charcoal remains. Eventually, hikers will arrive at a campsite between the Ashley Hill Trail and the Alander Mountain Trail. This camping area features tent sites with picnic tables, bear boxes, and privies.
As the Mountain Trail continues through the park, it gradually narrows and becomes muddier. Then, near the top of the trail, hikers will pass by an old shelter and scramble onto a rocky ridgeline. This ridgeline opens onto the summit of Alander Mountain, where visitors can access magnificent views of the Berkshires. Hikers can then follow the ridgeline and expand their perspective toward the south.
Once at the top of the mountain, the trail connects to the South Taconic Trail.
There is a large parking lot for the trail off east road, behind the state forest headquarters.
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Accessibility Assessment
There are no accessible features at this location.
The 5.8-mile Alander Mountain trail begins at a grass parking lot, with a standard picnic area accessible by grass containing standard wooden tables. The trail starts with gentle slopes before transitioning into a more moderate trail with steeper rocky sections. Alternatively, connecting the trail to Bash Bish Falls via the South Taconic trail is a popular option, extending the trail mileage to over 13 miles.
A rocky section of the trail.
Picnic and barbeque area adjacent to the trailhead.
Nearby Locations
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Clubs, Retail & Rentals
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.
We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.
