Appalachain Trail Corridor Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Appalachian Trail - Goose Pond Road

Goose Pond Road, Tyringham, MA

About Appalachian Trail - Goose Pond Road

This trailhead has parking for abut 6 vehicles.  It is plowed in the winter. Northbound hikers can spot a 2nd car at Route 20 in Lee/Becket for a moderate 5.3 mile hike.  Southbound hikers can similarly spot a car at Webster Road in Tyringham for a short 2.3 mile hike, or at Main Road in Tyringham for a more rigorous 4.1 mile outing.  The northbound trip passes Upper Goose Pond Cabin, a cherished stopover for backpackers on the A.T., as well as a popular day hiking destination.  It finishes up crossing the Mass Pike on the Appalachian Trail footbridge.

Northbound hikers walk west (turn right) for about 200 feet to reach the A.T. crossing of the road.  Turn right again and enter the woods, descending across a stone wall, then a small stream before reaching a long trail bridge over Cooper Creek and the remains of a large beaver pond.  Climbing moderately through occasionally dense mountain laurel, the boundary of the Upper Goose Pond Natural area is reached.  This area preserves the land surrounding Upper Goose Pond in an undeveloped state.  Descending on rock steps, the Trail crosses the easternmost end of Upper Goose Pond crossing the pond’s inlet, Higgly Brook, on a short trail bridge at 2.3 miles.  The A.T. then skirts the northern edge of the pond arriving at the junction of the ½ mile blue-blazed access route to Upper Goose Pond Cabin at 3 miles. Managed for A.T. backpackers, the Cabin is a popular destination for day hikers too.  Offering great swimming and views across the pond, it is staffed by volunteer caretakers 24/7 from mid-May to mid-October. 

Turning right and climbing, the Trail leaves the Natural Area then descends somewhat steeply before turning sharply right and crossing the Mass Pike (I-90) on a two part footbridge.  The bridge also serves as a snowmobile route in the winter.  Running parallel to the dam that creates Greenwater Pond, the trail re-enters the woods and crosses the pond outlet before arriving at Route 20.  Access the parking area by walking left along the guard rail.  Use caution.

Southbound hikers from Goose Pond Road parking area, turn right along the road, then turn left, crossing the road and entering the woods.   The Trail climbs moderately through several stone walls.  After reaching the height of land, the Trail descends on a rocky path reaching Knee Deep Pond and nearby Merry Brook.  Crossing the brook on a trail bridge, the A.T. ascends along the brook before bearing away to the right and reaching Webster Road.

The Appalachian Trail (or A.T.), is a 2100 mile footpath stretching from Maine to Georgia.  90 miles of the Trail are in Massachusetts, traversing the Berkshires.  Local volunteers manage and maintain the footpath and the surrounding trail corridor in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park (NPS-APPA).  While popular with both day hikers and backpackers, the A.T. is managed as a primitive backcountry trail with limited amenities.  Visitors should dress for the range of expected weather, wear sturdy shoes, and carry the Ten Essentials on their hike.   Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the A.T.  For more on the Appalachian Trail, visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s website.