Appalachian Trail - Massachusetts Ave

Massachusetts Avenue, North Adams, MA

About Appalachian Trail - Massachusetts Ave

This trailhead is the northernmost access point to the A.T. in Mass.  Located on Massachusetts Ave, it offers limited on-street parking--please park well clear of our Trail-neighbor’s driveways.  More nearby A.T. parking may be found on Route 2 (State Road) just east of Phelps Ave.  See Appalachian Trail Trailhead - State Road.  BRTA Route 3 also serves the State Rd (Rt 2) trailhead.

Hiking north, visitors climb along pristine Sherman Brook for more than a mile, arriving at the primitive Sherman Brook Campsite at 1.8 miles.  Continuing moderately uphill, then steeply for a short distance, visitors arrive at the East Mountain overlook with great views of the Hoosic Range and the northern parts of the Mt Greylock area.  North Adams is nestled in the valley below.

Continuing on a more level trail, the route connects with the Pine Cobble and Class of ‘98 Trails before continuing to the Vermont border and beyond…to Maine.

Southbound visitors travel through western North Adams neighborhoods, crossing the Hoosic River and Guilford Transportation train tracks on a long footbridge.   A connection with the network of trails developed by Tourists Motel is made on the bridge stairs above the north bank of the Hoosic.  Continuing through neighborhoods, the A.T. eventually returns to the woods and climbs steeply to Mt Prospect overlook for expansive views to the west before continuing to Mt Greylock and beyond.

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.