Taconic Trail State Forest Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Phelps Trailhead

Oblong Road, Williamstown, MA

About Phelps Trailhead

This trailhead brings visitors to the beginning of the Phelps Trail: a strenuous hiking trail that leads up to the Taconic Crest. Visitors to the path will begin by hiking through a tranquil pine forest, which eventually opens into maple groves and fern meadows.

Then, after its gentle beginning, the trail begins to quickly climb. Hikers will gradually follow steep switchbacks as they rise through the hills. When the leaves have fallen in winter, hikers can watch themselves climb relative to the other Western Massachusetts mountains in the distance.

Near the top of the Phelps Trail, the terrain becomes less steep. The trail crosses over old stone walls—evidence of the land's agricultural past—as it ascends steadily toward the Taconic Crest Trail. Soon, visitors will arrive at a small lookout in a fern meadow, where scenic views of the Berkshires are visible above the trees.

After this fern meadow, hikers will arrive at the Taconic Crest Trail. The crest will take visitors along a ridgeline with small views of the mountains and open fern meadows. Visitors can then descend on the Mills Hollow Trail and take Oblong Road to the trailhead for a complete loop.

Visitors will find a small parking lot for the trailhead off Oblong Road.