Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts
Roughly ninety miles of the Appalachian Trail cross western Massachusetts through valleys, forest, farms, towns, and Mount Greylock.
Artwork inspired by George Loring Brown
Roughly ninety miles of the Appalachian Trail cross western Massachusetts through valleys, forest, farms, towns, and Mount Greylock. The state section moves beyond summit scenery. Road walks, wetlands, bear habitat, shelters, private easements, and trail towns make stewardship and logistics visible across a long corridor.
Choose a day-hike access with a confirmed parking plan or prepare fully for backcountry travel. Carry water treatment, protect food from bears, and never rely on cell service. Ticks, bears, storms, road crossings, and limited water can all be consequential. Multi-day travel requires current official trail information. Town, farm, wetland, and summit miles give the state section unusual variety.
- Massachusetts length
- About 90 miles
- High point
- Mount Greylock
- National route
- Georgia to Maine
Quick guide
- Match route to daylight
- Berkshire miles are slower than paved distance.
- Protect food
- Bear-resistant food practice is essential.
Know before you go
- Match route to daylight
- Berkshire miles are slower than paved distance.
- Protect food
- Bear-resistant food practice is essential.
- Confirm the car
- Small trailheads fill or prohibit overnight parking.
- Yield to thru-hikers
- Summer brings long-distance hiker traffic.
Good to know
Ticks, bears, storms, road crossings, and limited water can all be consequential. Multi-day travel requires current official trail information.
Notice these
- Mount Greylock
- Upper Goose Pond
- Jug End