Group Hiking on the Appalachian Trail

This document provides information for groups hiking the A.T.

• Familiarize yourself with the guidelines for A.T. hikers.
• Groups planning overnight stays should email the Western MA Chapter's AT Committee at at@amc-wma.org with the following information: (1) leader's name and contact information, (2) size of group, and (3) location and dates of planned overnight stays.
• Note that groups regularly using the A.T. for overnight hikes (camps, scouting, colleges) may require a special use permit. Contact Mass DCR for more info.
• For overnight trips,group size must be no larger than 10 people - including leaders. Day hiking groups must be no larger than 25, including leaders. This helps preserve the hiking experience for all visitors.
• Overnight sites best for group use are: Sages Ravine (Connecticut A.T. Committee), Laurel Ridge, Glen Brook, Race Brook Falls, Crystal Mtn, Kay Wood and October Mtn. See below for some sample itineraries.
• Shelters are not for group use. Plan to use tent platforms and existing cleared areas for tenting. Do not clear new tenting areas.
• Upper Goose Pond Cabin is intended for individual A.T. hikers. Groups should avoid planning to camp here in July and August. Read our FAQ page.
• Boil, filter, or treat chemically all water from backcountry sources.
• Do not wash utensils in streams or ponds.
• Use bear boxes or bring individual bear canisters. Not all overnight sites have suitable trees for hanging food.
• Observe 8PM-7AM quiet time.

Sample Overnight Group Itineraries

North - Noepel Shelter to Sherman Brook Campsite, 19.5 miles total. Moderately strenuous, especially southbound. Includes 'traverse' of Mt Greylock Park at A.T. Parking on Rt 2, North Adams and Greylock Summit (fee). Northbound:

• Night 1: Noepel Shelter and Campsite (3.3 miles).
• Night 2: Wilbur Clearing Shelter and Campsite (9.9 miles).
• Night 3: Sherman Brook Campsite (4.8 miles).
• Return to A.T. parking on Rt 2 (1.5 miles).

Central - Crystal Mtn Campsite to October Mtn Shelter and Campsite, 20.6 miles total. Mileage may be long, but relatively easy hiking. Park at A.T. parking area on School St in Cheshire and Pittsfield Rd. A.T. parking in Washington.

• Night 1: Crystal Mtn Campsite (4.1 miles).
• Night 2: Kay Wood Shelter and Campsite (7.7 miles).
• Night 3: October Mtn Shelter and Campsite (6.6 miles).
• Return to Pittsfield Rd A.T. parking (2.2 miles).

South - Laurel Ridge Campsite to Glen Brook Campsite (6.2 strenuous miles). The mileage may be short, but the trails are steep and rugged. Several good viewpoints. Park at Race Brook Falls Trailhead, Rt 41 and Mt Everett Guilder Pond/A.T. parking (driving between these two points takes about 45 min).

• Night 1: Race Brook Campsite (1.5 strenuous miles).
• Night 2: Laurel Ridge Campsite (or Sages Ravine Campsite) (2.7 miles; Sages, add 1.8 miles).
• Night 3: Glen Brook Campsite (4.5 strenuous miles; add 1.8 miles from Sages).
• Return to Mt Everett/Guilder Pond parking (0.5 miles).