[severine]

Originally Posted by MichaelJ

Have you been to Bash-Bish Falls? At Mt Everett State Forest you can drive up to a parking lot (on the map, it's right by the pond) with easy trails around the pond plus picnicing, and it's not hard at all to hike up to the (now-closed) upper parking lot and then from there to the summit.

That whole South Taconic area is full of open ledges and views despite not being that tall.

I've been on the back side of Everett but it was a LONG time ago during a Backpacking class in College. I'll have to check that one out, thanks!

Originally Posted by Greg

Another option in Southwest Mass is Race Brook Falls. Here's an old TR:

http://hiking.alpinezone.com/reports/race.htm

More info:

http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes...ook.html#trees

Up and back to Mount Race is 6 miles, but the falls are only a bit over a mile up. It's a moderate climb, but if your oldest did a 3 mile hike, she could probably swing it. There's also the Cathedral Pines up by Mohawk:

http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes...ral_pines.html

Race I did .... 2 years ago, I think, with Brian. I don't think she could handle getting all the way up, but the falls is a definite possibility. Mohawk is a place I always meant to go but never have... thanks for reminding me!

Originally Posted by SilentCal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talcott_Mountain

This is a really nice park and the Heublien Tower is a great destination for a picnic with the young ones.

LOVE Heublien Tower. I wasn't totally sure on the trail because it's been a long time since I've hiked it.

Looks like I'll have to find some trail maps of my own. I have none now.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!