AT in MASS Columbus Day Weekend

This troop has done a lot of car camping as well as day-hike mountain climbing but is very inexperienced in backpacking for various reasons. We have several boys and parents that have been working towards hitting the five highest northern NE peaks and who have done Washington, Mansfield, and Greylock. We also have some dads that have backpacked in the past as well as three boys that did a two week stint hiking at Philmont in New Mexico this past summer. We also have several new boys and dads.

Looking at the combination of experiences involved and combining that with the desire to keep the boys enthusiastic and challenged, we thought that the Salisbury to Sages Ravine trek would be a good combination trip using the following plan.

All start together from Rt 41 in Salisbury and do the 4+ miles to Ball Brook/Brassie Brook (we may split into both sites depending on numbers). Meet up the morning of the second day at Brassie Brook and hike the 1/2 mile or so to Undermountain Trail. At this point we would split into two groups. The younger boys/dads with one or two experienced guides take the Undermountain Trail to paradise Lane trail and set up camp at the Paradise Lane campsite. If it is early enough in the day, they back track and make a day hike up to the top of Bear Mtn and back from teh south approach. Meanwhile, the more experienced group bypasses the Undermountain Trail and goes directly to the top of Bear Mtn and down the more challenging North face to the Sages Ravine campsite.

On the third day, the first group will head south on the AT and take the Paradise Lane Trail to the campsite and meet up with the second group OR we will leave a third car at the East St parking lot and have that group and the second group independtly get to their parking areas and meet up at Frissell. The second group (w/ or w/o the first group) will proceed together to the Undermountain trail (east) and head to the parking lot. Since several of the boys are trying to get the five northern NE peaks and we are so close to Frissell, we will probably drive over to Frissell and do a day hike, taking the Jeep Trail.

We will leave cars at the AT lot near 41, the Undermountain trail lot, and possibly the lot near Sage's ravine.

[Mike P.]

If they have done those three, distance & terrain on steep section of round should be okay. Distance on day two sounds kind of short for both groups as it's mostly flat or downhill for much of the day & getting up Bear that way is pretty easy. Trails are in good shape too.

I'd do it maybe have everyone down at Paradise Lane. Descending the steep side of Bear after going over Round & Frissel & down to the marker might be too long. (I doubt in the dark though unless you start late.) Going back to Brassie or to Paradise Lane at least is easier terrain.

Sounds like you have a good idea of their ability & the terrain.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by Mike P.

As good as Greg's picture looks, teh view across to the Catskills is even better....

Yup, it's similiar to that from Alander:

I have hiked the AT in VT, NH, and ME. It was more than a few years ago. Do they still usually have privy's at the shelters?

Looking fwd to the weekend!
Thank you!
Sack
Ast Scoutmaster

[Greg]

Originally Posted by sack

Looking fwd to the weekend!
Thank you!
Sack
Ast Scoutmaster

Well, sack...how'd it go?

Greg,

The trip was great! We followed our plan and camped on the Group site 4 miles in. The weather was perfect. We had a full moon that was bright red as it rose. We had several first time backpackers that had a good experience and are looking forward to our next backpacking trip.

Several boys climbed Frissel and enjoyed the views.

Trail conditions were very good.

Thank you for your help!

[Greg]

Great news. Especially that there were some newbies that want to keep at it!