At 2,200 miles long, taking on the entire Appalachian Trail just isn’t an option for most of us, but don’t let this legendary trail intimidate you! There are hundreds of amazing portions that are perfect for any hiker or backpacker that allow you to build your own adventure at the exact length and difficulty to desire.
This particular section is an excellent way to spend a weekend! The route runs for 24 miles between Dalton and North Adams in Massachusetts, but when broken up over two-and-a-half days with beautiful spots to camp along the way, it’s an absolutely manageable adventure that doesn’t require the expertise or endurance of an epic exploration and still provides you with an amazing outdoor experience.
Hiker and photographer Chris Daniele chronicled his trip along this route to give you a peek at the trail and tempt you to put on your hiking boots and head out on your own Appalachian adventure!
Day 1: The adventure begins!
Chris Daniele Photography With excellent places to pitch a tent only a few miles away, Dalton is the perfect place to kick off your journey in the late afternoon. You can get a jump on your weekend by heading out after work on Friday!
Night 1: Crystal Mountain camping.
Chris Daniele Photography Crystal Mountain is only 4 miles in and is a great place to set up camp for the first night of your adventure.
Day 2: Breakfast with a view.
Chris Daniele Photography Cheshire Cobbles overlooks the town of Cheshire and you can see Mt. Greylock in the clouds. Fuel up for the day ahead while taking in the lovely view.
Nope, we’re not lost!
Chris Daniele Photography The Appalachian Trail isn’t your typical hiking trail. It was completed in 1937 and the natural progression of expansion has altered the route over the decades. Portions of the hike will take you right through cities! There are white blazes on the telephone poles that mark the route when you pass through Cheshire.
You’ll see a little bit of everything along this route.
Chris Daniele Photography The trail will also take you right through a cornfield before heading back up into the hills!
Night 2: The Mark Noepel Shelter.
Chris Daniele Photography A 10-mile hike along the south side of Greylock will take you to the Mark Noepel Shelter, which is an excellent spot to give your feet a break and spend the evening under a little cover.
Day 3: Conquer Greylock!
Chris Daniele Photography It’s time to start the climb to the summit of Greylock!
Stop to take it all in.
Chris Daniele Photography As tempting as it is to sleep in, you’ll want to hit the trail early to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant and amazing landscape of Mt. Greylock.
The summit in the clouds.
Chris Daniele Photography Even the best forecasts can’t guarantee sunny days. Unpredictable weather left us in the clouds when we reached the summit of Mt. Greylock, but the misty skies did add an ethereal feel to this part of the trip!
Coffee break!
Chris Daniele Photography Who says you can’t enjoy a little luxury along the way? We recharged with coffee at Bascom Lodge on the summit.
It’s all downhill from here.
Chris Daniele Photography The descent down Greylock begins as we head towards our final destination in North Adams. Even with the cloud cover, the lush scenery is still stunning.
Almost there…
Chris Daniele Photography “Georgia to Maine” - a sign the thru-hikers will see many times during their months on the trail.
The final stretch!
Chris Daniele Photography At the end of another 10-mile day, the walk in to North Adams is a satisfying way to end your adventure.
As this isn’t a loop hike, we arranged a meeting point with a friend to pick us up. Plan ahead for how to get home! Drop off a car North Adams before you begin or call some friends to come help you celebrate your hard work.
With so many miles of trails, customizing your Appalachian adventure takes a little extra planning, but your effort will be rewarded by the epic experiences along the way. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this amazing trail!
Chris Daniele Photography
With excellent places to pitch a tent only a few miles away, Dalton is the perfect place to kick off your journey in the late afternoon. You can get a jump on your weekend by heading out after work on Friday!
Crystal Mountain is only 4 miles in and is a great place to set up camp for the first night of your adventure.
Cheshire Cobbles overlooks the town of Cheshire and you can see Mt. Greylock in the clouds. Fuel up for the day ahead while taking in the lovely view.
The Appalachian Trail isn’t your typical hiking trail. It was completed in 1937 and the natural progression of expansion has altered the route over the decades. Portions of the hike will take you right through cities! There are white blazes on the telephone poles that mark the route when you pass through Cheshire.
The trail will also take you right through a cornfield before heading back up into the hills!
A 10-mile hike along the south side of Greylock will take you to the Mark Noepel Shelter, which is an excellent spot to give your feet a break and spend the evening under a little cover.
It’s time to start the climb to the summit of Greylock!
As tempting as it is to sleep in, you’ll want to hit the trail early to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant and amazing landscape of Mt. Greylock.
Even the best forecasts can’t guarantee sunny days. Unpredictable weather left us in the clouds when we reached the summit of Mt. Greylock, but the misty skies did add an ethereal feel to this part of the trip!
Who says you can’t enjoy a little luxury along the way? We recharged with coffee at Bascom Lodge on the summit.
The descent down Greylock begins as we head towards our final destination in North Adams. Even with the cloud cover, the lush scenery is still stunning.
“Georgia to Maine” - a sign the thru-hikers will see many times during their months on the trail.
At the end of another 10-mile day, the walk in to North Adams is a satisfying way to end your adventure.
As this isn’t a loop hike, we arranged a meeting point with a friend to pick us up. Plan ahead for how to get home! Drop off a car North Adams before you begin or call some friends to come help you celebrate your hard work.
You can see more of Chris Daniele’s photo adventures on his Instagram (@dirtandglass), his YuckyStudios website, and Facebook page!
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