Hiking & Outdoors Group - Since 1977
Berkshire Knapsackers
COVID 19 NOTICE: Since most COVID 19 restrictions have been lifted at the time of this printing, the committee is not imposing any of its own. The hike leader may determine any restrictions for the hike (such as the size of the group, pre-registration, masks, social distancing, etc.) with the restrictions being specified in the hike write-up. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask, of course, if desired. Hikers will be expected to comply with future state or federal COVID 19 regulations or mandates if enacted.
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Berkshire Knapsackers
2024 Fall Schedule
September-October-November-December
CANCELLED - Saturday, September 14, 2024 - AT from Sages Ravine to Jug End Road. Sheffield MA
AA-3-B: Starting at Mt Washington Rd we will hike the AT Northbound from Sages Ravine
to Jug End Road. The hike is approximately 11 miles with 2,000 to 2,500 feet elevation gain.
We will be climbing Race, Everet and Jug End. A car shuttle will be required.
Leave: Contact Russ by Thursday Sept 12 for meeting time and place.
Leader: Russ Cannizzaro - russcann@yahoo.com, or call 919-576-6109.
Sunday, September 22, 2024 - Kayak Trip - Somerset Reservoir – Somerset/Stratton, VT.
PADDLE: This outing is not for beginners. Somerset Reservoir is the largest wild body of water in
Vermont. Currently there is no water skiing or jet skiing allowed on Somerset Reservoir, and a 10-mph speed limit is in place. The lake is prone to big waves (2 ft. plus), and it only takes a breeze of 5-10 mph and being in the wrong location on the water to cause problems. The lake is remote, accessed via a 10-mile dirt road, with an undeveloped shoreline and limited cell coverage. The nearest help is 15+ miles away if they can be contacted. Inclement weather cancels the outing. Lifejackets must be worn. Start time: 8:30 AM (Why? Waves/wind typically develop around midday). Length of paddle: 2.5-3 hours at a leisurely pace. Location: 42°58.43'N 72°56.53'W.
Leave: Contact leader for information
Leader: Scott Latvalla - latvalla@aol.com or 413-446-6399.
Saturday, September 28, 2024 - Kennedy Park, Lenox MA
C-4-D: Gentle 2-hour hike through the trails of Kennedy Park in Lenox. Break for "afternoon tea."
Leave: Meet at 2:00 PM at the Arcadian Shop parking lot (91 Pittsfield Road, Lenox 01240)
Leader: Fran Hurley text (617-290-7209) or franceskayhurley@gmail.com
Sunday, September 29, 2024 - Ascutney Mt. via Weathersfield Trail, Perkinsville, VT (Dog friendly) On Leash
B-3-B: This will be a 5.2+ mile hike to the summit of Ascutney Mt. with an elevation gain of 2,185 ft. At the top, I would like to add a loop to Ascutney North, Brownsville Rock & Castle Rock. If that’s not enough for everyone, we have the option to pop over to Ascutney South as well. Dogs on Leash
Leave: 9:30 AM from Weathersfield Trailhead on High Meadow Rd. (43.42675,-72.46610)
Leader: Julie Kraus - juliekraus77@gmail.com or TEXT 413-579-4325.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Mahanna Cobble and Yokun Ridge Trail, Pittsfield, MA
B-3-B: Hike Mahanna Cobble Trail to Yokun Ridge Trail to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Elevation gain is approximately 1,400 ft. This will be an out and back hike approximately 6.5 miles.
Yokun Seat has a beautiful view of Richmond and Pittsfield.
If there is interest, after the hike, we will go to Balderdash Cellars on Rt 41 in Richmond.
Leave: 10:00 AM from the Bousquet Ski Area Parking Lot, 101 Dan Fox Drive, Pittsfield, MA.
Leader: Sally Partridge - skpartridge@gmail.com, Call or TEXT 413-822-2818
Saturday, October 12, 2024 - Alander Mountain, Mt Washington MA (Dog friendly)
B-3-B: This will be an out and back hike from Mt Washington Park Headquarters. Approximately 6 miles and Dog Friendly,
Leave: 9:00 AM from Washington Mtn. Headquarters
Leader: Russ Cannizzaro - russcann@yahoo.com or call 919-576-6109. No calls after 7pm.
CANCELLED - Sunday, October 13, 2024 - Chester/Blandford State Forest Sanderson Brook Falls Loop
B-3-B: 5 miles 1,079 ft elevation gain. This trail combines a steep climb through the woods to some beautiful views and a loop on a CCC trail to Sanderson Brook Rd which is gravel to the magnificent Sanderson Brook Falls.
I will do a carpool from Pittsfield.
Leave: Please contact the hike leader for time and meeting place - vsinger30@gmail.com
Leader: Vicky Singer
Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Bear Mountain, Salisbury, CT (Dog friendly)
B-3-B: About 6 miles, 1,631ft elevation gain. We'll hike the Undermountain trail to Paradise, AT, back to Undermountain, going counterclockwise so the rock scramble will be on the way up. Beautiful views. Dog Friendly
Leave: 9:00 AM Meet at Undermountain Trailhead on Rt 41.
Leader: Janice Robbins. Please contact Janice to confirm attendance - janicerobbins14@gmail.com or 917-679-5820
Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Bald Mountain, Woodford, VT
C-3-B/C: We will hike the Bald Mountain Trail from the Woodford side (as opposed to the Bennington side) to the summit of Bald Mountain. The summit has begun to grow in, but still has some views. A little over 4 miles with 1580 ft of elevation gain. Always bring your sense of adventure! (If you are Googling for more information, be aware that there is another Bald Mountain farther north in VT). Access: From route 9 in Woodford, turn north on Harbour Road near the Woodford town office and continue for 0.8 miles. At a concrete water tank, turn left off the road into an open area. There is limited parking, so depending on interest, a carpool will be arranged as we get closer. Please contact leader if you plan on attending for this reason. Severe weather cancels.
Leave: 9:30 AM from the trailhead. Please contact leader if you plan on joining.
Leader: Michelle Filiault - arthemise29@gmail.com or 413-644-6748 (email preferred).
Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Flag Rock hike on Monument Mtn, Gt Barrington MA (Dog friendly) On Leash
C-3-C: This hike is less than 4 miles and should take approximately 2–3 hours. Dogs allowed if leashed. Bring water and a snack. Meet at McDonald’s parking lot in Great Barrington, 302 Stockbridge Road. Park your car facing Route 7
Leave: 10:00 AM from McDonald’s parking lot.
Leader: Thea Baker - lpplanding12@gmail.com
Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Mass Audubon's High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, Shelburne Falls, MA
B-3-C: Lollipop Loop. 5.7 miles, approximately 1,100' elevation gain. (Google Maps Address: Mass Audubon's High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370). Generally considered a moderately challenging hike, this is a 5.7-mile counterclockwise lollipop loop with a side trip to the fire tower. We will start on Sanctuary Road to the Waterthrush rolling trail which skirts wetlands and streams. Next is the Steeplebush trail which meanders by a vernal pool and along rocky ledges and enjoys three great shoreline views of the beaver pond. We will then pick up Wolf Den’s Loop (to Wolves Den-a geologic feature where local lore has it that the last wolf in the area lived); and onto the somewhat steep North trail with multiple stream crossings through a ravine and passing below numerous ledges. We continue onto the Dutch and Mary Barnard trail for the excellent views at the scenic ledges. Back on Sanctuary Road for a bit and then pick up the Ridge trail to the fire tower. We can climb the internal spiral staircase and see the views from the small, barred windows underneath the “lookout office” at the top (no access to top). We will then backtrack on the Ridge trail to Sanctuary Road and back to our cars. Here’s a link to the AllTrails High Ledges-Shelburne Fire Tower trail.
Leave: 9:00 AM. Please contact the leader to register for this hike or if you have any questions. A carpool from Pittsfield will be arranged.
Leader: Trish Johnston - patcjohnston@gmail.com or 832-649-0372 voice/text.
RESCHEDULED Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Mahican-Mohawk Trail to Indian Trail Outlook on Todd Mt. -Mohawk Trail State Forest, Rowe, MA
B-3-B: This is an out and back hike of 6.4 miles (unless we choose to add a quick trek up Thumper Mountain, too) with an elevation gain of 1358 feet or more if we add Thumper. This hike will be quite challenging after we enjoy an easy start along cold river, Deerfield River, pass through some pretty woods and a meadow; but the view at the top is nice.
Leave: 9:30 AM from the parking area along route 2/Mohawk Trail at the entrance to cold River Road, (42.63697, – 72.93491)
Leader: Julie Kraus - juliekraus77@gmail.com, or text at 413-579-4325.
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - Overmountain Conservation Area, Ancram, NY (Dog friendly) On Leash
B-3-C: This beautiful 1,700 acre property has an extensive trail system through forests and meadows with views of the Catskills, Berkshires, and the Taconics. We will hike about 5.5 miles bringing us to a gazebo with views. We will stop there for a snack break (bring snacks!) before heading back to the parking lot. There will then be an option to add a .7 mile loop up a steep hill to a view of the Taconic Mountains. This hike is beginner friendly with just some small hills and no scrambles. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Leave: Contact Leader for time and meet at the Overmountain Conservation Area at 138 Catalano Rd, Ancram, NY.
Leader: Please text/call/email Tracy to sign up/get start time. Tracy Rakin - arahowtato@gmail.com or 845-416-4536.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Otis State Forest - Otis, MA (Dog friendly)
B-3-C: Hike approximately 7-8 miles along sections of Upper Spectacle Pond and Lower Spectacle Pond through the Otis State Forest. This will be an “in and out.” Dog Friendly.
Leave: 9:30 AM at the Otis State Forest parking area on Rt. 23 in Otis. Please contact leader to “register.”
Leader: Kate Alexander – katesday@gmail.com or 413-822-3396 to call or text
Saturday, November 23, 2024 - Haystack Mountain, Wilmington, VT
C-3-B/C: We will hike the Haystack Mountain Trail to the summit of Haystack Mountain. Though the summit is partially wooded, it also has some great views. Around 4 miles with 1026’ of elevation gain. Always bring your sense of adventure! Parking is along the roadside at 4 Upper Dam Road, Wilmington, VT. There is limited parking, so depending on interest, a carpool will be arranged as we get closer. For this reason, please contact the leader if you plan on attending.
Planning to leave from the trailhead at 9:30 am.
Leave: 9:30 am from Trailhead. Severe weather cancels.
Leader: Michelle Filiault - arthemise29@gmail.com or 413-644-6748 (email preferred)
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Tolland State Forest - Tolland, MA (Dog friendly)
B-3-C: Hike 7 miles through Tolland State Forest, along Farmington River, up through CCC camp, and then along Otis Reservoir Gilmore Trail onto Sawmill Trail, back down to the Farmington River. Dog friendly.
Leave: 9:15 AM from Tolland State Forest roadside pull off, Rt. 8, just over the Otis-Sandisfield town line.
Leader: Joe Doboszynski - dobojc@aol.com or 339-222-7203.
About Us
Berkshire Knapsackers was founded in Sept 1977 by Kay Wood, Jack Murphy, Eric Teet, Stanley Wilk, Ann Fitz & Betty Conover. Kay Wood and Jack Murphy among others sent out requests to join and 60 members were signed up, many of whom are still members today. Activities the first year consisted of 21 hikes covering 132 miles. The original group celebrated their 10th anniversary in 1987 at the Audubon Society in Lenox, and their 25th anniversary at October Mountain Lake.
We currently have over 50 outings between September and June with more than 100 members, ranging in age from 20's to 80’s, who value healthy living and an appreciation of nature and the beauty of the Berkshires fostered by outdoor exercise in a social group setting. Outings consist of Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Kayaking & Biking as well as an annual New Years Day potluck.
We carry on their legacy with the original hiking club shaped into what it is today.
In Memory of:
Kay Wood, Tom Conry, Jack Murphy, Ted Thorne, Pat Plue
Richard King, Bern Collins, Harry Oswain, Rudy Hoeltzel, Mike Monico
