I am hopeful that there will be a few occasions and opportunities to explore the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts before the year 2020 comes to an end. Today was one such opportunity.
I drove to Sheffield, thinking I would use the A.T. Parking area on Kellog Road, but the loose stone on the steep slop was pretty washed out, and I didn't know if I would be able to drive back up out of the area... so I ended up looking around a bit before settling in at the AT Crossing on West Road. I had already run the AT Section crossing West Road to Route 7 last August, but it would be the best I would do today for a designated, safe, parking spot.
The section from West Road to Route 7 is nice, much of it through a swamp with built up walkways. Crossing Route 7 gets you to the Housatonic River and a nice journey along it. Brief road section before the start up June Mountain toward East Mountain.
Excellent views once the 1000' climb is over, basically the entirety of Race, Everett and Jug End along with the Catskills in the distance. As added features, there were two excellent balances rocks that I noticed, and a wicked ravine / cravasse / or split between rocks with a bridge built above.
I ended the run feeling very good, with 10.5-miles and 2280' of climb and descent on my legs.
View of Everett, Race and Bear Mountains to the west
