Mahican - Mohawk Trail Section 5: Charlemont to North Adams

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This portion of the Mahican - Mohawk Trail runs from the Cold River to Mass Moca, in North Adams. It climbs up from the river along a series of stone stairs and switchbacks to Sherman Road. *This section is rife with downed trees and Beech overgrowth.* The trail turns right to coincide with the Carpenter Trail. It coincides with the Bog Pond Trail and Haskin's Trail to the Savoy Mountain Campground. *Check with the office for camping availabilities.*

From the office, the trail follows the campground road and the cabin road. Here, you'll re-enter the woods (along the Campsite Spur) to North Pond Loop. *The trails are very rough through here; pay close attention to the junction signs.* Through a series of trails, it rises up to just below the summit of Spruce Hill. *Don't miss the opportunity to see the views from the Spruce Hill summit or stop for a scenic lunch.* The trail traverses the Hoosac Range, passing 1/4 mile above the Hoosac Tunnel. *For more information on the Hoosac Tunnel, you can visit Western Gateway Heritage Park and Museum.*

There's a few small view spurs along this ridgewalk. Eventually, you'll come to a split in the trail where you can either go right or left. They're the same distance back to the main tread, but the right spur will take you past the Sunset Rock View. Considering the direction of travel, it seems more fitting to take the Sunset Rock Spur. From "Hail to the Sunrise" to "Sunset Rock". The trail descends down to Route 2 and passes by the "Sid the Sloth" Tree (you'll know it when you see it).

Take a left (along the road) towards the shop at the Western Summit. The trail descends (just below the guardrail) along an extremely steep section. Some parts of this section follow along the old Route 2. The trail portion ends at the trailhead, lower down on Route 2. While there isn't an exact route from here, the trail basically follows Route 2 to the front steps of Mass Moca.

Eventually, the trail will be extended to Williamstown and New York. There is more detailed account of the route the trail follows on Mass.gov.