Best Base Camps

The Berkshires in Massachusetts (Courtesy, MOTT)

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Base Camp Coordinates

Home Base: Mt. Washington State Forest
Location: The Undermountain Trailhead is near the intersection of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, about three miles north of Salisbury, Connecticut, on Highway 41. Sages Ravine is also accessible from the AMC trailhead just south of the tiny town of Mt. Washington, about 100 yards past the Mass/CT border.

Sages Ravine (Connecticut/Massachusetts border)
Sages Ravine is a pretty little sliver of tranquility located a short two hours from New York City in the popular Berkshire Hills. From the trailhead on Route 41, head uphill on the Undermountain Trail for about 1.1 miles. Turn right onto the Paradise Lane Trail for 2.1 miles, then follow the AT 0.3 mile north to the Sages Ravine campsite. There are numerous tent sites along the brook, which has a series of soaking pools perfect after a big climb on a hot day.

Leave your tent pitched at Sages Ravine and spend a day exploring the AT, going either north or south along the ridge. Heading south takes you to Bear Mountain, the highest peak in Connecticut. The ridgeline here is rocky, but offers spectacular views into the Housatonic River Valley. Look for mountain laurel in late spring and blueberries in late summer and early autumn.

The Berkshires are a popular destination, particularly in summer and fall, and the Undermountain Trailhead parking lot can fill up early on a nice day. Get there early on weekends, while weekdays are obviously less crowded. When you're done with your hike, head into Great Barrington (about 15 minutes away; take 41 North and 23 East). With dozens of restaurants, this popular tourist town is perfect for an end-of-hike food fest.