Slackpacking Massachusetts
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Hiking and Slackpacking
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The Appalachian Trail truly has mythic status and for many of us, hiking it is a dream. But then we look at the reality of it and find the prospect of carrying a 40-50 pound pack on our back and sleeping on the ground rather daunting. Solution? Slackpacking! We cover the same distance as backpackers, but at the end of the day we return to a comfortable lodging with beds and hot showers. This section of the AT has a wide variety of terrain, with roots, rocks, steep climbs and incredible views. We end the trip by summiting Mt. Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts. Maximum group size: 11
Highlights
- Hiking the highest point in Massachusetts - Mount Greylock at 3,487 feet
- Returning to a comfortable bed and hot shower at the end of every day
- Exploring the expansive highlands of the Berkshire region of Massachusetts
- Carrying only what you need for the day on your back
Inclusions
- 2-3 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Seven nights lodging
- All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day
- All transportation within Massachusetts including round trip transport between the Albany International Airport our vacation home in Stockbridge, MA and daily shuttles to and from trailheads
- Park entry fees Not included: Transportation to Albany, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, and travel insurance.
Trip Info
Hiking from 8 to 15 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) with one 3,000-foot ascent, particularly on a trail with many rocks, roots, and muddy sections - even if the terrain is flatter than most sections of the AT - requires being in excellent physical condition and prior hiking experience. If you need a down day, you can always choose to stay at the rental house and explore the town. This trip is rated 5 and requires a high degree of fitness. Adding some specific conditioning such as strength training, endurance training, and longer aerobic workouts is suggested. Rating: 1 2 3 4 [5]
This is a challenging hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail travels 90 miles in Massachusetts. While some of the hiking is relatively well-graded, hikers should be ready to encounter rough and rocky trails, some steep climbs and descents, and some long ascents and descents. Depending on weather, hikers may encounter muddy trails and rocks and roots that will be slippery when wet. In Massachusetts, the Appalachian Trail crosses over hills and valleys and through several towns in the Berkshires. Hikers should be comfortable hiking up to 15 miles a day for multiple days in a row.
We will be staying at a beautiful, historic home in Stockbridge, MA. The home sits by the edge of a field with garden and blackberry patch and is surrounded by 25 acres of woods. Walking paths on the property Villa Favorita was built in 1918, upgraded to its current structure soon after by Clive Livingston Duval I (father of a Virginia Senator of the same name), and later became the home of royalty, Prince and Princess Sapieha, after they escaped Eastern Europe during WWII. Former residents kept their own horses here, and former pasture, equestrian fields and orchards have now evolved into wild meadows, cultivated blackberry and raspberry fields, and pathways through forests of pine, maple and fruit trees.
Trip Resources
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
Distance: 8 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,732 feet Total Elevation Loss: 1,411 feet
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
Total Elevation Gain: 2,415 feet Total Elevation Loss: 2,510 feet
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
Total Elevation Gain: 3,120 feet Total Elevation Loss: 2,228 feet
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
Distance: 14 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,703 feet Total Elevation Loss: 2,395 feet
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
Distance: 9.2 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,512 feet Total Elevation Loss: 1,708 feet
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
Distance: 8.1 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 2,986 feet Total Elevation Loss: 492 feet
Overnight: Stockbridge, MA
4.7
(27 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
Great guides and group of fellow hikers and beautiful trails
This trip was well run. The guides did a great job. We had a beautiful week weather wise. I enjoyed being in nature and the challenge of the daily hiking.
A very nice group of women, knowledgeable and supportive guides, and a lovely section of the AT.
The guides and a really great group of ladies!
Guides and the other hikers were so friendly and great to talk with. Name says it all about the good company and it so great to meet other women. Everyone connected so quickly and I like that we have contact info .
The fun I had with my hiking companions
I loved meeting new hiking friends and exploring the MA AT!
Extensive pre-trip and during trip planning by guides. As health and heat issues arose, the guides nimbly shifted and we all benefitted. The overall strength of the hikers contributed to a strong group able to adjust to temperature challenges.
The beautiful/comfortable home, Jody's leadership and setting a great tone right away, feeling supported on the trail, feeling challenged--greatly!, and the wonderful and abudant food
The guides were outstanding in their attention to detail making sure everyone had an enjoyable trip: the help with equipment, the delicious meals, advice and assistance on trail including pointing out the things around us. The pre trip documents prepared me for the challenging hike and following the recommendations for training resulted in a successful trip and huge sense of accomplishment. It was a wonderful week with a great group of interesting and fun women.
In addition to the excellent guides, the attention to what seemed like every little detail. The guides were so kind and knowledgeable, the food was fantastic, and it was just a great week.
The team at AGC did a good job of making sure participants knew that the trails would not be easy. I felt prepared and good. I did not expect the quality of meals or help from the guides. They were incredible. I felt very safe and prepared every day thanks to them.
The guides, the location, the trails, the weather - even with one rainy day -, the group, the food, and the bear sighting. Who could ask for anything more ?!
Completing the hikes and meeting some interesting fellow hikers.
guides, accommodations, fellow trippers. food! All absolutely superb.
Being with other ladies who love to hike.
The guides
Completing more miles on AT. Enjoy a great group of ladies
The AT through Mt Laurel in full bloom for miles! Walls of white and pink blossoms on all sides and way into the vistas for several days.
Claire Lukas is the best. I loved how we stuck to the mileage plan. The rambling house was a plus. Only negative is that sometimes the pace was too slow. People need to be encouraged to tell the slower person in front of them that they are "passing on the left" to bridge the gap between that person and the hike leader.
This trip enabled me to complete almost all of the AT in Mass. I've already hiked to where this trip began, and I'm connecting the rest of it next week! Being with guides and women I've traveled with before made this even more enjoyable.
Hiking on a new-to-me section of the A.T. with a great group of participants and excellent guides.
the participants and the guides. Claire Lukas is a gem.
Most of my trips with AGC have women who just mesh very well, and that was the case with this trip. And the guides were outstanding! The house we stayed in was quite old and had some very quirky elements to it, but was delightful. I was happy to meet one of the owners when he stopped by to check on things. He shared some family memories. And a bear walked through the yard on our last morning! What fun that was!
The guides. If you don’t have great guides, the trip falls apart. Communal living with great women Supportive environment— everyone looking out for one another
Challenging hiking Fantastic guides Great group of women
- Where do we eat?
The guides will be cooking breakfasts and most dinners at the vacation home. Before you leave in the morning the guides will put out lunch options and you will prepare a packed lunch. You'll go out for one dinner where you can order off the menu; other nights you'll relax in the vacation home and have dinner there. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
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