Backpacking

Trail maintainers keep the footpath free of obstructions such as brush, and fallen trees. They also keep the white paint blazes that mark the AT fresh and easy to see. Shelter adopters take care of a particular shelter along the trail.

This is a list of campsites and shelters on the Massachusetts portion of the Appalachian Trail, listed from north to south.

The AT is managed as a "primitive footpath". Hikers are expected to be self-reliant, and to carry appropriate equipment for the season and terrain.

Because the AT can be very busy, we ask all hikers to respect the trail, overnight sites, and their fellow travelers. The Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee in partnership with Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation established the following guidelines and regulations to aid in that effort:

• Camping is permitted only at designated sites (see the list).

These are the latest trail updates. Feel free to print out a copy. This section will be updated as needed.

Most Recent NET/MM Trail Updates

The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) is a 215-mile trail route that has been in existence for over half a century. It travels through 39 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (M-M-M) Trails.

Leave No Trace™ (LNT) is a philosophy of backcountry recreation that stresses leaving the wilderness as untouched as possible by your visit. It’s also a program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts understand and minimize their recreational impacts on the land.

AMC partners with Leave No Trace, Inc. to promote responsible outdoor recreation. Leave No Trace, Inc. has established the seven Leave No Trace Principles that serve as guidelines for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

Our Outings Committee organizes general, non-technical events such as hiking, road and rail trail biking, cross-country skiing, and backpacking trips.

We have a very active list of hiking trips. Most of the year, at least two or three hikes are scheduled each week. Most hikes are on weekends, but we do have a tradition of Tuesday Hiking trips as well. Check out the schedule! Also, read our page on joining a hiking trip.