Mount Everett
NOTE: There are varying reports about the summit road to Everett. Their website states that the road is open up to Guilder Pond during warmer months. However, I've been there a few times during summer and the road is closed at the base parking and have heard the same from others that the Mount Everett's road to the summit has been closed for some time now and changes are taking place within the property. There seems to be an ongoing discussion (friction?) between reservation stewards and state park system as to how the state reservation should be accessed. As a result, some changes have taken place such as tearing down the old fire tower on top and closing all or part of the summit road most of the year (if not entirely depending upon who you talk to). It's an amazing place to hike around but you may want to call/email ahead to get the latest information (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/meve.htm). It's an out of the way place so just be aware that the long drive there could lead to a closed summit road. As of this writing (October 2006) you CANNOT drive to the top. The summit used to be accessible to almost everyone accept those with physical limitations preventing them from hiking short distance, but now Everett is a strenuous hike no matter how you approach.

Mount Everett is located in Massachusetts close by the regional corner where Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York meet.  It's a long drive to Mount Everett from Boston, southern Connecticut, or NYC but the ride is through some of the most picturesque in Connecticut or New York state depending upon which route you decide. About 27,000 feet smaller than it's Asian cousin, Mount Everest, Mount Everett requires a good amount time and energy to hike up to its 2,624 foot summit. You'll feel a mountain much bigger than the one you're standing on.  The wind blows hard, the trees' growth is stunted and rugged looking, with views second to none.  If you hike in from Race Brook Falls off of Route 41 in Sheffield, Massachusetts, you'll hike by one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Berkshires. That would be a very tough hike for the average day hiker since the total elevation gain would be about 1,800 (trail head off Route 41 is about 800 above sea level). The old firetower is torn down so some think the views aren't work the effort via Race Brook Falls but it is peaceful at the summit and plenty of spots around the summit to piece together great views in all directions.

You used to be able to cheat by driving up the mountain! There's a road nearly all the way to the top with a short walk to the peak. It's a shame for those who can't hike to the summit because in that region it was the only place they could enjoy amazing views that us hikers take for granted. I've often thought how many people would love to see wonderful views but because of physical limitations they can't. It really is unfair for that reason alone that the road has been closed to the summit. But it's good news for hikers since not many people go to the summit anymore because of the closed road and torn down firetower. The Appalachian Trail crosses right over the summit and that probably is another reason they didn't want so many locals and tourists driving up to the summit area. About 45 minutes north of Everett is Mount Greylock off Route 7 in Lanesborough. It's Massachusetts' tallest mountain and there's a summit road. If you used to enjoy riding up to Everett, I'd highly recommend Greylock since it's a thousand feet taller and much more spectacular. Greylock has a fantastic visitor center to plan out your visit with an incredible metal sculpture of the parks mountains, trail, and roads along with a friendly staff to answer any question you may have. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/mgry.htm, Greylock's official website.

If you are a seasoned hiker and you want a high octane workout, you should tackle the Race Brook Falls to Everett option. You'd follow the BLUE trail system (or red trail to the base of falls is fine too since it meets back up with blue trail at the top of the falls) up and beyond the falls, into a flat forest section where at times the blue trail markers are hard to spot but clearly visible if you look, to where the blue trail meets the Appalachian Trail and it's white hash marks. It's about a mile hike up the eastern face of Everett to the summit area from this trail intersection. Where the Race Brook blue trail meets the white trail of the Appalachian Trail, you'd go right (NORTH) to go to Everett. (Going left would take you south to Mount Race which also is a gorgeous spot to visit. Trail signs tell you the distances to various spots including back country campsite that are first come-first served basis.) On the eastern summit side of Everett are really nice views back into Connecticut and the Twin Lakes region. At the peak, you'll need to walk around the trails at the summit to find different overviews now that the firetower is gone but the views are grand. Don't blaze your own trails on the summit since they are trying to protect the landscape after years of folks walking all over the place.

When the sky is clear you can see very far: south into Connecticut, west into New York state (the Catskill Mountain looming in the distance), north and east for a great view of the state of Massachusetts.

For most people who would be up for a hike that is somewhat challenging but not a marathon, then park your car at the base of the Everett's summit road which is off of East Street in Mount Washington, Massachusetts. East Street is high a ridgeline road so you'd start your hike high up to begin with. The road will take you up to Guilder Pond which has a beautiful loop trail as a side option. From Guilder Pond you continue on the road until you see the white has marks of the Appalachian Trail. Hop on the A.T. and head for the summit. From Guilder Pond to the summit is just under a mile in distance. Or just continue along the road and forego the A.T. trail option and follow the road to the old summit parking. From there, a trail to the summit still exists but it might be hard to find and follow so perhaps the A.T. to summit is the better option.  From parking lot to summit should take 45 minutes to an hour, longer if you do the Guilder Pond side loop. Visit, http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/meve.htm, the official website for Mt. Everett for driving directions and updated info. Just note in the driving directions that Mount Washington Road that is off of Route 41 and heads up into the mountains becomes East Street at some point. Some folks become confused when they suddenly see East Street addresses but Mount Washington Road at some point high up in the hills becomes East Street. The address for Everett is 3 East Street, Mount Washington, Massachusetts but the driving directions tell you to follow Mount Washington Road all the way to Everett.

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