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 Reporter |
Summary: From the NE part of the parking lot take the loop trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail. Take the AT in the N direction (white blazed trail). Continiung ont the AT, just before crossing a brook bridge, there will be a small side trail (short walk) that will take you to a beaver pond -- it is worth a visit. After the powerline, take the wood rd that travels to the west (leaving the AT). Turn north (right) at the Ski and Bridle Trail (red triangles). The trail will prove to be great for observing wildlife, if you are patient. Upon reaching Mount Wilcox Rd turn left, and walk downhill for 1/2 mi. Return via the Turkey trail and a CCC wood rd. On the right hand side of the wood rd you can enjoy the Pond. Reach your car via the northern portion of the loop trail. You will find more information about the state park in: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/bear.htm Trailhead: Benedict Pond parking. I-90, Lee exit. Drive south. At the junction of US 20 and MA 102, travel 2.5mi west to South Lee. Turn left onto Meadow St, cross the Housatonic River, and turn right onto Beartown Mountain Road. Follow road past forest boundary (1.5mi) and to a fork (2.5mi). Turn right (downhill) onto Beartown Rd and drive 4.0mi to Benedict Pond. You can park on a grassy lot just past the swiming area. (Lat:42.20246 Lon:-73.28891) Trail Guides for Beartown State Forest: 50 Hikes in Massachusetts by Brian White (Countryman Press) Appalachian Trail Guide 103 - Massachusetts to Connecticut - 11th Edition by Norman Sills (Appalachian Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Mass DEM (413) 528-0904 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jose Anes, who has posted 25 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jason Newman on 4/16/2004 Beartown!!!! You can't go wrong hiking Beartown, this is a beautiful place, I'm planning a trip there soon to do the geocache and fish. You can't beat the bever ponds and the upper trails through the pines and MT lurrel. If in the area besure to check out Bish Bash Waterfall 20 mins from Beartown. 
Reviewed by dg on 10/12/2003 I walked the start of this trail today, until bad weather forced me to turn back. The Ledges section of the AT trail is great. I left a geocache along the way. I will definitely be returning to complete this hike on a better day. It's a great area that I had never explored before, even though I live in the area. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Massachusetts Hiking, Massachusetts Trails, Massachusetts Hikes, Berkshire County Hiking, Berkshire County Trails, Berkshire County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||