Map 1 - Williamstown, MA to Story Spring Shelter - The Long Trail, VT
This section and the beginning of the Long Trail End to End guide covers from Williamstown, MA where the two approach trails lie, (Pine Cobble Trail and the Appalachian Trail) to Story Spring Shelter. The southern terminus to the Long Trail lies several miles in off either of the approach trails. Many hikers make their first stop either Seth Warner or Congdon Shelters.
Congratulations! You've just begun your end to end journey and have 272 miles to go!
Trail Tips:
Off trail camping between the Southern Terminus and Route 9 is limited to the two shelters on that stretch, Seth Warner & Congdon. The trail in this section is mostly surrounded by private property.
Camping off trail is permissible between Route 9 and Story Spring Shelter.
Use caution descending the stone steps just north of Harmon Hill. The descent down Harmon Hill to Route 9 below is approximately 1.8 miles and the steps can be tricky to navigate, especially when wet. Trekking poles are advised.
County Road lies about 1/10th of a mile before the Seth Warner trail spur and leads into Stamford, VT, approximately 6 miles.
In the warmer months, Seth Warner shelter can sometimes be "noisy" due to recreational vehicles being ridden on nearby private property.
The puncheon that follow the beaver damn at Stamford Meadows, (between Seth Warner and Congdon) can sometimes be slightly submerged as they sit just below the damn wall. Trekking poles are advised to help keep your balance.
Crossing route 9 can be dangerous. Please use caution.
Williamstown and North Adams, MA
The southern terminus to the Long trail sits on the border of Massachusetts and Vermont. The nearest trailheads are located in near these two towns. The first is on the AT located off route 2 near the Sherman Brook camping area and is closest to North Adams. The second is located off of North Hoosac Road in Williamstown at the Pine Cobble Trailhead. The later being the shortest route of the two to the southern terminus just north of East Mountain.
Because of this, Williamstown and North Adams are great choices to get started on your hike and both offer a number of hiker related services
Redwood Motel - 915 State Road, Rt2, North Adams - 413.664.4351 - http://www.redwood-motel.com - MAP - The Redwood Motel is convenient to get started as it is situated right across the street from a Super Stop and Shop. The Redwood will also accommodate maildrops for its guests.
The Villager Motel - 953 Simonds Road, Williamstown - 413.458.4046 - http://www.williamstownvillager.com/ - MAP - The Villager Motel includes a continental breakfast in its room rate and accepts maildrops for guests.
Williams Inn - 1090 Main Street, Williamstown - 413.458.9371 - http://www.williamsinn.com - MAP - The Williams Inn is situated near downtown Williamstown and very close to the Pine Cobble Trailhead. The Trailways bus stop is also near the Williams Inn.
The Mountain Goat Outfitters - 130 Water Street, Williamstown - 413.458.8445 - http://www.themountaingoat.com - MAP - The Mountain Goat allows tent camping behind their store, WITH PERMISSION. 2 days maximum. Mon - Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5.
The Mountain Goat Outfitters - 130 Water Street, Williamstown - 413.458.8445 - http://www.themountaingoat.com - MAP - The Mountain Goat carries a full line of gear and sells stove fuel by the ounce.. 2 days maximum. Mon - Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5
Super Stop and Shop - 876 State Road, North Adams - 413.664.8100 - http://www.stopandshop.com - MAP - The Mountain Goat will accept food drops. Please contact store ahead of time for more details.
United States Post Office - 56 Spring Street, Williamstown - 413.458.3707 - http://www.usps.com - MAP - HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 4:30 and Saturday 9-12. Don't forget holiday closures.
We recommend American Cab Company, Williamstown - 413.662.2000. - http://www.americancab.us/ - American Cab is available 7 days a week 6am to 1am.
Milne Public Library - 1095 Main Street, Williamstown - 413.458.5369 - http://www.milnelibrary.org - Public computer and Internet access is available at the Milne Public Library. There is no charge and a one hour time limit. A reservation is requested, either by phone or in person, even if a computer is not occupied. Mon - Fri 10am to 5:30pm / Sat 10am to 4pm
Bennington, VT
Bennington is a great town to take a break in. Local businesses have created a "Hiker Bike" program that allows a quick and free way to get around to do chores. These yellow bicycles can be found through out the city but the best place to check in about them is at the Nature's Closet. The bikes are available first come first serve to anyone over 18 years of age.
If you just want a quick shower, check out the Recreation Center at 655 Gage St
The one drawback to Bennington are that grocery stores are inconvenient to the rest of the services locate downtown. The Nature's Closet, PO, Library and various restaurants are located within a few blocks of each other. The grocery stores however are approximately 1.5 miles from the center of town. If you stay in the downtown area, you can catch some groceries at Henry's Market on the corner of Branch and Main as you come into town from the trailhead.
When it comes to lodging there are many choices in Bennington however, it is a popular tourist town. If you don't need any serious groceries and just want to grab a shower, do some laundry, etc, then try the Greenwood Lodge and Campsites. They have a hostel style lodge and many private wooded tent sites around several ponds. Or head to Bennington and stay in one of these well rated inns below.
Greenwood Lodge and Campsites - Woodford,VT - 802.442.5487 - No Website / No Map - Going NOBO when you come out at the trailhead on Right 9, turn to your right and go east about 1.25 miles to the base of Prospect Mountain Ski Center where you'll find the lodge and campsites. True's General Store is directly across from Greenwood and will have some basic food stuff.
Knotty Pine Motel - 130 Northside Drive - 802.4425487 - http://www.knottypinemotel.com/ - MAP - The Knotty Pine has reasonable rates, restaurants very close and a pool. They will accept maildrops for their guests and are close to the Price Chopper, Wal-Mart and Hannafords.
The Nature's Closet - 400 Main Street - 802.442.0476 - http://www.naturescloset.net - MAP - The Nature's Closet sells fuel by the ounce, a full line of hiker orientated gear and offers the Hiker Bike program. They offer shuttle service before 9am and after 5:30pm. They are open 7 days a week 9am to 5:30pm.
Hnery's Market - 831 Main Street - 802.442.6856 - http://www.henrysvtmarket.com - MAP - The last time this author was in Henry's Market, I couldn't stop drooling over the large selection of fresh meat and cheese. In particular, Henry's smoke a great deal of their own offerings. My favorite was their Kielbasa. We mixed some of that with some fresh Sugarbush Farms Cheddar. This is the place to grab a few extra's while your in town. You'll get the best service and great food.
United States Post Office - 108 Elm Street - 802.442.2421 - http://www.usps.com - MAP - HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 9-2. Dont forget holiday closures.
We recommend Bennington Taxi - 802.442.9052. - Bennington Taxi will go to the LT/AT trailhead.
Bennington Free Library - 101 Silver Street - 802.442.9051 - http://www.benningtonfreelibrary.org - Public computer and Internet access is available at the Bennington Free Library. There is no charge and use is on a first come first serve basis to the terminal. If someone is waiting in line you will be asked to finish up your session within 30 minutes for the next user. Mon - Thu 10am 8pm / Fri 10am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 1pm (Summer)
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