Great Barrington is a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States

Great Barrington, Mass.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) hosted neighbors and partners of the Great Barrington Trails and Greenways Alliance on July 24 at the ATC Kellogg Conservation Center in celebration of the successful 2009 A. T. Community Partners program. This event served as a big ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers, organizations, and businesses that have gone the extra mile to make Great Barrington and its surrounding areas a more hike, bike, and walk-friendly place.

Organizations in attendance included: The Great Barrington Land Conservancy, The Sheffield Land Trust, The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Berkshire Chapter of the Mass. A.T. Committee.

The evening began with a hike on the A.T. to the Jug End Lookout for a fantastic northward view of the Housatonic River Valley in Southern Berkshire County.

Following the hike, attendees enjoyed a picnic and presentation of the A.T. Community Partner program successes in 2009, including guided hikes, tales from the trail program, A.T. documentary screening, trail building work trips, and a young interviewer series involving students interviewing A.T. thru hikers.

Great Barrington and the ATC are pleased with the progress of this program which has strengthened the community’s enjoyment and stewardship of many natural resource areas, including their own special segment of the A.T. Partners in the program hope that these connections enhance the dedication and vision that will sustain South Berkshire County as an enjoyable outdoor destination.

VISIT LOCAL TRAIL BUSINESSES

These businesses support the Trail by taking part in the A.T. Community Supporter program.

Get Involved

AMC Berkshire

AMC Berkshire’s ‘Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee’ is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of the almost 90 miles of Appalachian Trail within Massachusetts, coordinating the extensive volunteer effort that keeps the trail open and beautiful. Learn more and become a member today at amcberkshire.org/at.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.

Banner photo taken by Anc516. This photo is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. This image has not been modified in any way.