HIKERS HOSTEL

The Mason Hill Hikers Hostel is one of the finest hostels in the Northeast and the only hikers hostel in Western Massachusetts. The hostel utilizes the old Mason family barn built in 1815 and renovated 2003-2005.

The hostel includes comfortable bunks in the restored barn; a large lounge in the great room of the barn; two cabins with wood stoves; tent sites by the brook; showers; washer and dryer; bathroom facilities; DSL Internet, slackpack and shuttle services. Linens and towels are provided.

Bunks are $25.00 per night; tent sites are $15.00 per night. The cabins which sleep two are $40.00 and $50.00 per night. Call 413-743-2492 for pick up at Cheshire Post Office. No smoking permitted.

Open mid-April through Thanksgiving, depending on weather.

Reservations

For reservations, please call Mason Hill Hikers Hostel at 413-743-2492. If no answer, leave a message. Reservations are also accepted by email: masonhill@verizon.net

HIKES AND WALKS

Mason Hill is located at the base of Mt. Greylock, about one and a half miles from the Greylock Visitor Center on Rockwell Road. Together Mount Greylock, Greylock Glen and West Mountain Cobble boast hundreds of miles of wooded trails for hiking, walking and outdoor adventuring. Whether your vision of the idyllic on-foot journey is a short walk in the woods, or a week-long stint on the Appalachian Trail, Mason Hill provides the perfect base camp and overnight site.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is the longest and oldest footpath in the US, extending 2,174 miles from Georgia to Maine. The AT crosses Outlook Avenue in Cheshire three-eighths of a mile from Mason Hill. Millions of hikers travel the Appalachian Trail each year, including more than 300 "through hikers", many of whom stop at Mason Hill.

There are numerous approaches to reaching Greylock's 3,491 foot summit, crowned by the well-known, and oft-repaired, war memorial tower. Reaching the summit is easy, but it is the shorter hikes and walks in the lower and mid elevations, and especially the journey to Jones' Nose on Saddle Ball Mountain, that provide some of the best views and experiences with the reservation's natural habitat. Mount Greylock Trails Info

Greylock Glen is a 1000 acre property that is not part of the Mt. Greylock State Reservation. It boasts a number of scenic hiking tails and trail heads, some of which provide access to Mt. Greylock trails. It is also home to Peck's Falls, one of area's most scenic falls and picnic sites.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a former railroad corridor which has been converted into a paved ten-foot wide, universally accessible path. The trail runs through Cheshire, half a mile from Mason Hill. It's gentle grade and smooth surface make a perfect surface for walkers, cyclists, runners and skaters of all ages and abilities. The trail is 11 miles long, running from Lanesboro through to Adams where it meets up with the Berkshire Visitor's Center.