We decided to hide our first cache and were undecided if we should do it here for 2 reasons. 1)It is one of our favorite hiking spots, no trash or butts on the trail usually. We didn't want more traffic to change this. Please pack out what you pack in so it is as beautiful for the next people to pass by.
2)It is a very aggressive climb. It is short, but very steep and treacherous.
It took us 30 minutes to get to the cache site from the car today. Not bad you say, but that was a full blown cardio workout! (We are both 39, in fairly good shape, and familiar with the area. Plan on more time to be safe and to enjoy the area.) Please assess your abilities carefully. This is a steep climb, and the footing is very loose. When wet it is very slippery. When dry it is just slippery. :-) Today my altimeter said 620' in the parking lot, 1550' at the cache. We suggest footwear that will help prevent ankle injuries, especially on the way down. The parking area is at N 042 39.175 W 72 57.257. To get to the parking area take Zoar Road north off of route 2 (which is west of Charlemont). Stay on Zoar road and follow the river (keep going to the left at intersection with Rowe Road). Carefully go under the railroad bridge. Further up on the left will be a picnic area. Just past this on the right (and before the bridge) is the parking area. Park, lock and walk to the yellow 'fence' at the rear of the area. Directly across the RR tracks is the start of the trail...up you go! (careful, tracks are in use!) If it's stormy it might be a good idea to wait. It will be slippery and lightning strikes the top occasionally. BE SURE TO BRING WATER, you'll need it on this aggressive climb. On top it can be much cooler if it's windy. On a nice day you can sit for hours and relax/meditate, you might want lunch. Binocs are a good idea (trains, rafters, etc). Also watch for thermaling buzzards in the ridge lift. Be careful and enjoy!
Oh, when leaving, you might want to drive north for a bit first. The east end of the Hoosac Tunnel is up the road a bit, as is the Bear Swamp Visitor's Center for the hydroelectric plant. Fishing in the area is catch and release.
Cache has some good fun stuff! (at least at the start) :-) Please sign in! G&R