We placed this winter friendly cache to get you started and guide you along the route we took over the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) lands. We started our hike here along Strykers Rd at the large BNRC preserve sign. There is a grassy spot to pull off the road if you have a high clearance vehicle, or pull off the pavement edge at the sign. In winter conditions this won’t be an option.
You can park near the intersection of Central Shaft Rd and Strykers Rd (N42 40.430 W73 02.850) and walk north 100 yards along Strykers Rd to the BNRC sign.
This and other caches will guide you along old trail roads about 1.5 mi one-way to the remains of one of the original Hoosac Tunnel Alignment Towers- the Spruce Hill alignment tower. It was one of 6 towers and the third to be constructed. This alignment tower is by far in the worst shape and is also fairly hard to get to. All that remains here are a pile of rocks with wooden pole that remains, and an iron pipe laying on the ground that probably was used for sighting.
You seek a winter-friendly clear bottle preform. Enjoy your adventure and the history of the remarkable engineering feat of the 4.75 mi long Hoosac Tunnel begun in 1855 and completed in 1875.
If you find that the coordinates are off, please post your coordinates in your log. Feel free to replace any wet, full, or missing log sheets with my thanks.
Go here for more information on the Hoosac Tunnel Then and Now
Go here for more information on the Hoosac Tunnel