| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Catamount State Forest, Pocumtuck Mountain (attempt), MA |
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 | Trails: |
Woods roads, unnamed trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 28, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked most of the way up Stacy Road in Colrain. One should be able to drive to the top of the road without issue (unless they have really, really low clearance). Gates are open. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
New bridge on the outflow of McLeod Pond. Otherwise, no significant water crossings (apart from the sections of road flooded by beavers - usually there's a way around those areas). |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Holly had fun, but it was tough having her on leash (not a rule of the park) in a few places due to blowdowns. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some black flies, but none biting yet. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Catamount State Forest in Colrain is an under-the-radar gem. Unfortunately, I don't believe decent maps exist. The trail/road markings are next to non-existant. I would advise against exploring up here if you're uncomfortable with navigation/bushwhacking/etc.
It's a very short walk from the top of Stacy Road to the south side of McLeod Pond, which is a beautiful, remote high elevation (for Southern New England standards) body of water.
From there, we followed a series of old roads to the school house monument (the location of the first school house in US history to fly the flag). There is some flooding near this, but one can navigate around it via herd paths.
We then headed south on the old road adjacent to the power lines, then took one of the very, very vague roads up to the ridge path to Pocumtuck Mountain. This particular route (a little north of the traditional old road that goes to the chimney) was hard to follow due to blowdowns (I was only able to follow it from memory).
Other than a little flooding near the beginning of it, the ridge to Pocumtuck was smooth sailing. The Pocumtuck Mountain ledges are, in my opinion, the crown jewel of this area, with spectacular views and a backcountry feel. Unfortunately, the individual who owns the very top of the mountain (who has told people in the neighborhoods in which he has many holdings that they are his 'abutters' not 'neighbors', just to give an indication of the situation) has recently put up a gate near the top of the trail with No Trespassing signs. (yet there are no buildings, towers, structures, etc. anywhere around). I've been coming up here since I was in elementary school, so it was a shame to see this. We obeyed the sign on the trail and turned around, probably about 3 minutes from the summit and ledge. |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-04-28 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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