Trail Details
The Taconic Skyline Trail was blazed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a hiking trail, 25 miles (40 km) long, extending from Massachusetts Route 41 in Richmond to the northern end of Brodie Mountain in Williamstown. In the 1970s the trail over the northern 1/3 of Brodie Mountain fell into disuse and was soon obscured, shortening the trail to 21 miles (34 km). In the late 1990s, the southern section from Route 41 to Route 20 was officially closed, as was the northern section over the remaining 2/3 of Brodie Mountain. Unsanctioned use of these sections still occurs, however. At the same time, the Taconic Skyline Trail in Pittsfield State Forest was separated into two parallel trails: one retained the name Taconic Skyline and was designated a motorized and multi-use recreation trail by the Department of Conservation and Recreation; the other trail was added on to the southern end of the non-motorized Taconic Crest Trail, extending it by 6 miles (9.7 km).
Features along the trail include the highland Cranberry Pond and Twin Ponds, Doll Mountain, Smith Mountain, Tower Mountain, Berry Pond, 2,150 feet (660 m) (reputed the highest pond in Massachusetts), Poppy Mountain, Jiminy Peak, and Widow White's Peak. A state campground is located at Berry Pond.
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