Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Mt Frissell and the CT highpoint

What better way to enjoy this unusually warm weather in February then to go hiking.  I have been trying to get my wife back out hiking and she agreed to go.  I planned a short hike with great views and knew that the Mt Frissell trail in the southwest corner of Massachusetts would be just the place. We arrived at the trail and began hiking at 11:30am with bluebird sky's and temps around 40*.  It was a perfect day to hike. It felt more like late March then the 2nd of February.  The trail is fairly flat for the first half mile then climbs steeply up to the summit of Round Mtn. at 2296ft.  The summit offers 360* views with Mt Greylock and the Catskills being visible in the distance.





The trail descends slightly between Round Mt. and Mt Frissell then climbs to the summit with a few steep tricky spots along the way.  The climbs are fairly short and we had no trouble today but the trail could be a challenge if there is ice or snow.  Once we reached the summit of Mt. Frissell, at 2454ft., we signed the register and made our way to the CT high point of the south side of the mountain.  We stopped here and had a snack and enjoyed the warm sunshine before making our way back to the car.


CT/MA state line

Mt Greylock in the distance


The return trip was over quickly although we did stop a few times along the way to enjoy the views again.  The trailhead for the Mt. Frissell trail is located on East St., Mount Washington, MA.  It is well marked and easy to find.  There are many trails in this area and hikers have a lot of options to create longer hikes.  The Appalachian Trail and the South Taconic Trail can easily be reached from here.  I will continue to explore this wonderful area, there is always something to see. 

Total miles: 3