Guilder Pond
May 30 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Guilder Pond Loop at Mount Everett State Forest
May 30th at 10:00 am
Hike Rating: Easy going with ups and downs and tree roots. Just over one mile around the pond. Option after the pond loop to climb to the Mount Everett Lookout from the picnic area and AT junction for another mile and 650 feet of elevation gain for breathtaking views. Bring your kayak or paddleboard for some optional paddling after we hike. Bring lunch, you will want to stay all day!
Directions: From Dunkin’ in Great Barrington 494 S Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230, head toward MA-23 W/MA-41 S/Maple Ave, follow 41 South to Guilder Hollow Rd/Jug End Rd in Sheffield to Mt Washington Rd to East St in Mount Washington to Mount Everett State Forest Entrance. East Street, Mt Washington, MA 01258. We will meet at the picnic area (Appalachian Trail sign) where the road ends.
Join special guest DCR Interpretive Coordinator Alec Gillman for a guided hike! Guilder Pond in Mount Washington is the second highest Pond in Mass with Mount Everett in the background, you will experience nature at its finest here and amazing mountain laurel and azalea in spring. John Van Guilder, a Native American, lived in the Guilder Hollow area with Dutch settlers in the early 18th century. Van Guilder influenced his tribe to lease lands to the Dutch in 1740, after marrying the sister of a Dutch pioneer, the VanGuilder Farm site dates back to the mid-1700s, when the Mahican Indians deeded the land to Jon Konkapot VanGuilder, the son of Chief Konkapot. The Mahicans had settled the area in the late 1600s and welcomed the Dutch settlers. The area surrounding Guilder Pond was subject to land disputes between Dutch and English settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Livingstons, a prominent Dutch family, persisted in charging rent to English settlers who had been granted free towns by the Massachusetts Colonial Legislature.
The Guilder Pond route begins near the Appalachian Trail parking area off Mount Everett Road in Mount Everett State Reservation. When the seasonal gate is open, hikers can drive directly to the trailhead. In the off-season, expect to hike a short distance up Mount Everett Road to reach the start of the loop. The trail circles Guilder Pond, staying close to the shoreline with mostly gentle terrain and minimal elevation change. From the parking area, follow the Appalachian Trail north for a short stretch before turning left onto Guilder Pond Loop. Make your way around the pond for a little less than a mile and turn left onto Mount Everett Road to return to the parking area and complete the route. The well-worn path leads through shaded woods, across sections of exposed roots and rocks, and past stands of mountain laurel and azalea that bloom in early summer. A rock outcropping on the eastern shore of the pond offers a scenic viewpoint and a place to rest or reflect. Though the route is short, the forest setting and steady water views give it a quiet, immersive feel. Guilder Pond is a popular destination for day hikes in the Berkshires, and this route is a good warm-up for those continuing toward Mount Everett.
Please Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles and a snack!
Want to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events. You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
Donate here:
Via our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers
Via Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers
Via Venmo: @hilltownhikers
Via Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)
GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010
Mission Statement: Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of historical properties and tours, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts. Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. provides monthly, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups, non-profit organizations, libraries and schools. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249
IMPORTANT: For all activities, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather, including rain gear, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.” If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash! Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control, leashed or otherwise, and be prepared to pick up after your dog.
Adults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time.
