Ragged Mountain

Ragged Mountain Group Hike

Saturday September 26th at 10:00 am

Directions and Parking: At the Greylock Glen, 165 Gould Road, Adams, MA 01220 or along Thiel Road; there is also parking at the intersection of Gould Rd and Thiel Road at the Greylock Glen. Meeting place is at the junction of Thiel and Gould Road to start the hike.

Hike Rating: Difficult.  1,300 feet of elevation and 5 miles in and back to the first lookout. Option to continue to the talus cave and Ravens Rock for a 6.5-mile hike in and back.

Take a hike on the less traveled path to the infamous Ragged Mountain a favorite destination in the fall for those who can follow GPS. For many reasons this hike is considered difficult for most. We will offer a shorter version to the first lookout for those ready for a hardy hike. The mountain was once known as “Ravenscrag,” The rugged and rocky terrain is the mountain’s most distinctive feature and likely inspired its current name. An early Greylock Commission report described Ravenscrag as “an interesting geological study,” and its steep drop-offs and uneven terrain still set it apart from its neighbors. The base of these outcroppings features several sizable caves. A worthwhile and challenging climb it’s one of our favorites. It sits on the east side of the Greylock Massif, which is a subrange of the Taconic Mountains. Along the trail, a rocky outcropping near the summit provides a stunning vantage point with an outstanding view of Mount Greylock and the War Memorial Tower. There are also some dramatic outcroppings on the north side of the mountain known as “Raven’s Rocks”

Local lore claims that the Bellows Pipe Trail, which leads to Ragged Mountain, is haunted by the spirit of a hermit—a Civil War veteran from North Adams who lived in a makeshift shelter somewhere nearby the trail and reportedly died alone. Skiers descending the Thunderbolt Trail have even claimed to see his apparition near the intersection of Thunderbolt and Bellows Pipe, in the Greylock Glen.

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!

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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.