TR: Sages Ravine MA/CT AT

“Two other Dad's and I took our collective 5 children for an overnight on the northernmost portion of the Connecticut AT on Saturday.

Weather was spectacular. Crystal clear, dry, sunny 60s. Moonlit and clear overnight, lows in the 40s.


Started behind the Berkshire School a few miles over the Mass border. Hiked the Elbow trail to the summit of Mt. Everett. From Everett we hiked due south along the AT back towards Connecticut. First we dipped to a lowpoint, then climbed back up to Mt. Race. From Mt. Race we had a spectular ridge walk along a cliff with fanastic view to the farm fields and lakes below us to the east.

Some confusion ensued at this point. We intended to camp at the Sage's ravine tent sites .. .but they were a good ways off and we had started to get some grumbling from the kids. We instead opted for Bear Rock. Turns out this site is closed and new one open just beyond it Laurel Ridge. We did not realize that Laurel Ridge was taking the place of Bear Rock . . .and consequently kept hiking. It was when we turned to the right, and headed into the dark folds of Sages Ravine, that we realized that we had completely missed our intended spot. So, we hike through the ravine, took the group site at Sages. he shrimp quesadilla for dinner, cleaned up and were in bed by 9:00.

Kids were wiped out. Ended up putting about 8-9 moderate miles on them. The wo older kids (12)carried new packs. Each responsible for their own sleeping bag, pad, clothes and water. My son also carried a beer for me.

My younger guy (9) carried some of his clothes, snacks and a hydration bladder in North Face hydration pack.


The hike outthe next morning was about 4 miles. Up the AT to the Paradise Trail around Bear Mountain, then the Undermountain trail out to the car.

A great hike. The kids had fun.


That night we went to the local fair. Then yesterday we bought two more kayaks. A Wilderness ssytems Tsunami sp for my 12 y.o. and a necky Elaho for me (a sweet, 16 foot sea kayak).

Anyone in CT want to buy a 2 y.o Wilderness systems 145T (tandem) with a rudder. Paid $1,075. Asking $850.”