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Map &
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The AT crosses MA 8 in Cheshire 0.5 miles north of the intersection with Church St. and Mountain Road. This is the official southern end of Section 2 and the northern end of Section 3. As can be seen by rotating the street view on the attached map, there is no parking available here. Parking is no longer allowed at the church. Park instead at the Ashuwillticook (note the correct spelling) Rail Trail parking area (mile 0.6).
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Rotate the street view to see the northbound trail. It leaves from the left side of the road just to the right of the dumpster. The southbound trail is less clearly visible, but can be seen by rotating the view to the south. As I recall it goes through the strip of trees next to the fence in the view. From there it crosses a field towards School St. 12/29/20
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0 at crossing but see directions
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catalano.cosmo @ gmail.com
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From the intersection of Rt 8 and Church St, follow the latter 0.4 east to Railroad Ave/Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (Railroad St, Cheshire). Parking area is clearly marked. Space for about 20 cars.
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AT follows streets in Cheshire. Northbound, turn west on Church St, then right onto School St (across from the Post Office). Follow white blazes on utility poles. Southbound, turn east on Church St, which becomes Main St on the other side of the bridge and bears left. Continue straight ahead on East Main St at this intersection, then turn right onto Furnace Hill Rd. Follow white blazes on utility poles.
12/29/20 (revalidated September 2023)
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About 20
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catalano.cosmo @ gmail.com
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Signs clearly state NO OVERNIGHT parking. Remember, this parking area is shared by those using the rail trail too, so can fill up quickly, especially on beautiful weather weekends and holidays. There is a Mom/Pop ice cream hut right here too called Diane's Twist. 05/30/21 (revalidated September 2023)
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WardandDA @ gmail.com
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The boundary between Section 3 and Section 4 is the intersection of MA 8 and 9. This is the intersection where MA 9 goes north from the combined MA8/9. To reach the Gulf Road parking from this point go west on Main St. (MA 8/9) for 0.2 miles, then go right on Daly St. In 0.2 miles go left on High St. The parking area is 0.7 -0.8 miles further, shortly past the intersection with Park Avenue. Somewhere the name of the road changes from High St. to Gulf Road.
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Overnight parking is available at the lot on Gulf Rd. in Dalton. Services available: laundry, grocery, lodging, post office and restaurants12/8/20
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Coming from West: From the intersection of Rt 8/9 and Merrill Rd (McDonalds and Friendly's at this intersection), continue east on Rt 8/9 towards Dalton (which becomes Main St). Just past the 2nd traffic light (1.9 miles), turn left (north) on Park Ave. Proceed 0.5 miles then turn left (west)on High St. After about 200 yards, find A.T Gulf Rd parking on the right.
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The northbound trail to Section 3 leaves from the west side of the parking lot. The southbound trail to Section 4 follows Gulf Road southeast. 12/29/20
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6
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catalano.cosmo @ gmail.com
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Throughout most of Dalton, MA 8 and MA 9 follow a combined route. The point where they split and MA 9 goes north along North St. is the official north terminus of Section 4 and south terminus of Section 3 There is no parking here. There is a hiker parking lot on Gulf Road (See Mile 8.3). Day parking might be possible along Dalton streets. 12/29/20
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The A.T southbound follows city streets, observe blazes on utility poles. From parking area, follow Gulf Rd east, it becomes High St and continues to the intersection of Rt 8/9. Northbound, find the trail behind the parking area kiosk, proceed through open woods, following white blazes. On busy days this lot fills quickly. Overnight parking is generally OK, with no reported vandalism. However, the lot does seem to be used by drinkers and smokers at night. Long term overnight parking is not recommended. Day parking is available on most streets in Dalton, observe posted signs.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The intersection the northbound trail to Section 3 goes north west along a short abandoned section of road, then follows High St which becomes Gulf Road. Rotate the street view on the attached map to the northwest to see this route. The southbound trail to Section 4 goes east along MA 8, soon crossing the Housatonic River. Rotate the street view to the east to see this route.12/29/20
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0 here
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catalano.cosmo @ gmail.com
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