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VT 9 is a major highway crossing the Green Mountains. The AT crossing is 5.1 miles east of Bennington, 2.8 miles west of Woodford, and 4.8 miles west of Woodford State Park. There have been reports of theft in years past. Leave no valuables visible.
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There is an large paved parking lot on the north (compass east) side of the highway just west (compass north) of the trail crossing. The parking lot is indicated by the marker on the attached map. To reach the AT/LT from the parking lot follow a wide path east from the northeast corner of the lot. This passes a bulletin board, a very fancy composting privy and then meets the AT/LT in a couple of hundred feet. The northbound trail (to Section 8) goes left, crosses City Stream on the McArthur Footbridge, then turns left and parallels the stream for a short distance before bearing right and starting to ascend. The soutbound AT/LT goes right from the parking lot spur, and almost immediately reaches VT 9. Turn right on the shoulder. There is a trail sign on the south side of the road indicating where the trail continues into Section 9. Alternatively the southbound trail could be accessed from the parking lot by turning left on the highway from the entrance to the lot. Steep climbs in both directions. 11/16/20
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Ample parking
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David Cullen
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This is alternate route from VT 9 to the southbound AT/LT which bypasses the steep climb to Harmon Hill. Best parking is at the AT/LT parking lot on VT 9. Parking along Notch Road (see comments) is prohibited, but there was a dirt parking area on the east side of Notch Road where I parked for a day hike with no problems. This could accomodate several cars. Its position is indicated by the marker on the satellite view on the attached map. Note: This map shows Notch Road continuing due south. As far as I know, this does not exist.
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From the parking lot on VT 9, go east (compass south) along the shoulder of the highway to the first intersection which is with Notch Road. According to Maptech software, I estimate this to be 0.5 miles from the parking area, but the distance seemed much shorter than that when I actually walked it. Go right on Notch Road. This goes south then bears left and crosses Stamford Stream on a bridge and shortly dead-ends. Immediately after crossing the bridge, a wood road goes right (south) passing some houses. Follow this road south for about 2.5 miles. I would be hesitant to do this in a passenger car, but it is easy walking. The road climbs gradually and is generally never far from the stream. Some cabins are passed and eventually a crossroads is reached. (To the left this leads to a good gravel road in a few hundred feet. This might provide access but I do not know how to reach this from VT 9). Go right at the crossroads. This old road descends briefly to cross Stamford Stream (might be difficult under high water conditions) then climbs moderately to reach the AT/LT about a mile from the crossroads. Total distance from the VT 9 parking area is 4.3 miles according to estimates from the Maptech software. Northbound (to Harmon Hill) and VT 9 is right, southbound (to Congdon Shelter and the MA/VT state line) is to the left. 08/30/06
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See directions
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David Cullen
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The AT/LT can also be accessed from the west via this old road. From the intersection of VT 9 and US7 in Bennington, go east on VT 9. In a mile bear right on Burgess Road and follow that until the maintained portion ends. I have seen the trail head but have not hiked this route. Parking appears to be minimal at the end of Burgess Road.
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Continue straight ahead on the old road past a gate. It is 2-3 miles from here to the AT/LT crossing. 08/31/06
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Minimal parking at best
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David Cullen
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See Old Bennington-Heartwellville Road (Mile 3.7) for some parking options. The last 2 miles of this alternate route to the southbound AT/LT is over a gravel road. This gravel road deterioates as it approaches Sucker Pond. Parking might be possible along this road. This road can be followed from VT 9, but I don't know where it meets that highway. This is a more open route than the AT which stays in the woods. The road passes several marshes and meadows.
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At the crossroads mentioned in the first listing for Mile 3.7. go left and reach a gravel road in a few hundred feet. This is where the road bends fairly sharply, the northbound road going east, the southbound going south. I think the road straight ahead at the crossroads also reaches this gravel road, but I didn't check it out. Continue south on the gravel road for approximately 2 miles to the AT/LT crossing. It is a total of 5.5 miles to this point from the parking lot on VT 9. Straight ahead the road leads to Sucker Pond (Bennington Water Supply) in 0.1 mile. The southbound trail to Consulation Peak and the VT/MA state line goes left, the northbound to Congdon Shelter goes right. 08/30/06
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See Directions
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David Cullen
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On 6/24/16 parked in parking area that could hold about 4 cars right next to trail. Best route is from the community of Stamford on VT 8. It is 4.7 miles north of the intersection of MA 2 in North Adams and about a mile north of the state line. In Stamford, go west on Mill Road. Follow 1.8 miles, merge onto County Road and bear left. Road is dirt, but passable for probably most any car. At Klondike Road (left) stay straight. The quality of the last 0.7 miles of road after this intersection can vary greatly. On our trip it was rough with potholes etc. probably best to have 4 wheel drive. We had no problem in Jeep Patriot. Tried Klondike road to go back to Route 2. It is a well graded road with the bridge out. Construction work was going on so it should be done soon in at least a month. This may be easiest route after bridge is completed.
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If the quality of the road is poor, there is a parking pull-off not far after Klondike Road. If you reach the power line clearing, you have gone too far. The marker on the attached map indicates the approximate location of the parking area. GPS N42.7751 W73.1332 06/27/2016 Updated 07/10/18
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4
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rbrahmase @ hotmail.com
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This parking pull off is only accessible from the East from Stamford, VT / North Adams, MA. Pull off is on the left, and fits about 4 vehicles. In 2018 the gravel surface as improved by the power company and even a 2WD can currently drive it!
It is 4.7 miles north of the intersection of MA 2 in North Adams and about a mile north of the state line. From Stamford, go West on Mill Road. Follow 1.8 miles, merge onto County Road and bear left. At Klondike Road (left) stay straight. If you get to the power lines, you have just passed it. GPS: N42.7751 W73.1332 You can take Klondike Road back if you want, but it can be bumpy in spots (gravel then old pavement). (revalidated in June 2021)
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This is a remote trail head that gets frequent weekend ATV traffic and isn't patrolled that often. No known break ins, but if concerned, call the local law enforcement to find out, or remove/hide valuables. 05/17/19
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4
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silcassano @ gmail.com
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North Adams Houghton Street to West Road turns into Klondike at VT boarder to County Road Maybe 3 to 4 miles of dirt but in good shape easily passable by car We first tried from the Pownal Vermont side and the road becomes impassable a couple of miles before the trail head
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DO NOT TRY AND ACCESS FROM THE POWNAL SIDE. IT IS IMPASSABLE. ONLY ACCESS FROM STAMFORD SIDE. 07/25/21
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Good parking for 4 cars
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David.hess @ icloud.com
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we came from the South (N. Adams MA) Rt 8 turns into West rd in VT. Take that to Klondike Rd and it dead ends into County Rd. Turn left and the parking is .7 of a mile on the left. Some dirt roads but easily passable. Pretty easy to find.
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10/09/22
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4
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Lenorayocum @ outlook.com
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Information from the GMC 'Long Trail Guide', 25th ed. See directions to the trailhead for the Pine Cobble Trail (mile 15.6). Follow these as far as the intersection of Cole Road and North Hoosac Road. From there proceed 0.8 miles west on North Hoosac Road and Bridges Road to White Oaks Road. Go north on White Oaks Road 1.2 miles to the VT/MA state line at the crossing of Broad Brook. Parking lot is on east side of road just past state line. The Long Trail Guide does not recommend long-term parking here.
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Follow the Broad Trail 3.7 miles to a dirt road. Go east on this 0.3 miles to the AT/LT. Be sure to consult the 'Long Trail Guide' for details about this trail. It crosses Broad Brook several times which can be difficult in high water conditions. 09/01/06
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Not known
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David Cullen
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This point, which is the southern terminus of the Long Trail, is not not directly accessible by road. Closest accesss is County Road , 3.1 miles north of the state line. See Mile 11.2 Updated 5/15/20
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David Cullen
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See directions to the trailhead for the Pine Cobble Trail (mile 15.6).
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Take the Pine Cobble Trail 0.8 miles to the junction with the '98 Trail (AKA Class of '98 Trail). Go left on the '98 Trail. It is 1.5 miles to the AT near Eph's Lookout. I hiked this section of AT in 1999 soon after the trail was built. I saw blue blazes but no signs. This undoubtedly has been rectified by now. 09/01/06
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Not known
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David Cullen
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I have not checked out this trail (except to see the junction with the AT) nor have I seen the trailhead. Information from GMC 'Long Trail Guide' and the Williams College on-line "Willipedia". From the junction of US 7 and MA 2 in Williamstown (MA), follow the latter highway east 0.6 miles then go left on Cole Avenue. In 0.8 miles Cole Avenue ends at North Hoosac Road. Go right on North Hoosac Road for 0.3 miles to Pine Cobble Road at the entrance to the Pine Cobble Housing Development. There is supposedly a sign for the trail at this intersection. Go left for 0.2 miles to the Pine Cobble Trailhead. A parking lot is across the road.
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The Pine Cobble Trail climbs toward the AT, passing the intersection with the '98 Trail at 0.8 miles and a spur going south 0.1 miles to the summit of Pine Cobble at 1.5 miles. The AT is reached at 2.1 miles. Northbound is left, southbound is right. 09/01/06
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Not known
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David Cullen
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From Williamstown take MA 2 east to North Adams. The trail crosses MA 2 (Main Street) at Phelps Ave. The markers on the attached map shows this intersection. This is the southern end of Section 1 and the northern end of Section 2. Rotate the street view to the south to see the southbound AT route down Phelps Ave. Rotate to the north to see the northbound route. GPS at the intersection: N42.6999 W73.1559
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As can be seen from the map's street view, there is little parking in the immediate area, particularly for overnight or longer. Guidebooks may suggest the nearby Greylock Community Club but this is no longer an option. See next listing for available parking. 05/24/19
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David Cullen
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From intersection of Rt 2 and Phelps Ave, proceed east on Rt 2 approximately 200 yards to parking area on left (north) side of Rt 2. The marker on the attached map indicates the parking area. Rotate the street view at the marker to the north to see the parking area.GPS of parking area: N42.6993 W73.1535
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Parking space is limited. Please park tightly. The area is near the road and lit at night, but not under direct supervision. Park at own risk. This replaces the Greylock Community Club parking area, which is no longer available for hikers. Update: There is now a photo of the new parking area in the Pictures for MA Section 2.12/9/20
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8
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catalano.cosmo @ gmail.com
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