Fatpacking

Fly or drive into Hartford (BDL). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However if you can save a substantial amount by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the Fairfield Inn Hartford Airport, 2 Loten Drive, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, 860-627-9333.

Equipment shakedown

Go to Eastern Mountain Sports in Manchester, CT to pick up last minute missing equipment

"Before" measurements taken

Trail Mix distribution

Go out to welcome dinner

Second set of "before" measurements taken

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Free Breakfast in hotel

Shuttle to CT route 341 in Kent, just west of the Housatonic River.

Begin Hiking, elevation 400'.

There are several good views in the hilly sections that include St. John's Ledges. The second half of today's hike is very flat and follows the Housatonic River.

Hike 7.4 Miles to Stony Brook Campsite, elevation 400'. Camp at group site.

Mileage Today: 7.4 miles. Total to Date: 7.4 miles

Possible bailout: Skiff Mountain Rd.

Hike 6.2 miles, to Caesar Brook Campsite.

The first half of the day is flat, the second half is hilly, surpassing 1000' twice (Silver Hill, Pine Knob, with views at both)

Camp at Caesar Brook Campsite, elevation 800'.

Mileage Today:6.2. Total mileage: 13.6

Possible bailout: Cornwall Bridge (CT route 4)

Hike 5.6 rugged miles past Roger's Ramp to Sharon Mountain Campsite.

Quite hilly, with views at Housatonic State Forest, Mt. Easter, and Sharon Mtn.

Camp at Sharon Mountain Campsite, elevation 1200'. Note: There is not always water here

Mileage Today: 5.6. Total mileage: 19.2

Possible bailout: West Cornwall Rd.

Hike 10.1 miles to Limestone Spring Blue-Blaze Trail.

Hike 0.5 miles down to Limestone Spring Lean-To

The first third of today's hike is rugged. The second third is fast and flat with some road walking. The rest climbs Prospect Mt. (views) with a constant incline, but a well groomed trail.

Camp at Limestone Spring Lean-To, elevation 1000'.

Mileage Today: 10.6. Total mileage: 29.8

Possible bailouts: US routes 7 & 112, or iron bridge in Amesville

Hike 0.5 miles back up to the Appalachian Trail.

Hike 8.1 miles to Ball Brook.

Views at Rand's View, Billy's View, Lion's Head, North Outlook.

Camp in group campsite just South of Ball Brook, elevation 1700'.

Mileage Today: 8.6. Total mileage: 38.4

Possible bailout: CT route 41, Salisbury

Hike 7.6 miles to Race Brook Falls Trail.

Hike 0.5 miles down to Race Brook Falls Campsite

Hike over Bear Mountain, elevation 2316', highest summit completely within the State of Connecticut.

Cross over into Massachusetts

Views at Bear Mountain Lookout, Bear Rock Falls, Mt. Race, Race Brook Falls.

Camp at Race Brook Falls Campsite, elevation 1500'.

Alternate Option: Hike on until Hemlocks Lean-To

Mileage Today: 8.1. Total mileage: 46.5

Possible bailout: No good options. Back to CT route 41 via Undermountain Trail or Paradise Lane Trail

Hike 0.5 miles back up to the Appalachian Trail.

Hike 2.5 miles over Mt. Everett, elevation 2602', the highest point in this hike, to the Elbow Trail

Hike About 2.0 miles on the Elbow Trail to the Berkshire School

End hiking

Alternative, hike all the way to Jug End Road

Mileage Today: 5.0. Total mileage: 51.5

Possible bailout: Mt. Everett Rd.

Shuttle back to the Fairfield Inn Hartford Airport, 2 Loten Drive, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, 860-627-9333

End measurements taken

Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Trip officially ends. If you want to leave tonight, you are welcome to do so, but hotel rooms are provided as part of the trip. If you leave early, you will still be able to shower at the hotel.

"After" measurements taken

Hotel Breakfast

Leave Hotel

Airport Drop