Hiking Massachusetts Peaks

Mass Public Peaks rank: #22
Elevation: 2,214 ft.
Prominence: 290 ft.
Isolation: 2.03 miles
Summit coordinates: 42°31’44.4″N 73°09’21.5″W
Town: Cheshire, Massachusetts
Conservation Area: Chalet Wildlife Management Area and Appalachian Trail Corridor

Links:
North Mountain on Peakbagger
North Mountain on ListsofJohn
Chalet Wildlife Management Area website (including map)
Massachusetts Parks and Recreation Appalachian Trail website (including trail map)

General info: Part of the Taconic Range, North Mountain is located within the Chalet Wildlife Management Area. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly over the summit, and you’ll meet many through-hikers along the AT during the warmer months. While the summit itself is heavily wooded and lacks a view, there is a popular and striking craggy overlook on the northern end of the ridge known as “The Cobbles.” My ascent (detailed below) began with the steep, challenging mile to The Cobbles (offering outstanding views of Mount Greylock and the Hoosic River Valley), before continuing south along a more gradual incline to North Mountain’s summit. In fact, the ascent beyond The Cobbles is so gentle that you might not even realize you’ve reached the summit without referencing your GPS or map. Though it is one of the more modest peaks in the Taconics, the climb to The Cobbles is a good workout, and a hike of North Mountain makes for a pleasant outing.

Historical background: The history of North Mountain is relatively obscure. Unlike its more prominent neighbors in the Taconic and Berkshire ranges, North Mountain has not been the site of significant historical events or development, and much of its backstory remains undocumented. However, its connection to the Appalachian Trail ties it to broader regional histories. The Appalachian Trail itself brought greater attention to the area, making North Mountain part of the legacy of long-distance hiking in the United States. The Massachusetts portion of the AT was started in the late 1920s and essentially completed in 1931.

Recommended ascent routes: Many through-hikers approach North Mountain from the south as they make their way toward Mount Greylock. But for a shorter rewarding day hike, I recommend the following route:
North Mountain and Cobble Overlook: My route to North Mountain began from the north, where ample parking is available at the Notch Road Trailhead in Cheshire, MA. From there it was a steep mile up to The Cobbles Overlook (this is a great place to pause for snack and enjoy the view). Another 1.7 miles south, mostly along the AT, brings you to the summit of North Mountain. This out and back is 5.5 miles with about 1,300 feet in elevation gain.

Nearby Listed Peaks: North Mountain is one of the more isolated in relation to other peaks on the Mass 50 Highest Public Peaks list. Tully Mountain is about 8.6 miles south along the AT. But your better bet, if looking for another set of peaks to check off, is to head to the Mountain Greylock Reservation about 7 miles north along the AT.