McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 9/15/2024 | AT Mile 621.4 | Day Total: 20.6 miles | Gain: 3652 ft

Another early start this morning to climb over Mt Greylock. Sounds like it’s pretty commercialized up there. They’ve got a lodge, small restaurant, water, restrooms and a war memorial that you can climb up.

Before Greylock I’ve got to climb up to Mt Williams. Luckily the trail continues up from there to Greylock and doesn’t go down into a valley before. There was a nice view from Mt Williams. Fall colors are popping out more and more everyday.

As I got closer to Mt Greylock I passed paved and dirt roads. One of the roads offered a beautiful view of Mt Williams.

When I got to the top of Mt Greylock there were a bunch of different paths to take you around to the various places up there. Made it a bit confusing getting around. I just followed the path towards the big war memorial that could be seen anywhere at the top.

The lodge was just around the corner and they had a water tap around back that I filled up with. Kill Bill was chilling at one of the picnic tables out front. He said at 9:30 the door unlocks so you can go to the top. It was 15 minutes so decided to wait and transfer journals in the meantime.

They unlocked the door to the memorial just after 9:30 and we went up. It was nice inside and there was a spiral staircase going to the top. Amazing views in all directions with windows at the top. Each window was labeled with mountains in their direction. You could see the Adirondacks from one of the windows.

After visiting the war memorial both Kill Bill and I started making our way down to Cheshire. I passed ponds, fields and views along the way. There are a ton of day hikers and sections hikers in this area. Probably because it’s a Sunday and a popular tourist attraction…

There’s a dollar general just off the trail that I plan to resupply at. Just another half mile through town there’s an ice cream place that makes meatball subs. We both went there for lunch. While I was at dollar general I also picked up a Gatorade and some donuts I was craving. Just across the street is Father Tom’s campsite. It’s conveniently located right in town and has tap water, bear box and a Porta John. Would’ve stayed here if we didn’t come through in the middle of the day.

Stuffed with food we made a slow ascent up out of Cheshire. I was really hoping that my lunch would stay down… probably wasn’t the best idea to completely fill myself before a climb. Luckily it wasn’t too bad and the short road walk gave my stomach some time to digest.

The rest of the day went by pretty fast. It was mostly flat with a few small views. Tonight we plan on staying at Levardi’s, a trail angle that allows hikers to camp in his backyard.

As we made our way through the town (Dalton) we passed by a lot of old brick buildings and some old manufacturing plants. When we walked up to Levardi’s he was sweeping the front porch. There a bunch of old hiking poles around a post with two white blazes on it. He’s got a hiker box, outlets, log, and menus of local restaurants. Kill Bill and I talked with him for a while before setting up camp. We both decided to go to Angelina’s Sub Shop down the street. I got a 12inch itialian sub and a quart of chocolate milk. It was some of the freshest bread I’ve had in a long time.

After dinner I reconnected with the world, called my family and started today’s journal. We walked back to Levardi’s as the sun was setting and I finished writing my journal on the porch while my phone charged. Tom walked out and we talked about the trail conditions lately and hikers that have recently passed through. He also mentioned that he has coffee outside at 6am! He went back inside and I finished today’s journal. I’m tired after these past few days. Probably going to take my time getting out tomorrow morning.