MT. GREYLOCK: WILDFLOWERS, WATERFALLS & STATE HIGH POINT HIKE

MT. GREYLOCK: WILDFLOWERS, WATERFALLS & STATE HIGH POINT HIKE
Mt. Greylock (3,491) is the state high point of Massachusetts. The mountain is carpeted in wildflowers in the spring, making it one of the prettiest spring hikes in New England. Views of the Hoosic and Hudson River valleys from the summit are spectacular, and we will be visiting at least a half dozen waterfalls and old growth forest with trees over 350 years old.

EVERYONE WILL BE WAITLISTED--you must fill out all the RSVP questions and demonstrate equivalent hiking experience to join us. If you don't answer the RSVP questions, you will be passed by.

DIFFICULTY: This is an INTERMEDIATE- DIFFICULT hike due to the distance and steep ascent. DISTANCE: 12-ish miles. We'll take stops to rest and enjoy the frequent views, waterfalls, and wildflowers. PACE: Moderate (about 1.5 mph or so). We'll cross the ridge twice, with about 3,500 feet of elevation gain for the day.

For some images of the mountain: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kmacgray/sets/72157644331700917/

TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking. We could be back around sunset, so bring a headlamp.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: Have your bags pre-packed and your feet ready to hit the ground upon arrival--we will not be dallying long. We meet 9:00 am at the Greylock Glen parking area on Gould Road, just westerly of its junction with Thiel Road. We will ascend via the famous Thunderbolt Trail by a waterfall or two to the summit, then head northerly along the ridgeline and AT before descending to Money Brook Falls, the Hopper (an area of rare old growth forests/ a National Natural Landmark), and March Cataract Falls. We will cross over the ridge again and descend Cheshire Harbor Trail passing more waterfalls to our point of beginning. NOTE: there are no facilities open on Greylock this time of year--the lodge and summit road are CLOSED.

GEAR (read carefully): We'll dress for a full day of spring hiking in rugged terrain. Bring plenty of food and water (we will NOT be stopping for take-out). Bring rain shell, light layers for the day and warm layers for morning and evening. Bring a hat with a brim and sunscreen--there are not leaves on the trees yet to protect us from the sun. Bring bug repellent--they will be out. Bring gloves and a warm hat in case it is cold. Bring a headlamp. NO COTTON CLOTHING! We will do a gear check before we set out--those who do not come prepared will not hike with us.

What the group will expect of you: This is a social experience folks. We're going to hike together as a group, at the pace of the slowest member of the group. Your safety and the safety of the group is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself or others at risk – consider this -wicked- carefully before you sign up.

Rain or shine event-- extreme weather will cancel or modify. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather forecasts until 24 hours before the event--things can change quickly. I will post updates on weather. No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please. Dogs by special arrangement with the event host in advance. This trip limited to 15 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers.

Carpools: Indicate your carpool preference on the discussion board.

RANDOM GROUP OF HIKERS DISCLAIMER:As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow theHiker Responsibility Code (http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/hiking/hike-safe.cfm); you understand that the organizers of this activity are volunteer facilitators; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. (In other words, you may be hiking with us but you and you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

May the Force be with you.

RSVP QUESTIONS: If you want to participate, answer the following using the RSVP interface (may not work on some mobile platforms--please check your RSVP to see that you have answered) or via email/ message/ smoke signal to me.

1. Have you read the event description and disclaimer and do you have the appropriate gear, physical ability, and experience to undertake this hike at the pace described? Please divulge any medical conditions that you have which could complicate your ability to participate safely in this hike.
2. Describe all equivalent hikes you have done in the last three months (provide details on pace, distance, etc. Don't be vague).
3. Please provide your full name, your phone#, and the name and phone # of an emergency contact person.

**Your event host reserves the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required. The itinerary of this trip is a Hobson's Choice.