Breakheart Dan
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- Sep 18, 2013
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I'm in the beginning stages of planning a southbound through hike of the MA Mid-State trail in the spring/summer of 2014. After briefly reviewing the trail guide, I see three areas where resources and information are lacking.
1. Shelters are improperly placed for through hikers.
Five shelters appear to be an adequate number for a 92 mile trail but their spacing makes them nearly useless. There is a 35 mile stretch between shelter 1 and 2 and a 37 mile stretch between shelter 4 and 5 yet shelters 3 and 4 are only 3 miles apart. See below.
S1 - 10.08 M
S2 - 45.05 M
S3 - 51.91 M
S4 - 54.83 M
S5 - 91.57 M
Not all shelters are near a water source and none have privys.
2. Water sources are not identified.
Water sources on the trail are not identified in the trail guide and the map scale is too small making it difficult to locate smaller streams/brooks. Perhaps water is so abundance there is no need to mention it in the guide?
3. No mention of resupply points.
Although the trail crosses many roads there is no mention of any stores, gas stations, etc nearby where you can resupply.
I'm looking for assistance from anyone familiar with this trail who can help me with the following.
1. Any areas to stealth camp (or inexpensive off-trail lodging) between S1 and S2 and between S4 and S5.
2. Location of/distance between reliable water sources.
3. Places to resupply near the trail. (Hitchhiking is illegal in Massachusetts)
Thanks for any information you may have.
BHD
1. Shelters are improperly placed for through hikers.
Five shelters appear to be an adequate number for a 92 mile trail but their spacing makes them nearly useless. There is a 35 mile stretch between shelter 1 and 2 and a 37 mile stretch between shelter 4 and 5 yet shelters 3 and 4 are only 3 miles apart. See below.
S1 - 10.08 M
S2 - 45.05 M
S3 - 51.91 M
S4 - 54.83 M
S5 - 91.57 M
Not all shelters are near a water source and none have privys.
2. Water sources are not identified.
Water sources on the trail are not identified in the trail guide and the map scale is too small making it difficult to locate smaller streams/brooks. Perhaps water is so abundance there is no need to mention it in the guide?
3. No mention of resupply points.
Although the trail crosses many roads there is no mention of any stores, gas stations, etc nearby where you can resupply.
I'm looking for assistance from anyone familiar with this trail who can help me with the following.
1. Any areas to stealth camp (or inexpensive off-trail lodging) between S1 and S2 and between S4 and S5.
2. Location of/distance between reliable water sources.
3. Places to resupply near the trail. (Hitchhiking is illegal in Massachusetts)
Thanks for any information you may have.
BHD