Approx. 2.2 miles in and back on Unkamit’s Path (white blaze) climbing the mountain first on a single track path and then rock face terrain with moderate to strenuous difficulty. After the initial climb, the trail opens up to jaw dropping views to the East, then West and birds eye views of the village of Russell. We will first go to the gold rock lookout and then the infamous blue rock amazing vista. Second half of the hike is on rock slabs with amazing glacial erratics.
Shatterack rises steeply, directly over the village of Russell, out of the Westfield River Valley across from Turtle Bend Mountain. The wild, rocky cliffs and unique geology attract hikers from afar. Part of the Tekoa Mountain Wildlife Area, Shatterack summits at 1,055 feet. The landscape changes drastically, first of hardwoods and then with pitch pine and scrub oak. The trail rises gently and then switchbacks several times to reach the summit. Even though the distance we are going is short, it will take approximately 3.5 hours to hike at a slow pace both going up and going down and there will be many stops along the way for photo opportunities.
Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Hike is free and volunteer lead, suggested donation is $5.00. Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs are allowed. Please bring crampons, hiking poles and a snack. We hike rain or shine. Be prepared for winter conditions and water, roots, rocks and mud on the trail. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com.
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See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com For more hike information email: [email protected] or call/text 413-302-0312. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, YouTube, TikTok Pinterest and Twitter. Search our hashtags #westernmasshilltownhikers #hilltownhikers and #hikethehilltowns Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249.
Tees, hoodies, hats, window stickers, patches and photos will be for sale at the hike, the complete free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com
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Mission Statement: Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249
