Map showing campground location near Taconic, Massachusetts

Camper submitted image from Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation

Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation

Where the Appalachian Trail crosses Mount Everett State Reservation, Laurel Ridge requires a multi-mile hike through some of the steepest terrain in southwestern Massachusetts. This backcountry site sits along the ridgeline with camping platforms and space for hammocks, plus an outhouse and bear box that requires campers to bring their own padlock.

The hike involves significant elevation gain through challenging sections of the AT, with access points including Race Brook Falls trailhead off Route 41. Fires are prohibited according to recent visitor reports. Campers should prepare for temperatures that can drop into the 40s at night even during warmer months. The site works best for experienced backpackers comfortable with steep terrain and primitive conditions.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Oregon Trail Road Trip

Independence to North Platte: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsLaurel Ridge is located in Massachusetts near Taconic

Public Campground

Coordinates

42.05431198 N
73.44013397 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Pets

Drive Time

44 min from Pittsfield, MA
1 hr 1 min from Kingston, NY
1 hr 2 min from Waterbury, CT
1 hr 14 min from Hartford, CT

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Laurel Ridge

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Nora S.

Legend

Reviewed May. 8, 2021

A well-earned view!

It's quite a hike to get to this dispersed campground, so be prepared! We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon. Very beautiful view, and an awesome spot! No fires allowed, however.

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Tina D.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2018

Overnight challenging hike

This was one of my favorite all time hiking/camping experiences.My friends and I were doing this as an overnight hike. We actually started this hike in by Race Brook Falls area, and ended it where the GPS coordinates are noted. See the map in my photos marked with yellow lines. Basically left a car where we were ending the hike, and took another car with everyone crammed in to the Race Brook Falls parking lot which off Route 41 in Sheffield, Massachusetts.

We began by making the hike up Mount Race. No matter where you start, you'll be hiking on some of the steepest parts of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts. On the way up you will see signs for Race Brook Falls; its pretty beautiful and worth a day hike if you aren't camping or whatnot. The entire hike to the top is pretty hard, but worth it.

The views once you get up there are nothing short of stunning and there is a short section of trail that that's really the kind of spot that makes you go "This is why I hike!". There's a sheer drop-off of hundreds of feet spreading out into a massive valley scene below. We then headed to the direction of Sages Ravine. It was a few hours later before we made it to Laurel Ridge Campsite. My friends used the platforms, I had a hammock.

I don't think you are supposed to make a fire, but am not sure. There was a fire pit there so we used it at night because it was pretty cold in the 50s and down to 40s late at night (this was OCT). There is an outhouse a ways from the camping area. There is also a bear box near that if you bring a padlock you can use it.

The next morning we headed down Sages Ravine (awesome!) and towards/past Bear Mountain onto Undermountain Trail. This was overall no easy hike in any way, so if you are not in moderate shape I would not recommend this to you. If you hike normally, and do some cardio like spin class or something regularly, try the day hike first. Then move on to the overnight. Good luck and enjoy!

SiteLaurel Ridge

Month of VisitOctober

(11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Laurel Ridge Campsite located on the Appalachian Trail?

Laurel Ridge Campsite is located along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, specifically within Mount Everett State Reservation. It's accessible via a significant hike, with some visitors approaching from the Race Brook Falls area. The campsite is situated at a higher elevation, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The location requires a substantial day hike to reach, so plan to start early in the morning if you intend to arrive by mid-afternoon.

Do I need permits to camp at Laurel Ridge Campsite?

While specific permit requirements aren't detailed, as a backcountry site on the Appalachian Trail within Mount Everett State Reservation, standard backcountry camping regulations likely apply. Contact the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation before your trip to verify current permit requirements. Remember that campfires are prohibited at this location. Always practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting this remote camping area.

What amenities are available at Laurel Ridge Campsite?

Laurel Ridge Campsite is a primitive, dispersed camping area with minimal amenities. The site offers beautiful views but no developed facilities. Important to note that fires are not permitted at this location, so bring alternative cooking methods. As a backcountry site, you should plan to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. There's no potable water source, so hikers must carry sufficient water or bring purification equipment.

Is Laurel Ridge Campsite part of Mount Everett State Reservation?

Yes, Laurel Ridge Campsite is part of Mount Everett State Reservation. The campsite is located within this Massachusetts state reservation, which encompasses a section of the Appalachian Trail. Mount Everett State Reservation is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and provides protected natural areas for hiking and primitive camping experiences.

Keep Exploring