Berlin Mountain + Taconic Crest Trail

Berlin Mountain is one stop along the Taconic Crest Trail on the border between Massachusetts and New York. The trail starts along the border between Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York and runs south for 37 miles. The entire trail can be completed in a one-day challenge, or smaller day hikes can lead to viewpoints of two states. The trail to Berlin Mountain begins at the Petersburg Pass parking lot. The trailhead and sign-in box can be found to the far right of the parking lot when facing away from the road. The trail starts off at a low grade, but then dips down the side of the mountain. At a fork in the road, take the left trail following blue trail markers inset with white diamonds. The path grows very steep as you climb the shoulder of a mountain. At the next fork in the road, follow the left-hand path again. Along the ridgeline, the forest around you is tranquil, filled with chipmunks, deer, and turkey. Following a steep descent between the two mountains, your first glimpse of Berlin Mountain can be seen in the distance. At a crossroads, continue straight following the Taconic Trail markers. The path begins to ascend the side of Berlin Mountain here. After a final push through a pair of sentinel coniferous trees, the field atop the mountain is in sight. The open summit looks east toward Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, on which you can see the Veterans War Memorial Tower. The Berlin Mountain summit is a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset, which can be beautiful as the sun sinks behind the pines to the west.