Father Tom Campsite

- 6 Main St, Cheshire, MA 01225

For Massachusetts residents who love the great outdoors, especially those with a passion for the legendary Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the Father Tom Campsite in Cheshire is a remarkable example of community spirit and hospitality. This is not a traditional public campground; it is a one-of-a-kind, volunteer-run facility created specifically to support the long-distance and section hikers traversing the A.T. as it winds through the beautiful Berkshire region.

Named in honor of the late Reverend Thomas Begley—an avid hiker and former local pastor who personally completed the entire 2,200-mile A.T. and was famous for hosting thousands of hikers at his church hall—the campsite continues his legacy of generosity. Opened in late 2020, the site represents the town of Cheshire's official commitment as an Appalachian Trail Community. Hikers consistently praise the site, calling it "Amazing" and a "must stop for all hikers on the AT," with some even declaring it the "#1 Town hiker campsite on the entire AT."

While this facility is intended for A.T. hikers only, its existence and location make Cheshire, MA, a key destination for any local looking to explore the A.T. or the intersecting Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The campsite symbolizes the friendly, welcoming nature of Western Massachusetts and highlights the region's deep connection to America's most famous footpath.

Father Tom Campsite is uniquely situated right in the center of the Appalachian Trail Community of Cheshire, Massachusetts. Unlike most A.T. shelters nestled deep in the wilderness, this site offers hikers unparalleled access to town services and is a true resupply and rest stop.

The official address for the site is 6 Main St, Cheshire, MA 01225, USA.

Its location is highly strategic for hikers:

P Trail Intersection: The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Cheshire, and the campsite is located very close to where the A.T. intersects with the popular, 11.2-mile paved Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.

P Proximity to Amenities: It is located directly across the street from a popular local ice cream and sandwich shop and is within easy walking distance of other local businesses and the town library, allowing hikers to quickly complete errands.

P A.T. Hiking Access: For day hikers and section hikers, Cheshire serves as a popular starting point for journeys to scenic spots like The Cobbles (1.1 miles south) with sweeping views of Mount Greylock, or for more ambitious hikes up to the summit of Mount Greylock (7.7 miles north).

P Dedicated Hiker Use: The campsite is exclusively for the use of individual A.T. hikers and is not available for organized groups or general public use. This focus ensures it remains a quiet, dedicated refuge for those on the long journey.

The true standout feature of Father Tom Campsite is the array of essential services it provides, which are specifically tailored to the demanding needs of long-distance hikers. These amenities are provided by the Cheshire Community Association, demonstrating a tremendous local effort.

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LI Potable Water: Access to clean, municipal drinking water, a vital necessity after a long day of hiking.

LI Electrical Power and Charging: Essential for modern hikers, the site provides electricity and USB ports for charging phones and other electronic devices, allowing hikers to reconnect and plan their next steps.

LI Loaner Bikes for Errands: A truly unique and appreciated service, the campsite maintains a set of bicycles that hikers can use for quick trips into town for resupply or mail drops, as noted by a reviewer who praised the "bikes for errands."

LI Tenting Space and Hammock Posts: Features dedicated tenting space for approximately a dozen tents, as well as poles for hanging up to three hammocks, allowing for flexible shelter options.

LI Port-a-Potty: Provides clean, basic restroom facilities.

LI Bear Box: A secure food storage locker is available to protect food and toiletries from local wildlife, which is a standard safety protocol along the A.T.

LI Overnight Limit: To accommodate the maximum number of passing hikers, there is a two-night stay maximum at the campsite.

LI Rules: In keeping with the spirit of the A.T., the site prohibits smoking, alcohol, drugs, and campfires.

LI Seasonal Operation: The site is open seasonally, typically from May 1 to October 30.

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The most significant highlight of Father Tom Campsite is not a physical feature but the enduring spirit of hospitality and volunteerism that built and maintains it. This spirit makes Cheshire a warm and memorable stop for hikers and reinforces the town’s identity as a key A.T. Community.

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LI Community-Run Model: The site is a labor of love, designed, funded, and maintained by the Cheshire Community Association and local volunteers, which creates a positive, supportive atmosphere often described as "a sweet blessing."

LI Historical Significance: The campsite directly honors Father Tom Begley, whose 12-year journey to hike the A.T. and his decades of welcoming thousands of hikers to his church hall set a precedent for town-hiker relations in the area.

LI Proximity to Rail Trail: The intersection of the A.T. and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail provides recreational opportunities for all. Local users often utilize the Rail Trail for running, cycling, and walking, and the A.T. access point allows for easy exploration of the scenic mountain corridor.

LI Cheshire Lake Recreation: Nearby Cheshire Lake is another local recreation resource, offering kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, and boating, providing diverse options for visitors to the area.

LI Scenic Views Nearby: The trail section in and around Cheshire offers outstanding vistas, including the view from The Cobbles and the open fields to the north, providing hikers with stunning panoramas of Mount Greylock and the surrounding countryside.

LI Town Integration: The campsite’s location fosters positive interaction between hikers and locals, reinforcing Cheshire’s designation as a certified Appalachian Trail Community.

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As a volunteer-run campsite, reservations are generally not needed as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis for A.T. hikers. For more information regarding the campsite, the Cheshire Community Association can be contacted.

Address: 6 Main St, Cheshire, MA 01225, USA

Contact (Eileen Quinn, Cheshire A.T. Community Coordinator): (413) 717-0673

While Father Tom Campsite is reserved exclusively for the dedicated long-distance hikers of the Appalachian Trail, its significance extends to all Massachusetts locals who value the state’s natural resources and community-minded spirit.

First, the campsite is a physical manifestation of local pride and the welcoming attitude of the Berkshire region, reinforcing Cheshire’s official status as a key A.T. Community. This hospitality elevates the area’s profile and contributes to the positive reputation of Western Massachusetts among outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Second, the campsite’s location directly in Cheshire makes the town the ultimate launch point for local recreational use of the surrounding trails. Locals can easily park and access both the scenic A.T. for day hikes up to The Cobbles or toward Mount Greylock, as well as the family-friendly Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for cycling, jogging, or a leisurely walk along Cheshire Lake. The presence of the campsite, with its clear rules and community oversight, ensures the town remains clean and hiker-friendly.

This facility, maintained by passionate volunteers, stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving the A.T. experience. For residents, it serves as a proud reminder that when you seek to explore the legendary Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, Cheshire offers the warmest, most well-equipped, and conveniently located town access point in the entire state.

Father Tom Campsite

6 Main St, Cheshire, MA 01225, USA