Race Brook Falls Campsite

- Mt Washington, MA 01258

For Massachusetts residents with a passion for backpacking and pristine wilderness, the Race Brook Falls Campsite stands out as an exceptional, truly wild destination in the western part of the state. Located in Mount Washington, MA, deep within the rugged terrain of the Taconic Range and bordering the famed Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), this designated overnight area provides a vital rest stop for hikers and an incredible weekend challenge for local adventurers. This is not a state park campground with drive-up sites; it is a primitive, hike-in location that demands and rewards self-sufficiency and a commitment to low-impact wilderness practices.

The campsite’s main allure is its proximity to the stunning, multi-tiered cascade known as Race Brook Falls. The trail leading to the camp is one of the most scenic and strenuous ascents in the Berkshires, winding past the spectacular falls and through a thick, old-growth forest. Maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the site adheres to strict Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that this sensitive ecological area remains protected. It offers a structured way to experience authentic backcountry camping, providing designated, hardened areas for tents to minimize impact on the forest floor.

By choosing the Race Brook Falls Campsite, Massachusetts locals secure a front-row seat to the natural drama of the region. It acts as a perfect base for summiting nearby high points like Mount Race and Mount Everett, both of which offer expansive, breathtaking views stretching across the Berkshires and into neighboring states. The demanding hike, the sound of the cascading brook, and the primitive nature of the camp combine to offer a rigorous, refreshing, and deeply satisfying escape into the Massachusetts wilderness.

The Race Brook Falls Campsite is strategically located on the eastern slopes of Mount Race, within the beautiful Mount Washington State Forest in Berkshire County, MA. Its remote placement ensures a genuine wilderness experience that is accessible only by a challenging hike.

• Hike-In Access: The campsite is situated off the blue-blazed Race Brook Trail. This trail connects directly to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT), positioning the campsite perfectly for AT section hikers and overnight visitors.
• Primary Trailhead: The main access point is the parking lot located on Route 41 (Undermountain Road) in Sheffield, Massachusetts. From this point, hikers follow the steep and scenic Race Brook Trail uphill for approximately two miles to reach the campsite.
• Proximity to Landmarks: The camp serves as an excellent staging point for hikes to the summits of Mount Race and Mount Everett, both of which offer magnificent panoramic views. The confluence of the Race Brook Trail and the AT is just a short, steep climb past the campsite.
• Trail Difficulty: Local hikers should be prepared for a strenuous ascent. The Race Brook Trail is characterized by steep, root-laced paths and multiple stream crossings, especially in the vicinity of the falls, which adds to the adventure.

As a designated primitive campsite on the Appalachian Trail, Race Brook Falls Campsite provides the necessary infrastructure for low-impact, multi-night backpacking trips. Services are minimal and are managed to protect the environment while meeting the basic needs of hikers.

• Designated Tent Areas: The site offers a number of hardened tent pads and tent platforms, ensuring that hikers do not camp on sensitive vegetation and providing a level, dry surface for pitching tents. Some sources indicate there are 3 tent platforms and 5 tent pads in the main area, with additional pads on the upper trail.
• Moldering Privy: A basic moldering privy (an eco-friendly outhouse) is provided for the sanitary disposal of human waste, a critical service for maintaining the cleanliness of the water sources and the surrounding area.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: The campsite is equipped with bear boxes—steel, animal-proof containers—for the required secure storage of all food, scented items, and trash. This is essential for hiker safety and preventing wildlife habituation.
• Group Camping Area: The site includes a designated area for larger parties, although group use of AT sites is often regulated and encourages advanced registration with the maintaining club.
• Water Source: Water is available from the nearby stream on the Race Brook Falls Trail, just east of the campsite. As with all natural water sources, all water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or purified) before consumption.
• No Campfires Allowed: A key regulation for this particular campsite is that campfires are typically NOT permitted. This restriction is crucial for minimizing environmental impact in a high-use area and for wildfire prevention, meaning hikers must rely on backpacking stoves for cooking.

The true highlight of the Race Brook Falls Campsite is the journey itself and the opportunities for exploration that its location affords local Massachusetts hikers.

• Spectacular Waterfalls: The hike to the campsite travels alongside and over the dramatic, cascading Race Brook Falls, a series of five distinct drops that provide continuous photographic opportunities and the soothing sound of rushing water.
• Access to Major Peaks: The camp offers immediate access to the Appalachian Trail, allowing day trips to the exposed, view-laden ridgelines of Mount Race and the summit area of Mount Everett, two of the most rewarding high points in Massachusetts.
• Old-Growth Forest Setting: The trail and campsite are surrounded by a deeply shaded, dense forest canopy, often featuring hemlock and maple, creating a cool, quiet, and mystical atmosphere.
• AMC Maintenance: The area is meticulously maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), a trusted organization whose volunteers ensure the trails are marked, the facilities are functional, and the regulations are enforced for the benefit of all hikers.
• Wilderness Solitude (with Structure): While it’s a designated area, the remote location and demanding access ensure a sense of solitude, appealing to those who desire a primitive camping experience without the environmental impact of dispersed, 'stealth' camping.

Race Brook Falls Campsite is a primitive, public resource on the Appalachian Trail and does not have a private phone number or reservation system. It is managed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and maintained by the local AT club chapter.

Address: Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA (Approximate location on the AT near the junction of the Race Brook Trail)

Closest State Park Management: Mount Everett State Reservation, managed by the Massachusetts DCR.

Maintaining Club: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Berkshire Chapter. This organization provides the most reliable information on current trail and campsite conditions, water source reliability, and specific regulations for the area.

Reservations: Not applicable. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals and small groups. Larger groups are encouraged to register with the AMC.

For Massachusetts residents, the Race Brook Falls Campsite is a perfect test kitchen for backpacking skills and an unrivaled natural escape. Located conveniently in the accessible yet wild Berkshires, it offers an immediate entry point into the world of the Appalachian Trail without requiring a long, multi-state journey. The hike itself—steep, scenic, and rewarding—is an achievement that instills a sense of accomplishment in any local hiker.

This campsite allows Bay Staters to reconnect with the state's rugged mountainous terrain. It's an opportunity to teach children about Leave No Trace, practice wilderness self-reliance, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of a massive waterfall right outside the tent. The site's structural features—the tent platforms and bear boxes—make the primitive experience safer and more sustainable for the environment. In short, Race Brook Falls Campsite provides a definitive, accessible, and conservation-minded backcountry experience that is deeply valued by the local Massachusetts outdoor community. It’s an essential destination for anyone looking to push their boundaries and spend a night beneath the stars of the Berkshires.

Race Brook Falls Campsite

Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA