Cheshire OK,s Town Land For Appalachian Trail Campers

Living up to its moniker as an Appalachian Trail Community, Cheshire will allow hikers of the trail to camp overnight on town property.

The Berkshire Eagle  reports the designated campsite on municipal land next to the town Highway Department, immediately off the trail, should be ready for use during the height of the 2020 hiking season, according to municipal officials.

Hikers bedding down for the night near the Hoosic River will have access to town drinking water, use of a portable toilet and two picnic tables donated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. The Highway Department will handle the trash barrels provided to the hikers. Only tent camping will be allowed, as the town has no plans for a permanent shelter on the site.

Cheshire's Appalachian Trail Community Committee, working with town officials, has led the effort to carve out an official camping area, replacing the unofficial stopover.