Jug End(Southern Berkshires)

Went out for a short after work hike in the southern Berkshires on another beautiful, sun filled afternoon.  I knew I didn't have a lot of time so I parked on the wide shoulder of Guilder Hollow Road(also labeled as Jug End Road on some maps) in the town of Egremont(where the Appalachian Trail crosses over) and headed straight up the steep, conifer covered slopes to the west.  Elevation to start the hike was 890 feet.

The ascent begins gradually, before becoming quite steep, with the help of stone steps in steeper spots.

Slick leaves and numerous rocky sections make for a slow ascent but before long the first views begin to open up along a section of extremely steep ledges.

Good footing is a must as the trail hugs the steep, rocky ledges...but the views are fantastic.  NE views to Mill Pond and Monument Mountain in the distance.

Continuing up into the sun bathed rock spine that makes up Jug End's "summit".  A well trodden herd path continues through the pitch pines down to a rock outcrop

From the rock outcrop on Jug End, the views are fantastic.  Here is the view NW towards the backside of Mount Fray(otherwise known as Catamount Ski Area).

North facing views covering much of the southern Berkshires.

There are several herd paths that head down off the summit area, so I decided to explore.  The woods were very open and inviting as I caught more screened views down the steep slopes to the north.

I contoured my way west below the summit, stumbling upon an informal fire pit in a clearing.  While the views aren't quite wide open, you are able to get nice looks at the Mount Darby, Sterling and Whitbeck ridge to the west.  Unfortunately the late afternoon sun made it difficult to see, but the radio tower atop Mount Darby is easily visible from here.

Headed back up onto the trail and carefully made my way back down to the ledge views to the NE.  A zoom view down towards Mill Pond in South Egremont and Monument Mountain's bulk looming beyond. 

A nice and easy 2 miles RT with just under 900 feet of elevation gain.  A perfect little saunter to get the heart pumping.  Looking forward to setting the clocks ahead later this week!
Topo map of Jug End below.  Red X is the open view point.