Chapel Ledge Climbers Trail

Rising high above the Pioneer Valley, Chapel Ledge features a panoramic vista atop a 100-foot rock face that attracts hikers and climbers alike. The climbers trail takes a direct route to the base of the rock slab and onward to the bald summit. The Trustees manage this popular destination and called on Hermit Woods Trailbuilders to help build a series of stone steps on the steepest and most erosion-prone section of the trail. This involved cutting and drilling into exposed ledge, something we often do on steep trails like this where no other options exist. With the materials already staged (thanks to the Trustees Stewardship team), we were able to install three staircases totaling 70 steps in only four days!