APPALACHIAN TRAIL - MA - SLACKPACKING - DAY 5

Day 5 - Massachusetts AT - 7 miles

We started out singing "Living on a Prayer" in the van. Today’s hike was no joke—7 miles nearly straight uphill to the summit of Mount Greylock. Most of the day there was a constant swarm of bugs. Breathing hasn’t been easy since I got to Massachusetts, and that definitely added an extra layer of difficulty to the climb.

We stopped for lunch at the Mark Noepel Shelter. I had a sandwich… and probably a few bugs as a side dish. It wasn’t exactly gourmet, but at that point, anything edible was good enough.

Reaching the summit felt like a real accomplishment. I climbed to the top of the tower and was rewarded with stunning, panoramic views—an incredible payoff after the grueling ascent.

Dinner tonight was turkey chili and peanut butter pie, a surprisingly perfect way to wrap up a demanding day. Despite the bugs, breathing issues, and steep climb, it was a rewarding and unforgettable experience.