OverviewMt. Frissell’s southwest shoulder is the highest point in Connecticut at 2,380 feet above sea level. It is one of only three US state highpoints that are the highest point in a state but not technically the summit of the hill or mountain. The easiest route to the summit, generally done from the AMC Parking next to the Massachusetts-Connecticut state line on Mt. Washington Road, is a very enjoyable hike with good views to be had on Round Mt., as well as the steeper sections of Mt. Frissell, including the state highpoint itself.
Getting ThereFrom the north: From South Egremont, Massachusetts, follow SR 23 to the west until SR 41 junctions to the left(south). In less than mile, Mount Washington Road turns to the right off of SR 41. Follow Mt. Washington Road past Bash Bish Falls State Park. Eventually, Mount Washington Road becomes a gravel/dirt road. Continue onward until you pass a Massachusetts/Connecticut state line marker. Immediately after this is a small parking lot on the left with an “AMC” sign. Park here.
From the south: In Salisbury, Connecticut, go west on US 44 and then turn right on to Factory St. Shortly thereafter, you should bear to the right onto Mt. Riga Road. Mt. Riga road eventually turns into a gravel/dirt road and continues a couple of miles to Mt. Washington Road. Turn right onto Mt. Washington Road, and go 3.3 miles to the AMC parking lot on the right.
From the AMC parking lot, walk north along the road past the state line marker and turn left onto an old gravel and stone road. In a very short distance, you will see a trail that turns left from this old road. The trail is well-marked with frequent red blazes the whole way. The trail ascends steeply up round mountain where there are views to be had in every direction. From here you can see Mt. Frissell, which is a bit taller. You descend slightly to a col and then climb steeply up Mt. Frissell. At the top, the trail divides with the right spur going a hundred feet to the true summit of Mt. Frissell with a canister on a tree. The left spur goes to the southwest descending a bit and then leveling out. Keep your eyes open for the cairn with a State Line marker. This is the highest point in Connecticut.
Red TapeSections of Mt. Washington Road may be closed in the winter depending on how much snow there is.
Author: dgreaser
Date: Mar 20, 2005 5:08 PM
The Mt. Riga road access from the south was closed and gated just north of Salisbury on March 4th, 2004. Access to the trailhead from the north was open.
When To ClimbThis mountain is usually climbed in spring, summer, or autumn. Nothing special is required except snowshoes and/or crampons which could be handy in the snow season.
CampingBash Bish Falls State Park has campsites and would be a nice place to camp. Bash Bish Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in New England. The waters are split by a rock and then come back together in a diamond shape.
Mountain ConditionsCheck the weather conditions for Pittsfield, Massachusetts or Salisbury, Connecticut to get an idea of what the weather is like, keeping in mind that it will likely be colder and windier than the cities in the valleys.
Miscellaneous InfoBear Mountain is sometimes claimed by Connecticut to be the highest mountain in Connecticut. There is even a sign on Bear Mountain claiming this.
It is the highest mountain SUMMIT in Connecticut, but Mt. Frissell's SW shoulder is higher. According to Highpointer standards, the highest point, not highest summit, represents the highest point in a state.
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Mid-Atlantic Highlands
