Frequently Asked Questions:

If more than 1-2 people joined in on the shuttle does the price go up? If yes, by how much ?
The $2/mile price is for up to two people. Each additional person with the same pick-up/drop-off locations would be an additional $0.50/mile per person. So for 4 people, it's $3, and for 6 people it would be $4 etc. These rates are guidelines only; for an exact rate for a specific shuttle people will always need to call ahead. In most cases, I charge slightly less than these rates or round down to some number, but I always use this structure as a guide.

What passenger capacity do you have?
I can take up to 7 fully equipped people, or 11 without packs. With that many people in the van it is could get crowded and uncomfortable for some, so I like to keep it at 5-6 adults when it's a mixed group. As in any democratic society, if people choose to sacrifice comfort for the additional savings I have no problem with it since my seat stays the same!

What is the size limit for a group who would want to go on one of your guided hikes?
I limit the size of our groups to 6 for scheduled hikes because it just makes for a better overall experience. If however there was a larger group who was interested, let's say for a family reunion or office picnic, etc. I can accomodate up to 30 at one time. We would then divide the larger group into several smaller sub-groups each with a guide, and stay loosely together for the day. I will never allow a 30 person single file line through the woods! The people in our group won't have fun, and we would likely ruin anyone else's experience who got in our way.

Do we have to stick with your schedule of hikes or can you take us to a place that we want to see but isn't listed on your summer schedule?
I actually encourage custom tours for individuals or small groups. Rates vary greatly for this as some people just want a hiking partner, and others are looking for a first-class tailored outing with meals. If I provide food, all meals are organic and locally grown when in season. They are also "trail appropriate" which means that they'll get the highest quality trail food available, but not Lobster! The meals are intended to be more than just something to get you through to your next "real meal". We teach people how to prepare great tasting, healthy, high energy natural foods specifically for the backcountry.

What do you charge for the guided hikes?
The scheduled hikes are $30 per person, and are typically 3-5 hours in length. Transportation is provided from the store on Main Street, or from their local accomodations and should be reserved by 6pm the day before. (We also have shuttle service if you want to be picked up at your home, bus station, airports, etc.) All hikes in the Berkshires have hills, but we vary the pace to account for the terrain and hikes are appropriate for all abilities unless noted otherwise.

How difficult are your hikes? I'm a beginner or haven't really hiked in a while.
Scheduled hikes meet at 8:30am and are back by about 2pm. The actual hiking time varies depending on the number/duration of breaks, but is the equivalent of a solid half-day trip. I put this schedule together for my after school programs for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, so they are all of an appropriate length, and difficulty for most people. I intentionally design the trips to be challenging so that people learn how to properly plan/manage their hikes when they go on their own, but I would never jeopardize people's health or put them at risk on a trail that is well beyond their abilities.


Ryan Auge'

Saddleback Trading Post  73 Main Street   North Adams, MA 01247   413.664.2772
ryan@saddlebacktradingpost.com

To inquire about Berkshire Hiking Tours available in the western Connnecticut and NYC region, please click here to send email or call 203.788.7665.