Timeline
16:55
Arrive at the Misery Mountain trailhead and begin the ascent. The ridge is part meadow and part wooded with red spruce and balsam fir. Take your time; the climb is steady.
17:30
Reach the summit ridge. This is a prominent 6-mile long ridgeline with at least ten well-defined summits. Find a spot on the meadow section to settle in and wait for the light to change. The west side of the mountain is in New York, while the high point lies in Massachusetts, offering a broad western horizon.
18:10
Watch the sun set toward the W. The golden light starts about 17:32, painting the northern hardwoods in warm tones, before the sun dips below the horizon at 18:10.
18:40
Descend from the summit and walk 15 minutes east to the E. Howe Forbush Sanctuary. It is a quiet nature reserve that serves as a peaceful place to end the walk as the twilight deepens.
Local tip
The ridge can be windy and exposed. Bring a layer even in October. Check the route for the specific trailhead access points as directions are not provided in the local data.
Check before you go
- Sunset is at 18:10 local time on 15 October.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Hancock (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).