Richardson-Zlogar Cabin

The Richardson-Zlogar Cabin is a backcountry camping area on Stratton Mountain in Northfield, Massachusetts.  The cabin, built in 2012 by the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, offers a unique Southern New England backpacking experience with exceptional views of peaks in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  All information in this post is accurate as of my most recent visit in June of 2018.

Location

The Richardson-Zlogar Cabin is located on the New England National Scenic Trail (or NET) in Massachusetts section 17.  The cabin is less than a mile from the Alexander Hill Road trailhead and parking area. Hikers looking to travel additional miles, however, can easily choose another NET trailhead from which to begin their hike.  The Gulf Road parking area is slightly less than three miles south of the cabin. On a recent trip, we hiked about 7.5 miles from Route 78 in Warwick, MA, over Mount Grace, to overnight near Richardson-Zlogar Cabin.  You can read more about that hike by clicking here.

Camping

The Richardson-Zlogar cabin has a sleeping loft with mattresses and a food preparation/eating area below but there is no electricity or running water at the cabin.  Visitors should bring their own sleeping bags, cookware, etc. In addition, there are two tent platforms near the cabin. During our June 2018 visit it appeared that a third platform may be in the works.  We were also able to find a flat area to pitch our non-freestanding tent on the ground.

Water

Information posted at the cabin simply states that it is “near water sources.”  We were not able to locate a flowing water source near the cabin but there is a small pond about a five minute walk away.  We filtered water from the pond for cooking but certainly would have preferred a moving water source. If possible, it may be wise to carry enough water for your entire trip.

Other Amenities

The campsite has a large fire pit, two picnic tables, and various other benches and seating.  There is also a porta-potty on site. (During our visit it was in desperate need of servicing.) Construction of a privy is supposedly in progress.

Reservations

Reservations are required to stay in Richardson-Zlogar cabin.  When you make your reservation you will be provided with the lock code for entry.  There is no fee for using the cabin but it is suggested that visitors make a donation to assist with maintenance and continued improvements to the cabin and camping area.  A reservation is not needed if you plan to tent near the cabin and platforms are available on a first come first served basis. You can find out more about the Richardson-Zlogar Cabin and make a reservation by clicking here to visit the NET website.

Have you visited Richardson-Zlogar Cabin? Share your experience in the comments below!