Off the Beaten Path
The Berkshires is a popular spot for trail hikes and, with fall foliage in full display, BerkshireStyle offers some Off the Beaten Path trails you may not know. For a day out with the family, or a relaxing day hike on your own, here are some of the best views of the mountain landscape.
Bartholomew’s Cobble sits in the isolated valley of Sheffield, MA, and is named for its limestone and marble rocks that create picturesque hills surrounded by farmland. It’s high point, Hulbert’s Hill, rises 1,000 feet to panoramic views of the Housatonic River Valley. There are 5 miles of easy hiking trails and the Ashley House which dates back to 1735 and tells of story of Revolutionary history.
Location: 117 Cooper Hill Road in Sheffield, MA
Race Brook Falls and Mount Everett is another perfect daylong adventure located Sheffield. With a mostly uphill hike along the Taconic Ridge, the trail visits two summits - Mount Race and Mount Everett, the highest peak in the southern Berkshires. See several waterfalls a wild river tied together with stunning mountain views. This 5.4-mile strenuous hike is for the more seasoned hiker: the higher the hike the better the views.
Location: Parking is easy of find off Route 41 on South Under Mountain Road in Sheffield, MA.
Veterans Memorial Tower on Mount Greylock is probably the top spot for a 360-degree view of the beautiful foliage of New England. The 92-foot-tall granite tower sits on top of the tallest mountains in the Berkshires and was dedicated in 1933 to commemorate past fallen soldiers. The state park offers a number of different hiking trails for moderate to extreme hikers but the main attraction sits close to parking on top of the mountain.
Location: Mount Greylock in Adams, MA
October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts at 16,600 acres, and named for its ideal conditions in the fall. There are a number of trails of different lengths and difficulty to choose from. One can also camp and swim if you have the courage It’s a great hike before or after a visit to Lenox.
Location: 256 Woodland Road in Lee, MA
Washington Mountain Marsh is a little known trail in the wetlands of Lee, difficult in the spring but perfect in the fall. The trail is very easy with a 1.9-mile round trip. The most interesting thing about this marsh is the remains of the town left from the 19th century and its dated cemetery. There is a surrounding spruce and fir forest planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression.
Location: 317 Woodland Road in Lee, MA
Everywhere you go in the Berkshires you will find beautiful nature and recreational activities. Autumn fun is free for everyone so put on your hiking boots and enjoy!