Parks and Forests
It’s no secret that the entire Berkshires region is home to some breathtaking nature, and visitors flock here from far and wide to breathe the fresh air and experience the great outdoors at its absolute best! But with so many parks in the area, how do you choose which ones to visit? Which ones are the best? Which ones are right for me?
Well, we’ve done all the work for you and compiled a list of the region’s best! Here, you’ll find ten of our favorite parks, forests, and state reservations in the county that are bound to satisfy your craving for the great outdoors. And the best part? When staying with us in the heart of Lenox, you’re never too far away from any of them!
Mt Greylock State Reservation
Location: North Adams, Adams, Williamstown
Mount Greylock State Reservation spans over 12,000 acres on and around the famous Mt Greylock in northwestern Berkshires. The park itself features more than 70 miles worth of incredible trails, sure to satisfy all of your hiking and mountain biking needs! The reservation is also ideal for winter activities, as many of the trails are quite popular for all types of skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Of course though, we can’t talk about the park without mentioning Mt Greylock itself, the highest mountain in the Berkshires. If you’re up for a challenge, go ahead and tackle one of the many hiking trails to reach the summit. But if not, the peak can still be reached by car outside of the winter months. At the top of the mountain itself, you’ll find both the 93-foot tall Veterans War Memorial Tower and the Bascom Lodge, offering overnight accommodations and a bar and restaurant in the summer and fall. For a more rugged experience, backpackers will be pleased to know there are numerous camping options available, both at the Mt Greylock Campground and at various points off of the main trails. But whatever your style may be, a visit to Mt Greylock State Reservation is an absolute must on any trip to the Berkshires!
October Mountain State Forest
Location: Becket, Lee, Lenox
At over 16,000 acres in area, October Mountain State Forest is the largest state forest in Massachusetts, and conveniently located right here in the Lenox/Lee area! With its massive size, you can expect an abundance of trails perfect for hiking, biking, skiing, off road vehicles and more. Among the most notable trails is the 3-mile loop around Washington Mountain Marsh in the eastern section of the park. You’ll also find numerous ponds and lakes within the forest’s territory, offering non-motorized boating, fishing, and, in some cases, swimming. Check for signs though before jumping in as swimming is not permitted in all of these ponds! But of course, no visit to the forest would be complete without trekking up to October Mountain itself. The mountain ridge is home to the highest point of the forest, rising high above the Housatonic River, and once at the top you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the entire region below. As we’ve said, this park is massive, so don’t worry if you can’t manage to see it all in one day, especially when you’re staying with us right in Lenox! But even if you weren’t, you can rest assured knowing that there are over 40 camping sites to choose from to spend the night.
Mt Washington State Forest
Location: Mt Washington
If you’re looking for a more rugged outdoor experience, Mount Washington State Forest might be a top priority to visit. Straddling the southwestern corner of the Berkshires, along the New York/Massachusetts border, this 4,600 acre park is home to an abundance of dense, old growth forests and over 30 miles worth of trails (some of which are part of the Appalachian Trail), spanning all levels of difficulty. Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, no matter what your exploration method of choice may be, there are trails for you! If you’re in the mood for a workout though, head up the South Taconic Trail and make the ascent up to Alander Mountain with its prominent peak. Additionally, the park offers many opportunities for basic wilderness camping, while still providing the basic essentials like restrooms and picnic areas. If you’re visiting the forest in the spring or early summer months, be sure to hop over to Bish Bash Falls State Park right next door and experience Bish Bash Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in the entire state and a huge draw to the area!
East Mountain State Forest
Location: Great Barrington
To the southeast of Great Barrington you’ll find East Mountain State Forest. As the name suggests, the park is centered around East Mountain, a vast plateau of almost 3 square miles in area. While you won’t find an abundance of trails in the park, you will find a few great ones, including the Appalachian Trail itself, which runs through the forest for several miles and ascends up the slopes of the mountain. Along this section of the Appalachian Trail, you’ll encounter a handful of sweeping overlooks and vistas, providing breathtaking views of the Berkshires and neighboring Connecticut and New York in the distance. Be warned though, this trail (and forest itself) is on the more challenging side, with a steep and rapid initial ascent, uneven terrain, and many sections where careful maneuvering over rocks and boulders is required. But don’t let that deter you from paying a visit, as the forest itself is lush and beautiful, with dense oak forests and an abundance of wildlife, including coyotes, bears, turkeys, and deer.
Sandisfield State Forest
Location: Sandisfield
This 4,000 acre forest in the southern Berkshires features gentle rolling hills of hardwood forests and an abundance of trails for both hiking and cross-country skiing. Additionally, you’ll find York Lake at the heart of the reserve, a 35 acre shallow water lake that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. One of the biggest draws to the park, York Lake features a well developed beach and offers lots of recreational opportunities, like non-motorized boating, swimming, and even fishing, with the lake being restocked with trout multiple times throughout the year. For a more secluded experience, feel free to visit nearby West Lake or Abby Lake in the park, which also offer excellent fishing opportunities. In terms of trails, the York Lake Loop Trail is one of the most popular all year long, circling the lake in a beautifully scenic 2.2 mile route, but there are many more to choose from to fully explore the reserve.
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Location: Hawley, Charlemont
Mohawk Trail State Forest is a smaller park compared to some of the others in the region, but it’s equally beautiful and an exceptional hiking destination. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the county, near the town of Hawley, the park is lush and green and includes a large section of the Deerfield River. One of the biggest draws to the park though is the steep and rugged terrain, and with it, the challenging hikes it contains. The majority of the park consists of both Clark Mountain and Todd Mountain, reaching almost 2000ft and 1600ft, respectively, and the Mahican Mohawk Trail will take you right up to both mountaintops in one go. Alternatively, for a more mellow experience in the park, go for a stroll down along the river where you’ll find several relatively easy paths, allowing you to take in the natural beauty of the region without breaking too much of a sweat!
Otis State Forest/Tolland State Forest
Location: Otis, Tolland
Tolland State Forest and Otis State Forest, located in the southern Berkshires on the border of the county, offer tons of outdoor recreation. In the forests you’ll find numerous shaded trails for everything from hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and even ATV’s and off-road vehicles. The forests also have campgrounds that can accommodate both RVs and tents (mostly in Tolland State Forest). Otis Reservoir is also located here, the largest recreational body of water in western Massachusetts at over 1,000 acres! At the reservoir, visitors are free to swim, boat, and even fish, with the lake being regularly stocked with trout in the spring and fall. Hunting in the forests is restricted though, so bear that in mind if you’re visiting the region for hunting opportunities. Tolland State Forest also offers various educational programs throughout the summer and fall, making it a perfect place to visit for the whole family to enjoy.
Windsor State Forest
Location: Windsor
Windsor State Forest is a pristine forest preserve located deep in the hills of the northern Berkshires, just a short drive east of both Adams and Pittsfield. While not as well traveled as some of the other parks in the region, it’s still highly regarded for its natural beauty. One of the biggest draws to the forest is the cascading waterfall at Windsor Jambs, one of the most beautiful in the Berkshires. Also be sure to see the Windsor Jambs Brook as it winds its way through an impressive granite gorge. While camping is currently restricted in the park, visitors can still take advantage of the recreational area at Windsor Pond, offering a small swimming beach with restrooms and a picnic area. The forest itself features an extensive network of trails that are perfect for all of your outdoor activities, from mountain biking and hiking to cross-country skiing and even horseback riding.
Savoy Mountain State Forest
Location: Savoy, Florida, Adams, North Adams
Savoy Mountain State Forest is located in the northern Berkshires, primarily in Savoy and Florida, but also extending into Adams and North Adams. This remote park can be looked at as your “all-in-one” outdoor destination due to the abundance of activities it has to offer. Nestled right on the Hoosac Mountain Range, you’ll find numerous hills and mountains, and with it, incredible trails for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Additionally, the park is home to two beautiful waterfalls, one of which being the 100ft high Tannery Falls that is among the Berkshires’ most impressive. The forest also features 4 small lakes, with both North Pond and South Pond being the most popular due to their beaches, restrooms, showers, and boat launches for visitors’ enjoyment. Bog Pond, located a little further south, is equipped with a canoe launch, making it perfect for a more peaceful afternoon out on the water. Savoy Mountain State Forest is also an excellent location for camping, with over 40 camping sites within the forest territory and a handful of cozy log cabins available to rent.
Taconic Trail State Forest
Location: Williamstown
Nestled in the northwestern corner of the Berkshires, just outside of Williamstown, you’ll find yourself in Taconic Trail State Forest. This 2,000 acre park features over 12 miles of trails open to the public, and serves as the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon in the Williamstown area, and a relatively short hike up the Smith trail will reward you with a beautiful panoramic view of the town below. Be aware though, due to the nature of the terrain, most of the trails within the park are on the difficult side, with a lot of uneven terrain and steep inclines. But having said that, if you have the time and are up for a challenge, we recommend tackling the hike up to Berlin Mountain, with it’s summit just across the border in New York State. You’ll find a couple of different trails to ascend the mountain just off of Berlin Road, and in the winter, these trails also offer exceptional skiing opportunities.