Dave Read

The Trustees of Reservations own and care for more than 100 special places amounting to 25,000+ acres throughout Massachusetts, including some of the most beautifu and popular places in the Berkshires. We haven’t visited them all, but as we do, we’ll post articles, photos, and video here.

Ashintully Gardens, Sodom Road, Tyringham, MA 01264

Against the backdrop of a sheltering Berkshires valley, during summer and fall wander through an intimate environment of outdoor sculpture and elegant gardens nourished by a gurgling stream.

Ashley House, Cooper Hill Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA 01257

Learn about two very different people who fought for freedom and liberty – and changed our history.

Bartholomew’s Cobble, Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA 01257

Created by geologic upheavals a half-billion years ago, this hundred-foot-high bedrock outcropping introduces visitors to a rugged and exotic landscape that also supports 800 species of plants while offering terrific mountain vistas.

Dry Hill, Old North Road, New Marlborough, MA 01230

Wander across more than 200 acres of forest and through a maze of thickets on a trail that traces a small brook and passes vernal pools and other wetlands.

Field Farm, Sloan Road, Williamstown, MA 01267

From a pair of Modernist houses nestled against a hillside, you’ll admire Mount Greylock rising across the valley. Follow trails past fields and marsh and wander through manicured gardens graced by sculptures. And don’t miss out on the chance to stay at our Guest House on the property.

Goose Pond Reservation, Cooper Creek Road, Lee, MA 01238

Paddle across Lower Goose Pond, a mountain lake anchored by steep ridgelines that also support a remote section of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail.

McLennan Reservation, Fenn Road, Tyringham & Otis, MA 01264

Venture into a rugged and remote tract of forested hills and wetlands at the edge of historic Tyringham Valley.

Monument Mountain, Route 7, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Ascend this popular peak, which once drew 19th-century literary giants, and from its summit gaze across the spectacular landscapes of the Housatonic River Valley.

Mountain Meadow Preserve, Mason Street, Williamstown, MA 01267

Straddling the Massachusetts/Vermont border, this inviting mix of forest and field, wetland and wildflower meadow, draws both novice hikers and serious naturalists.

Naumkeag, Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262

Experience Gilded-Age style and splendor at this marvelous estate, renowned for its elegant gardens and rare Berkshire “Cottage.”

Notchview. Old Route 9, Windsor, MA 01270

Renowned for its Nordic skiing, Notchview also entices year-round adventurers for hiking and birdwatching.

Questing, New Marlborough Hill Road, New Marlborough, MA 01230

Visit a landscape of returning forest and wetlands, and remnant cellar holes and stone walls that recall a long-abandoned settlement dating to early Colonial times.

>The Mission House, Main Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262

Journey back in time at this Colonial-era house and museum, a National Historic Landmark that tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Sergeant.

Tyringham Cobble, Jersusalem Road, Tyringham, MA 01264

Ascend through orchards and woodlands to where twin ancient formations of exposed bedrock offer panoramic vistas of the serene Tyringham Valley.

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Oct. 12, 2013 Article by Dave Read

Views of the gardens at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA and surrounding landscape on an overcast October afternoon during the fall foliage season in the Berkshires. It was the country estate of New York lawyer and politician Joseph Hodges Choate. Stanford White, the famous architect designed it in 1885 and the grounds were upgraded between 1926 and 1956 by Fletcher Steele under the direction of Choate’s daughter Mabel. Upon Choate’s death in 1917, Mabel inherited the estate, where she lived until she died in the 1950’s, bequeathing it, with all furnishings to the Trustees of Reservations, which is the oldest regional land trust in the world.

Photos of Naumkeag gardens Stockbridge, MA

These photos show that even on an overcast day, late in the fall when the leaves have lost most of their autumnal splendor, the Berkshires retain their allure. In a setting such as this one, where the architect manifested a heightened aesthetic be situating the mansion so that is sits opposite the profile view of Monument Mountain, fleeting weather conditions never can mar the view.

With its location on Prospect Hill Rd. your visit will include some of the most beautiful views in the Berkshires, from Stockbridge Bowl near Tanglewood to Monument Mountain near Gt. Barrington.

April 14, 2016 Article by Dave Read

Besides having a world-wide reputation as an arts and cultural destination, the Berkshires is noted as a place for outdoors recreation, including such activities as skiing, hiking, camping, biycling, fishing, golf, canoeing, sailing. As a service to people who may be planning a visit to Berkshire county, we have put together a list of the various places available for enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Elsewhere on BerkshireLinks you can find listing for where to stay and arts and entertainment schedules, as well as how to get here by bus or train.

BerkshireLinks articles on Berkshires parks and recreation:

• Ashuwillticook Rail Trail,
• Bartholomew’s Cobble,
• Berkshire Botanical Garden,
• Bullard Woods
• Kennedy Park, Lenox
• Mount Greylock State Reservation,
• Naumkeag
• Upper Goose Pond

Parks & outdoors recreation in the Berkshires (external links)

• Appalachian Trail – Berkshires
• Bash Bish Falls State Park,
• Beartown State Forest,
• Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sancturay,
• Chester-Blandford State Forest,
• Clarksburg State Park,
• Goose Pond
• Hinsdale Flats Watershed Resource Area
• Jug End Reservation;
• Monument Mountain,
• Mount Everett State Reservation,
• Mount Washington State Forest,
• Natural Bridge State Park,
• Notchview Reservation
• October Mountain State Forest,
• Pittsfield State Forest,
• Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary,
• Richmond Pond (Mass. DFW pdf)
• Sandisfield State Forest,
• Savoy Mountain State Forest,
• Tolland State Forest,
• Tyringham Cobble,
• Umpachene Falls,
• Wahconah Falls State Park,
• Western Gateway Heritage State Park,
• Windsor State Forest.

If you want to go for a hike in Berkshire county, you can access the Berkshires section of the Appalachian Trail, which wends its way from Connecticut through to Vermont. According to AMCBerkshire.org, there are 15 campsites and shelters along the portion of the trail. Privys and water are available at each; 2 night maximum stay; ordered north to south in this list. The map below displays in approximate locations.

Where to hike in the Berkshires

According to AMCBerkshire.org, there are 15 campsites and shelters along the portion of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the Berkshires. Privys and water are available at each; 2 night maximum stay; ordered north to south in this list. This Berkshires Appalachian Trail map displays approximate locations, but the AT is very well marked and maintained and you shouldn’t have trouble finding your destination, especially since most hikers today carry a GPS device with them while hiking.

Directions to shelters and campsites along the Appalachian trail in the Berkshires

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