Laurel Hill Park
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Family & Novice-Friendly Trails Intermediate and Advanced Trails
Laurel Hill Park
End of Park Street , Stockbridge laurelhillassociation . org
Founded in 1853 , the Laurel Hill Association maintains a network of beautiful trails , plants , trees , and flowers , with the aim of beautifying and maintaining outdoor spaces in Stockbridge . ( The Laurel Hill Association is the oldest village improvement society in the United States , according to its president , Hilary Somers Deely .) Laurel Hill Park offers a range of trails catering to various skill levels . The park boasts a variety of striking natural elements — from grand old oak trees and stately pines to tenacious hemlocks growing on solid rock . Spanning 460 acres throughout the town of Stockbridge , Laurel Hill Park is open to the public and available for recreation .
In addition to its natural features , the park includes significant manmade structures . The rostrum , designed by Daniel Chester French and built by Augustus Lukeman , is a breathtaking natural amphitheater . The Sedgwick Seat , the Butler Seat , and various inscribed boulders provide historical context and scenic resting spots . They offer visitors a glimpse into the park ’ s storied past , from its early days as communal land for its original inhabitants , the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans , to its acquisition by the Sedgwick family in 1834 .
Mary Flynn Trail
The Mary Flynn Trail is a 1.3- mile loop trail that is perfect for families and hikers of all ages and abilities . “ It ’ s very flat and very accessible ,” says Somers Deely . “ It ’ s the easiest trail we have , because there are no roots and there ’ s nothing to make you stumble .” The trail ’ s surface allows for almost yearround use , providing a safe and pleasant hiking experience .
The Glen and Sedgwick Path
The Sedgwick Path offers and easy introduction to Laurel Hill Park ’ s trails , beginning behind Stockbridge Town Hall . Admire the large old growth trees as you follow the path to the Glen and informational kiosk , where you will find an open area featuring the historic rostrum designed by French . Somers Deely describes the Glen as “ stunningly beautiful ,” with dappled sunlight coming through in the afternoon .
Laura ’ s Tower and Ice Glen Trail
For those looking for a more challenging hike , Laura ’ s Tower Trail offers a steep ascent . “ It ’ s a trail that makes your heart race ,” says Somers Deely . “ People who want to get some real exercise go up to Laura ’ s Tower .” The reward for the 1.5-mile round-trip hike is a panoramic view of the Berkshires and Monument Mountain from the top of the tower .
Ice Glen Trail
The Ice Glen Trail is recommended for more experienced hikers . This trail takes you through one of the last old-growth forests in Massachusetts . “ It ’ s full of enormous trees that tower above you . It ’ s tricky , though ,” adds Somers Deely . The trail features rock scrambles , and offers a cool retreat during the summer months due to its shaded paths . The trail is 1 mile long round-trip if returning through the Glen , and 2 miles round-trip if returning via Ice Glen Road , South Street , and Park Street .
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
( BNRC ) bnrc . org
BNRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires . Presiding over 25,000 acres of land , BNRC offers a variety of trails catering to different hiking abilities and interests . BNRC Volunteer and Outreach Manager Charlotte Hood shares tips about some of the best trails overseen by BNRC , offering families , novice hikers , and experienced adventurers the ability to easily explore the natural wonders of the Berkshires .
Old Mill Trail
Old Dalton Road , Hinsdale Located in Dalton and Hinsdale , the 1.5-mile Old Mill Trail is being revamped to be fully accessible by the beginning of fall 2024 . “ It ’ s a great fall hike ,” shares Hood . “ It ’ s right along the East Branch of the Housatonic River , and it ’ s perfect for family hikes with kids and those with limited mobility .” Once the maintenance upgrades are complete , the trail will feature wheelchair accessibility , making it an inclusive option for all visitors .
Thomas & Palmer Brook
State Road , Great Barrington The Thomas & Palmer Brook trail offers accessible paths for families and novice hikers . “ Thomas and Palmer in Great Barrington and Housatonic Flats are our two most accessible reserves ,” notes Hood . She adds that the terrain serves as a great area to practice snowshoeing in the winter months . “ It ’ s especially great if you haven ’ t been snowshoeing before .” Hood adds . The 2-mile trail winds through old pastures , wetland , and mature forests , providing a scenic and easy hike .
Housatonic Flats
Stockbridge Road , Great Barrington Housatonic Flats features an accessible loop trail that brings hikers close to the riverbank . “ It ’ s a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing ,” says Hood . The easy 0.9-mile round-trip trail is perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely hike in a beautiful setting .
More information on family-friendly and mobility-accessible trails can be found at bnrc . org . Check out their “ Everybody Can Hike ” and “ Trails for All ” online brochures ..
Hoosac Range + Spruce Hill
Mohawk Trail , North Adams The Hoosac Range trail is a fantastic option for those seeking impressive views . “ It has two incredible vistas , one which is only a mile up the trail ,” notes Hood . Offering dramatic views , the trail provides opportunity to explore further for a more extended hike . The trail spans a total of 1.6 to 6 miles , depending on what branch hikers choose to take , ranging in difficulty from easy to more challenging . In addition to its more novice-friendly trail sections , the Hoosac Range also offers a trail that connects to Spruce Hill . “ It ’ s about 6 miles out and back , and it has a lot of incline along the way ,” shares Hood . Experienced hikers
are rewarded with a nearly 360-degree view of the surrounding area , extending into southern Vermont and the Taconic range .
Mahanna Cobble
Dan Fox Drive , Pittsfield Mahanna Cobble provides a challenging hike with a rewarding vista . “ It ’ s not too long ,” says Hood . “ Still , it ’ s quite an ascent .” Gorgeous vistas of Lenox and Pittsfield await those who follow the 3.2- mile trail to the summit . The trail begins at Bousquet Mountain and features a stone bench that pays tribute to BNRC founder George Wislocki .
Anastasia Stanmeyer
Holiday Fall 2023 2024 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 69