Parsons Marsh
Under Mountain Road , Lenox Berkshire Family Hikes also offers child-led hikes at Parsons Marsh , a BNRC property . These hikes serve as an outdoor classroom , engaging children in nature exploration and fostering a sense of wonder . “ It ’ s centrally located and has a pond and picnic table ,” says Staubach . “ It ’ s also fully mobility accessible , including for strollers .”
Appalachian Trail to Cheshire Cobbles
Gulf Road , Dalton
For more experienced hikers and families with older children , Staubach recommends the 8-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Dalton to the Cheshire Cobbles . “ It has a pretty wide-ranging adjustment in elevation , but it ’ s absolutely beautiful for fall foliage ,” says Staubach . The trail provides a challenging , yet rewarding experience , with stunning views of the Hoosic Valley .
Home of FURNACE BROOK WINERY & JMASH CIDERY
We invite you to visit our 100-year-old , family-run orchard with breathtaking views of three states . Plan a day or an a�ternoon of apple cider sipping , wine tasting , cider donut eating , cidery touring , hiking , strolling , relaxing and rejuvenating at the foothills of the Berkshires .
O�fering pick-your-own apples , grape variatal wines , hard cider tasting on a first come first serve basis and a Tap Room with local cra�t beer .
Open year-round Sun-Thurs 9-5 , Fri-Sat 9-6 508 Canaan Road , Richmond , MA 01254 800-833-6274 | 413-822-7334 hilltoporchards . com | info @ hilltoporchards . com
Taylor ’ s Tips for Family Hike Preparedness
berkshirefamilyhikes . com
Anastasia Stanmeyer
Find a place to
GO WILD
Snacks , snacks , and more snacks ! “ They ’ re a great incentive and reward , and it ’ s always good to pack as much as you need for your time on the trails .”
Leave expectations behind . “ It ’ s always good to leave your expectations of a perfect family hike at the door . You may have the best hike of your life , or it may turn into football carrying your toddler . Either way , if you keep an open mind , you can make the best of it .”
Be Silly and Have Fun ! “ Bring a sense of wonder . Be silly ! Play trail games like ‘ I Spy ,” sing a song , and go into it with imagination . Watch closely , listen closely , and try to see the trail and the environment through your children ’ s eyes . Sometimes it helps to crouch down , get down to their level , and see what they ’ re seeing from their height , which is a completely different perspective from your own .”
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Scan code with your phone camera to explore BNRC reserves , or visit bnrc . org / reserves .
Holiday Fall 2023 2024 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 71