extreme caution when traveling on the trail in the winter because it bisects several active ski trails . The hike is somewhat strenuous due to elevation changes , but the amazing vistas are not to be missed . “ The views to the south are immaculate ,” says Adolphson . “ Beautiful , rolling hills as far as the eye can see .”
Gentle Trails
Mauserts Pond Loop Trail Clarksburg Department of Conservation & Recreation Mauserts Pond Loop Trail is a fun and easy hike around a picturesque pond in Clarksburg . The trailhead is accessible just off of the intersection of Middle Road and River Road ( Route 8 ), past the state park entrance . The 3.2-mile loop is a popular destination for birding , hiking , and snowshoeing .
Basin Pond Lee Berkshire Natural Resources Council Hikers who come to Basin Pond will find rolling terrain , rushing streams and cascades , and a wildlife viewing platform . The parking area for Basin Pond is located on Becket Road , and an informational kiosk stands at the entrance of the trail . The trail is a great fit for novice hikers looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Berkshires without breaking too much of a sweat . Families with young children will find ample opportunities for outdoor playtime on the trail , including small trailside rocks that are perfect for climbing .
Bartholomew ’ s Cobble Reservation Sheffield The Trustees of Reservations
Mount Greylock Summit
Bartholomew ’ s Cobble Reservation draws its name from its two rocky knolls that stand over the nearby Housatonic River . The highest point on the Reservation offers wonderful north-facing views of the Housatonic Valley , and Bartholomew ’ s Cobble also features a diverse assortment of wildflowers and fern species . The entrance to the Cobble is off of Rannapo Road , and the trailhead is located adjacent to a clearly visible sign . The loop trail that runs through the Cobble is 3.5 miles long . The Cobble is open year-round , and the trail is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing , as well . “ Bartholomew ’ s Cobble has a mix of everything ,” says Adolphson . “ There are wide-open fields , and there are immaculate views at top of the field . There are a number of really interesting geological features that are unique to the area , and it ’ s a great kid ’ s hike because it ’ s not particularly steep .”
Store Staff Picks
Kennedy Park Lenox Owned and Maintained by the Town of Lenox Directly behind Arcadian Shop in Lenox , Kennedy Park offers accessible outdoor enjoyment for hikers of all skill levels . With 15 miles of undulating trails that spread out over small hills , Kennedy Park is great for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter — and is also a wonderful launch point for novice mountain bikers and hikers . As one of the new co-owners of Arcadian Shop , Jeff Minkler is proud to be able to provide high-quality outdoor gear , including apparel , footwear , road and mountain bikes , and other products to the local community . He also is grateful to have such an incredible natural site directly behind Arcadian Shop . “ Free maps are available for Kennedy Park right here in the shop ,” says Minkler . “ People just need to stop in .” He adds that Kennedy Park connects to the Lenox Mountain and Yokun Ridge trail systems through the Kennedy Park to Yokun Ridge Connector . “ Those trails are a little more advanced ,” he notes . “ Another great access for Yokun Ridge is Olivia ’ s Overlook up behind the Kripalu Center . There are amazing views .”
Cheshire Cobbles Cheshire Department of Conservation and Recreation The stretch of the Appalachian Trail that leads to the Cheshire Cobbles directly intersects with the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail . To reach the Appalachian Trail trailhead from Cheshire , head south on Furnace Hill Road from Main Street and continue onto the trail . This 2.9-mile “ out and back ” hike is moderately challenging , but according to Berkshire Outfitters owner and founder Steve Blazejewski , the walk is well worth it . “ It ’ s about an hour and a half to the summit . You can do it with children , and there ’ s a big outcropping that looks out over the northern Berkshires . You can see the mountains and the lakes . It ’ s pretty spectacular .”
A seasoned outdoorsman , Blazejewski has been supplying the local community with top-of-the-line outdoor gear since the early 1980s . He advises that hikers would be wise to pack an extra layer of clothing in their bags in case of emergencies , and also a protective cap to prevent sun damage . For intermediate hikers interested in scaling Mount Greylock , he recommends taking the Cheshire Harbor Trail to reach the summit . The trailhead is accessible from West Mountain Road , and the “ out and back ” hike to the top of Mount Greylock is 6.2 miles in length . “ It ’ s definitely an intermediate hike ,” says Blazejewski , “ but it ’ s still the easiest way to the summit .” n
74 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2022