Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Max # People: 10

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

I'd like to invite interested nature lovers to join me. I would suggest we all meet at the Vacation Village in the Berkshires (276 Brodie Mountain Road, Hancock,  MA  01237), where I'll be staying. It's a short drive to the trailhead from there and we can rideshare, leaving cars at the resort.

The  11-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail travels through wooded  landscapes, pristine natural beauty, and the history of 4 Berkshire County communities. The Trail is actually an abandoned railway corridor that has been transformed into a paved trail for walkers, runners, bikers, rollerbladers and xc skiers. Lanesborough and North Adams is a great way to reconnect active men and visitors to local history and the natural environment.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Berkshire, Massachusetts, and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

The route starts at a trailhead in Lanesborough on the outskirts of Pittsfield, MA. The trail rolls into the woods between the tranquil Hoosic River and MA 8, which is screened from the path by trees. You’ll pass Berkshire Pond in the first mile before arriving at the 418-acre Cheshire Reservoir. Along its 2.4-mile trailside banks you'll see anglers casting for bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. You'll also be able to spot ospreys and herons, as well as turtles basking on logs. There is an unobstructed view of Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state, just across the lake.

Although there are food stops, most are on the wrong side of a busy state highway, so I recommend packing a picnic lunch, so you can relax and enjoy some rest stops, and enjoy the sights along the trail while refueling. You can find snacks and refreshments in Cheshire at the north end of the reservoir. The remaining 4 miles to the edge of Adams passes wood lots and farms. 

History unfolds as you arrive in Adams and see old mill buildings on the far shore of the Hoosic River. The route parallels the town’s restored main street that boasts quaint stores and eateries. Archways and banners throughout Adams frequently depict a black bear on a bicycle, a nod to both the trail and the resident black bear population.

To reach the Adams trailhead, follow the directions above to MA 8/Cheshire Road. Go 12.1 miles north on MA 8/Cheshire Road, and turn left onto Center St./Park St. In 0.3 mile, turn right onto Hoosac St., and then take an immediate right onto Depot St.

To reach the Adams trailhead from the intersection of MA 2 and MA 8 in North Adams, head south on MA 8/State St. Go 5.5 miles and turn left onto Hoosac St. Take an immediate right onto Depot St. Parking is on the left. Cross Hoosac St. and continue 1.2 miles north to reach the endpoint on Lime St.

If coming from out-of-state or from a more remote location, plug in Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Google Maps to get directions.