Hike & Walk Archives - Destination Williamstown

Hike & Walk

Hikes and walks, trails and paths cross the valley and sprint up mountains. You can jaunt from a campground to a waterfall or take a daylong trip from the valley to the crest. For backpackers and day-hikers, families, and birders, our trails and forests are open. The possibilities are wide.

For gentle walks try the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Stone Hill at the Clark Art Institute, and Hopkins Forest for quiet woodland loops.
More ambitious hikers may want to aim for Mount Greylock, which crowns a network of steep tracks, including the Appalachian Trail.
Explore other summits on the Pine Cobble Trail and the Taconic Crest Trail along the New York border.

For maps and guides to local hikes and walks, look to Williamstown Rural Lands interactive maps, our descriptions of northern Berkshire trails, and check out guidebooks such as Williams Outing Club and Berkshire Destinations.

Williamstown Rural Lands

Williamstown

Williamstown Rural Lands maintains over ten miles of trails and has preserved more than 3,500 acres of land.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)

Lenox

BNRC’s website features trail maps and guides to hiking, strolling, dog walking, and swimming in the Berkshires.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Cheshire

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail runs more than 12 miles north to south along Route 8, from Lanesborough and north to the visitor center in Adams.

Be Safe and Be Seen

Hunters share the woods with hikers and bikers in November and December, so wear bright colors. Be safe, be seen, and have fun out there!

Berkshire Destinations Guidebook

New England explorer Christy Butler offers this guidebook to over 150 unique and inspiring places including waterfalls, glacial erratics, vistas, cultural institutions and prominent statues.

Cascades Trail

North Adams

A short hike along a wooded stream to a cascading waterfall.

Clarksburg State Park

Clarksburg

Nestled in acres of northern hardwood forest, Mauserts Pond has picnic and a pavilion area, hiking, boating, and fishing.

Field Farm

Williamstown

An historic art deco house and picnic tables overlook the pond. Trails travel around fields and through forest.

George Aiken Wildflower Trail

Bennington

Showcases native wildflowers and ferns that Aiken loved, propagated, wrote about, and urged others to grow.

Greylock Glen

Adams

With multi-use trails for a wide variety of users, Greylock Glen serves as a gateway to the Mt. Greylock State Reservation trail system.

Hoosac Range Trail

North Adams

Ridgeline trail over dramatic cliffs to Sunset Rock and Spruce Hill, offering outstanding hiking, snowshoeing, views and birdwatching during raptor migration.

Hopkins Memorial Forest

Williamstown

A variety of all-season trails maintained by Williams College.

The Hopper Trails

Williamstown

Great views, cold streams, wildflowers and more. Several trails start here at the end of Hopper Road.

Margaret Lindley Park

Williamstown

Sandy beach and shallow areas for the little ones. Open from dawn til dusk.

Linear Park Trails

Williamstown

Flat walking trails wander through the woods and fields along the Green and Hoosic rivers.

Mount Greylock Visitors Center

Lanesborough

Paved roads lead up the state’s tallest peak. From the top, you can see several states plus access hiking trails.

Mountain Meadow Preserve

Williamstown

More than four miles of easy-to-moderate hiking on roads and footpaths.

Mount Prospect Overlook

There are many ways to hike to this beautiful vista. Grab a good pair of shoes, maybe some hiking poles, and choose your route!

Natural Bridge State Park

North Adams

A geologic wonder with viewing platforms, picnic area and short wooded trails

North Berkshire Outdoor Guide Book

Williamstown

This book offers an introduction to the Berkshires and an extensive list of hiking trails with sections on fishing, climbing, paddling and winter camping.