By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
REGION – A panorama of vibrant reds, ochre, and bright yellow create a blanket of fall color across The Berkshires, peaking early to mid-October. Crunchy leaves, apple picking, cider donuts, and dramatic scenery are perfect excuses to visit the beautiful Berkshire region this autumn. The Berkshires have something to offer year-round, but it is a special place to experience a New England fall escape.
Outdoor exploration
Bash Bish Falls State Park is a pretty spot for a hike. There are two entrances that take you to the falls. The Massachusetts entrance is only 0.6 miles round trip but the trek from the parking lot is downhill on a steep dirt slope with a long stretch of stone steps. The New York entrance (Taconic State Park) has a wide gravel 1.5-mile round trip path with a gradual uphill slope to the falls.
Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers seven miles of trails including the accessible All Persons Trail/Pikes Pond Trail that meanders through hemlocks, deciduous woodlands, and wetlands for about one mile culminating with views of Pikes Pond and beaver habitats. Serious hikers will enjoy the Overbrook Trail to the Lenox Mountain summit, a strenuous 3.8-mile round trip adventure ascending 800 vertical feet to the summit at 2,126 feet. The reward, quintessentially autumnal panoramic views of the Catskills and Taconic mountain ranges.
On Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, the “Greylock Ramble” pits hikers against the 6.5 mile, out and back Cheshire Harbor Trail up Massachusetts’s highest peak, Mount Greylock. Events across the city of Adams include the RumbleFest Street Festival, live music, artisan showcases, and more.
A popular and fairly easy hiking trek is the Cascades Trail in North Adams. This family-friendly, 2.2 miles out and back trail leads to a pretty waterfall. Parking is a challenge since there is no trailhead lot. If you park near Brayton Elementary School or the YMCA follow the blue trail markers.
Photo/courtesy of 1 Berkshire
A more leisurely outdoor adventure includes a visit to The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home and gardens. The tranquil Lenox setting is home to three distinct gardens: the Italian Walled Garden, the French Flower Garden, and the Rock Garden. There are interesting art installations scattered across the property, many on the path leading to the National Historic Landmark manor house. A home tour offers a glimpse into Wharton’s ten-year stay at The Mount.
TurnPark Art Space in West Stockbridge is a former marble and limestone quarry transformed into an eclectic modern outdoor sculpture garden. The marble amphitheater hosts outdoor performances near towering, thought provoking art installations.
Wine and dine
Hilltop Orchards in Richmond is set on close to 200 sprawling acres of orchards, farmlands, and trails. Home to Furnace Brook Winery and Jmash Cidery they craft wines and ciders perfect for tasting sips or a glass of your favorite libation. Of course, apple picking is a seasonal favorite and their shop offers a fun array of gifts along with their tasty wine and ciders. They also offer great cider donuts.
Pizzeria Boema in Lenox is home to some of the tastiest pizzas in the area. Their Neapolitan-style pies are available with traditional toppings along with some unique offerings. The Tartufo – truffle marinated wild mushrooms, fontina and arugula will send your taste buds soaring.
Grab a table at Frankie’s Ristorante in Lenox for a trip to Italy. A wonderful spot for date night or a family gathering, you can enjoy classic Italian-American cuisine. Plates of perfectly cooked pasta coated in all your favorite sauces, it is difficult to choose just one.
Where to stay
In charming downtown Lenox, the Hideaway Inn offers guests a boutique hotel experience right in the downtown area. Local shops and restaurants are within walking distance and you are a short drive away from all the surrounding towns.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Large spacious rooms and suites are filled with curated antiques and modern amenities. A seamless, digital check-in alerts you when your room is ready and assigns a digital key. Once you arrive, simply go to your room and type in your keypad code, so simple and efficient.
A wide front porch, complete with rocking chairs, is the perfect spot to read and enjoy the fall colors. The spacious lobby opens to a library/game room complete with morning coffee and afternoon popcorn. And the cozy sitting room feels like a warm hug.
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