"At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. Rising above the surrounding Berkshire landscape, dramatic views of 60-90 miles distant may be seen. It became Massachusetts' first wilderness state park, acquired by the Commonwealth in 1898, to preserve its natural environment for public enjoyment. Wild and rugged yet intimate and accessible, Mount Greylock rewards the visitor exploring this special place of scenic and natural beauty." -dcr

Mt. Greylock offers many hikes and trail of all experience levels, amazing views and fun for everyone.  The top of Mt. Greylock is a wonderful place to bring a picnic and enjoy the views, as is the Greylock Glen. Access to the park is FREE; there is a $2 parking fee for the summit parking lot only. We highly recommend visiting the link to their official site (below) to access tons of useful information about the monument, trails and surrounding areas.

Features:  Accessible Restrooms, Accessible Scenic Vista, Backpacking, Wilderness Camping, Hiking, Historic Site, Mountain Biking, Nature & Birding Trails,Scenic Viewing Area,Visitors Center.

The Bascom Lodge offers accommodations and dining.
For more information, including directions and maps of the trails, visit the Mass DCR.


This is a real gem that would be easy to miss driving throught North Adams, but if you take the time to visit we're sure your whole family will enjoy the experience. The entrance is easy to miss, so keep your eyes open. It's directly after the Beaver Mill. (see link below)
Features: bathrooms during open hours, visitor's center, picnic tables
Please take your trash with you.

For directions and additional information please visit the Mass DCR


Easily, our family's favorite summer spot to take the kids for a lazy day of playing, swimming and picnicing! This park has a big field for playing and laying out, a small sandy beach and lake that deepens gradually, making the shore perfect for wading, swimming and play for the whole family.
There is a $3 parking fee, but park access is FREE if you want to park elsewhere and walk in. There are restrooms/changing rooms and snack bar. There is also a campground on part of the lake that offers boat rentals, camping and more.

Features: bathrooms, changing rooms, snack bar, non-motorized boat access, boat rentals available at adjoining campground, life guards on duty part of the day, picnic tables with grills, public trash

Historic Valley Campgrounds
City info. for Windsor Lake
google map for Windsor Lake


"The Cascades Trail is a short, beautiful river walk following the Notch Brook in North Adams from the end of Marion Avenue to a popular cascading waterfall. A hidden in-town gem, this trail is minutes away from downtown areas of North Adams and Williamstown and short enough to attempt on a whim for those of you who may be seeking to squeeze a nice hike into a limited amount of time. Although technically an extension of Marion Avenue, this trail has been protected from motorized vehicle traffic for many years, and is now maintained by the Trustees of Reservations of Western Massachusetts for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing and swimming."-berkshirehiking.com

If you drive to the end of Marion Ave. you will see a trail to the right of the end of the street. (Please be considerate of the folk that live on this street and particulalry the end house. No parking in their drive or blocking it, thank you!)

Features: This is a beautiful little hike with a few area that might require climbing over rocks, fallen trees and uneven terrain. It is relatively short with plenty of opportunities for dipping in the brook.
Map from MASS MoCA
Please bring your trash with you when you leave. Thank you!

Mashed together by mama Suzy: local resident & co-owner of Shima Boutique on Main St.