The Berkshires is a paradise for the athletically inclined and people who simply like to take in the fresh air. The hiking is superb, golf courses abound, and kayaking or canoeing can be done on a lake or in a stream. Other tempting activities include horseback riding, adventure courses, whitewater rafting, swimming, camping, skiing, either downhill or cross-country, snowshoeing, and a myriad of other choices.
Hiking
Take a hike! Or a walk, a swim, catch a fish, have a picnic, climb a mountain. We keep land so you can enjoy it. Below is the BNRC top ten trails that
offer a range of activities. Find the one that is right for you…then try another one next time. They are all in, or a very short drive from, downtown Lenox!
2. HOOSAC RANGE, North Adams
3. BASIN POND, Lee
4. STEVENS GLEN, West Stockbridge/Richmond
5. YOKUN RIDGE, Lenox
7. HOLLOW FIELDS, Richmond
8. BOB’S WAY, Monterey/Sandisfield
9. STEADMAN POND AT HUDSON-HOWARD, Monterey
10. HOUSATONIC FLATS, Great Barrington
Swimming
Lenox Beach
The Lenox Beach is open from Mid-June until Labor Day weekend for residents and visitors! With 3.9 acres of land, Laurel Lake provides a beautiful waterfront and beach house. The beach is located on Lee Road.
Hours: Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00am – 6:00pm.The beach closes at dusk. No animals allowed. No Alcohol allowed.
Regulations: No animals allowed. No Alcohol allowed.
Richmond Town Beach
A quiet family beach on Richmond Pond, with a roped off swim area and floating dock. Porta potty available. Open Tuesday through Sunday, mid-June through Labor Day. Lifeguard on duty from 11 am – 5 pm. No parking permit required.
Boating
There are many great places to get out on the water in and around Lenox.
Stockbridge Bowl Boat Launch, Route 183 in Lenox/Stockbridge
The public boat launch has ample parking and a picnic area. It’s the ideal place to launch a small craft or rooftop boat. (Across from Kripalu.)
Laurel Lake Boat Launch, Laurel St. in Lenox/Lee
A public boat launch and roadside fishing area.
Burbank Park, Valentine Rd. in Pittsfield
A 153-acre public park on the eastern shire of Onota Lake, with a sandy beach, double boat launch, fishing pier, picnic sites (some equipped with grills), playground, concert pavilion, and lakeside walking trails. Free parking. No permit required.
