The Berkshires

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau
The Berkshires
This mountain range in west Massachusetts combines spectacular nature, world-class cultural destinations and charming New England towns.

The Berkshires is a picturesque mountain range that runs for 98 miles (158 kilometers) along Massachusetts west border. Known for its scenic beauty and its cultural offerings, the Berkshires is one of the state’s top vacation destinations.

Bring a pair of comfortable hiking boots and explore the beautiful wilderness. Hike some of the famous Appalachian Trail, which runs through the Berkshires on its 2,160-mile (3,476.18-kilometer) journey. The Berkshires portion of the trail passes through spectacular peaks such as Mount Greylock and Mount Everett, along with small New England towns.

Explore the trees at the “living tree library” of Hebert Arboretum. This 231-acre (93.5-hectare) park lies in the city of Pittsfield, the largest town in the Berkshires. The arboretum is home to fields, forests and wildflowers. During the spring and fall, the garden is host to migrating songbirds.

Surround yourself with flowers at the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) south of Pittsfield. Browse more than 3,000 species of plants in the botanical garden, which is one of the oldest public gardens in the United States. It was founded in 1934. Stay in Stockbridge to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum of Art, which has the world’s largest collection of work by the famous American artist. Rockwell spent the last several decades of his life in the town, and the museum displays over 500 pieces of his art. 

If you’re in Stockbridge in summer, visit Tanglewood. The music venue is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and hosts regular music concerts.

Drive 1-hour north of Stockbridge to North Adams for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the largest and most renowned contemporary art centers in the United States. Look through 19 galleries in the converted factory space. 

The best time to visit the Berkshires is in summer, when the Boston Symphony Orchestra is in residence and many visitors flock to the mountains from New York and Boston. Cold winters are best enjoyed indoors, but there are plenty of museums, concert halls and theaters to keep visitors occupied. 

To learn more about all there is to do in the region, visit the official Berkshires of Western Massachusetts tourism website.

Where to stay in The Berkshires

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Sherwood Forest

When in Sherwood Forest, you can plan a visit to Pyramid Lake and Jacob's Pillow, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sherwood Forest
Hotel Downstreet
Hotel Downstreet
3 out of 5
40 Main St, North Adams, MA
The price is HK$904 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
HK$904
HK$1,009 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this hotel in North Adams. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Great location, wonderful staff, fun pool and cool art. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2024

Hotel Downstreet
Life House Berkshires
Life House Berkshires
3.5 out of 5
194 Pittsfield Rd, Lenox, MA
The price is HK$932 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
HK$932
HK$1,041 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Lenox. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (441 reviews)
"Loved the stay, only two things kept me from saying it was 5 stars. The WiFi connection was spotty so if you were watching tv (because they use Apple TV) it was freezing every 2 mins. Also, you can’t lower the room temp passed 65 and their 65 wasn’t a normal 65. It was still really warm. Besides ..."

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

Life House Berkshires
The Yankee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Yankee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
2.5 out of 5
461 Pittsfield Rd, Lenox, MA
The price is HK$728 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
HK$728
HK$813 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lenox. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff was very nice, friendly and accommodating. The room was nice, clean, comfortable and spacious."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

The Yankee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Village in the Berkshires
Vacation Village in the Berkshires
3 out of 5
276 Brodie Mountain Rd, Williamstown, MA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Williamstown. Enjoy free parking, a health club, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,744 reviews)
"The pool/clubhouse was a bit chaotic but the overall experience of this location was fantastic. It was lovely."

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2024

Vacation Village in the Berkshires
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Hancock. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (908 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay at Jiminy peak during the Fright nights. The mountain coaster was a blast and we loved riding the gondola up to the top of the mountain to see the leaves! We will be back next year. Our only small complaint was that our room was right next to the line for the ticket booth ..."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
The Freeman - Newly Renovated 14K SF Estate on 40 Acres
The Freeman - Newly Renovated 14K SF Estate on 40 Acres
Egremont
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Great Barrington. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Thom Reed UFO Monument ...
10/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
Fall Wedding
"We loved the Freeman estate for our wedding!! Daniel and Anna were super helpful and the property was amazing! The house had so many amenities it was beyond our expectations. Our guests were astounded by the home and the surrounding property, would HIGHLY recommend to anyone and everyone."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

The Freeman - Newly Renovated 14K SF Estate on 40 Acres
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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