Nature & Wildlife Areas in Berkshires

THE 10 BEST Berkshires Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Berkshires

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
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13 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

What travelers are saying

  • Tracy Elissa N
    Middleboro, MA85 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped by the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary two days in a row. The first day we explored flat, well-maintained trails for about an hour. It was an easy and scenic hike. The next day, we tried a more rigorous trail, the Trail of Ledges. We followed the blue dots as far as we could until there were no more dots to be seen. I was told later that that wasn't the summit, which disappointed me. (Apparently there's a cell tower at the top) I imagine the trail isn't traveled often because there was little signage and was not well-maintained. We ended up exploring the woods, hoping to find some kind of trail marking. When we didn't, we decided to go down from where we were and follow yellow dots. I'd love to go back and eventually see the summit. It's not recommended to take the Trail of Ledges down, but we had no choice, and honestly it was easier exertion-wise than going up.
    Written July 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tracy Elissa N
    Middleboro, MA85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was so excited to finally hike Mount Greylock this summer (a goal for the past 5 years!). At the Visitor's Center, there are easy hikes that loop back to the parking lot. At the Summit, there more rigorous hikes that are part of the Appalacian Trail. We hiked at the Visitor's Center than drove up to the Summit and did some hikes there.

    At the Summit there is a gorgeous view as well as a stunning War Memorial. Inside the War Memorial is a narrow spiral staircase that you can take to the top for additional views. The staircase is very tight, but worth the climb if you're able.
    Written July 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • momajtm
    Boynton Beach, FL45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We own a house with access to the pond. It is beautiful in all seasons. it even has a part of the Appalachian trail going past upper Goose Pond. Fall leaves are breath taking.
    Written October 5, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • audrey073
    New York City, NY8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Cobble is a magical place. One set of trails winds it’s way past spectacular rocks and caves and ambles along the Housatonic River. Another trail leads to a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
    Written June 12, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elfma
    Greenwich, CT742 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely lake tucked in between Pittsfield and Lanesboro, MA. Found several public access parking locations in Lanesboro, no fee to park or enter lakeside areas. Lanesboro side also had boat rentals. Did not see any swimming areas. Looks as if the emphasis is on fishing and boating. Great place to read a book, picnic, watch the sunset.

    Public restrooms were locked during this visit, but it is near main roads with gas stations and restaurants. Also nearby are mini-golf and old-school drive-ins. Great day trip, sure to be stunning for fall foliage.
    Written September 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark P
    Swampscott, MA2,482 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a pretty area on the Vermont border-indeed, several of the travels go into Vermont. The footing is mostly good, though there were several extremely muddy areas.
    Written September 30, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The Oshmans
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We love it!!💏💕💓💙💛💌💞💘💘💖💙💖♥💚💝💜 it's nice and quiet and we get lots of exercise and beautiful a beautiful sight/veiw
    Written September 17, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bill w
    Great Barrington, MA5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    i love ot visit this place over the years and watch nature in all it plendor,beavers,ducks geese,fish,and hiking the trail over the mountain that comes out behind berkshire south ,dont for get your camera,,a great way to spend a few hours
    Written April 11, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RItraveler79
    Norton, MA104 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    During a recent getaway to Great Barrington, my husband and I spent a little time walking through the Housatonic Flats on a Sunday morning. Parking is plentiful and we happened to be the only ones early on a Sunday morning. The loop is about 1 mile with several areas along the loop allowing for you to get close to the Housatonic River bank. The area is very peaceful and tranquil. As we walked the loop twice we had the opportunity to see several different species of birds and a few butterflies. As the name of the area implies, the loop is flat making for a very easy walk.  
    Written July 6, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dave d
    Bradford, MA322 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Checked the trustees site and there isn't a trail map available. We checked out a little of the trail. It looks like locals may not like having the reservation bordering their property (?). A big pile of tree limbs were blocking part of the trail and there were many "No Trespassing" signs at the parking area and along the trail.
    Written August 7, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • flyinggems
    Cape Cod, MA728 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After 2 days at Six Flags New England we needed a break from the crowds. I picked up a brochure at a stop in the Berkshires. They are a non-profit native plant nursery and wildlife sanctuary. The Hiking Trails and Butterfly house are free. They are a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization and donations are welcomed. They do sell native plants and seeds.
    The day we visited it was sunny and hot. We visited the Butterfly house. It is open from the end of June to September, 7 days a week from 10:30 am- 4 pm. Staff member of Project Native will take you into the Butterfly enclosure and show you the different species and plants. They also had a craft available for the kids. My kids LOVED it. A staff member let my kids release a butterfly into the enclosure. A real treat for my children. The staff is patient and nice.
    The heat and humidity kept us from taking a hike of the property. They have 54 acres of meadows and woods that you can hike through. No dogs are allowed. The trails are open year round from dawn to dusk. They have a picnic area too.
    They have lots of Events for Families like “Bug and Butterfly Safaris”.
    If you are in the area and need a break from the crowds, Check out Project Native. Weather permitting, I would plan a 1-2 hour stop.
    Written August 22, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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