While it is always unfortunate when summer winds to a close, it also means that autumn is right around the corner. Autumn brings us crisper weather, pumpkin-spiced drinks, and some of the most eye-popping natural scenery as leaves turn from green to red and yellow. While most of the United States undergoes some natural changes, some areas have become known for their stunning fall environments. One such area is the Berkshires, a county in Massachusetts that is a fall hotspot for tourists across the country.
The Berkshires is a region in Western Massachusetts that is beautiful year-round but really begins to blossom as the fall season begins. All year, tourists head to the Berkshires for its delicious and fresh farm-to-table food, its vibrant arts community, and the rural environment’s pristine colonial towns. But the natural scenery in the Berkshires is what makes it such an autumn tourist must-visit.
If you’re someone who enjoys hiking, the Berkshires will provide you with hours of high-quality hiking experiences. With lush forests that have different trails of varying difficulty, hikers of all experience levels will find a scenic spot to stretch their legs. With mountains, forests, lakes, and more, everything a nature-lover could want you can find in the Berkshires.
There are many different areas in the Berkshires that experience a large boost in tourism during the fall season. Let’s take a look at some of the different hotspots in the Berkshires that are must-visits in autumn.
Mount Greylock:
Mount Greylock is Massachusetts’ highest mountain and is located in the stunning Mount Greylock State Reservation. A hotspot for hikers and campers, Mount Greylock has abundant forests that turn into vivid fall colors. Whether you are looking to drive to the top of Mount Greylock or hike, it is accessible either way, and there are trails even for the most casual of hikers. On a clear fall day, you can see five different states from the summit, and it is a beautiful way to spend an Autumn afternoon.
Housatonic River:
Not far from the Berkshires’ biggest city of Pittsfield, the Housatonic is a river that is a great spot for an autumn visit. The river is roughly 148 miles long and has some of the best places for rafting, canoeing, or kayaking in the Berkshires. Located on the river is the famous guided Berkshire Canoe Tours that will highlight the unspoiled natural scenery of this lovely locale on a peaceful and fun canoe ride.
Harbour House Inn:
Harbour House Inn is an example of one of the many quaint New England bed and breakfasts you can find located across the Berkshires. Harbour House Inn is a spectacular and historic 18th-century Georgian colonial you can find in the central Berkshires. With close access to Williamstown, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Appalachian Trail, this slice of American history makes for the perfect spot for your autumn Berkshire getaway.
Norman Rockwell Museum:
Norman Rockwell was a prolific American artist who defined the 20th-century American art scene. Known for capturing images of everyday life in America, Rockwell’s status as a legendary artist continues to this day. Head to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge for the largest collection of Rockwell art in the world.
Hancock Shaker Village:
The Hancock Shaker Village is history come to life, and the colonial farmhouse looks are all the more aesthetic in the fall season. With historic farms and museums, the Hancock Shaker Village showcases some of the history of the region’s religious settlers. A popular destination for weddings and tours, the Hancock Shaker Village is a popular and sustainable tourist spot for the fall season.
