The Berkshires Travel Guide

Tourist 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 kilometres) along Massachusetts west border. Known for its scenic beauty and its cultural offerings, the Berkshires is one of the state’s top holiday 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-kilometre) 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 kilometres) 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 theatres 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, Ascend Hotel Collection
Hotel Downstreet, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
40 Main St, North Adams, MA
The price is £124 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£124
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in North Adams. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Very cute hotel. The room was huge and the staff were friendly."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Hotel Downstreet, Ascend Hotel Collection
Prospect Berkshires
Prospect Berkshires
2 out of 5
50 Prospect Lake Rd, Egremont, MA
Stay at this hotel in Great Barrington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Catamount Aerial Adventure Park and Catamount ...
Prospect Berkshires
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 fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,836 reviews)
"The property was perfect for a getaway. 1 bedroom suite or more with balconies. Non heating Fireplace for aesthetics. The suite was a jack and Jill! Shower, but also a jet tub separate from shower. All dishes and cooking utensils that you needed. You can grill onsite or cook in your suite as take ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Vacation Village in the Berkshires
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 fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,836 reviews)
"The property was perfect for a getaway. 1 bedroom suite or more with balconies. Non heating Fireplace for aesthetics. The suite was a jack and Jill! Shower, but also a jet tub separate from shower. All dishes and cooking utensils that you needed. You can grill onsite or cook in your suite as take ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

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 their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (941 reviews)
"Beautiful setting. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
The Ponds at Foxhollow
The Ponds at Foxhollow
3 out of 5
3 Foxhollow Drive Route 7, Lenox, MA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Lenox. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Tanglewood Music Center and The Mount are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)
"A good place for vacation that you can enjoy and rest. Very nice and safe place."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

The Ponds at Foxhollow
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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