Berry Pond
Pittsfield State Forest
Hancock, MA
Hiking | Fishing | Canoe/Kayak/SUP
Balance Rock State Park will bring visitors to an expansive hiking area within Pittsfield State Forest. Upon leaving the parking lot, visitors will find a short trail toward Balance Rock. This unique geological feature rests precariously on a smaller stone, seemingly defying gravity. Surrounding the rock, visitors will find picnic tables and a Western Massachusetts forest ecosystem. Then, beyond the rock, the park features an extensive network of hiking and ATV trails. Visitors can hike, picnic, and listen to the wildlife playing in the trees.
Pittsfield State Forest is a large park on the west side of Pittsfield. Overall, visitors will have several options for an excellent day of outdoor recreation in the Berkshires. Visitors can go camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding throughout the summer. The wintertime, meanwhile, offers opportunities to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Many trails are open for ATVs and snowmobiles. The forest is also available for hunting during the appropriate seasons.
Visitors will find parking for Balance Rock State Park at the end of State Park Road, which intersects with Balance Rock Road. The main parking area for Pittsfield State Forest can be found at the end of Cascade Street, which is further south along Churchill Street in Pittsfield.
Tell others about this place
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs and leagues in the Berkshires. We also link to an array of outdoor recreation resources: retail shops for gear, rental facilities for equipment, and guides to get you where you want to go! Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.