Berry Pond
Pittsfield State Forest
Hancock, MA
Fishing | Canoe/Kayak/SUP | Birding
Balance Rock State Park 104 Balance Rock Road, Lanesborough, MA
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Part of
Pittsfield State Forest
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Dogs allowed - Leashed
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Parking
- Picnicking
- Scenic View
A massive rock, narrowly balanced on a much smaller rock.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Balance Rock State Park
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. There is a 3 mile loop hiking trail that starts from the parking lot. 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.
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Accessibility Assessment
Features- Accessible Parking
This site has a large, flat paved parking lot with 2 designated handicap spots. There is a paved and mostly flat path that connects the parking lot to the small, paved area by the Balanced Rock. There are several non-accessible picnic tables located near the Rock.
Two designated handicap parking spots in a large paved lot.
The paved path that connects the parking lot to the Balanced Rock area.
Explore Pittsfield State Forest
Clubs, Retail & Rentals
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.
We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.
