Day Preserve
Great Barrington, MA
Hunting
The East Mountain State Forest is a fantastic opportunity to explore lesser-known hiking trails in the Berkshires. Adjacent to the small parking lot on Quarry Street sits the East Rock trailhead, which offers a short but strenuous half-mile hike to East Rock. The hike's difficulty can be mitigated somewhat by veering left at the first fork in the trail, which allows hikers to ascend along a ridgeline. The rock, which sits about 150 feet below the summit, can be safely climbed with a short ladder and offers stunning views of the Taconic Mountains to the west. Also in view are the picturesque streets of downtown Great Barrington, offering a bird's-eye-view of the bustling Western Massachusetts town. Three other Berkshire towns can be observed from the rock, with Egremont due west, Alford to the northwest, and Mount Washington to the southwest.
For those seeking a more adventurous trek through the woods, the East Mountain State Forest is frequented by bushwhackers. Thrill-seekers can continue past East Rock toward the summit, where the trail disappears, and a ridgeline pointing southeast appears. Traveling along the ridgeline leads to an expansive plateau resting between 1450 and 1550 feet. Some take on bushwacking to one of the peaks of Ski Butternut, offering a fantastic resting spot in the offseason before trekking back to Quarry Street.
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.