Housatonic River Access Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Housatonic River Access - Brookside Road

Brookside Road, Great Barrington, MA

About Housatonic River Access - Brookside Road

The Housatonic River Access on Brookside Road opened in 2019 as part of the Great Barrington Land Conservancy's efforts to connect people to long-inaccessible sections of the Housatonic River. This site provides access to the Riverfront Trail and a space to descend to the River, which serves as a popular spot for paddlers to launch their boats. This area showcases the meandering oxbows of the Housatonic River in one of its slower-moving sections within the Berkshires, making it an exciting but easy-going spot for kayaking or canoeing. This spot is also one of many fishing areas along the Housatonic, but anglers should be warned that fish are contaminated and cannot be consumed.

The Riverfront Trail is a wide, flat walking trail that offers a brisk quarter-mile trip into the woods. This trail is frequently used for birding and wildlife viewing, as meadows surrounding the space create a vibrant ecosystem. The trail is particularly lively in the fall, as it is lined with deciduous trees that make for spectacular fall foliage. The trail is accessible to wheelchair users and is loved by those who prefer a more mellow walking experience than is typically offered in Western Massachusetts. The trail is also great for dog walking, and pet waste bags are located near the entrance. It should be noted that the Riverfront Trail contains two sections that are not connected. The other section, which is longer, can be accessed from Olympian Meadows or Bridge Street. Please note that on-site parking is limited to two vehicles.