Laurel Hill and Rostrum

Main Street, Stockbridge, MA

About Laurel Hill and Rostrum

Laurel Hill and Rostrum is a hiking area just east of downtown Stockbridge. The property was first preserved in 1834 and eventually served as the birthsite of the Laurel Hill Association. Visitors to the property will immediately find an easy hiking trail through the woods. Soon, the trail leads to a steep rocky ravine. At the bottom of this ravine, an ornate bench—dedicated to a 19th-century president of the Laurel Hill Association—sits within a majestic grove of tall trees. An interpretive sign will guide visitors through the story of this property and its importance for the history of Western Massachusetts. The hiking trail then moves forward, winding along the ravine, before splitting into two. Visitors can climb a steep path to the summit of Laurel Hill, where a marble bench offers scenic views of the Berkshires south of Stockbridge. They can also continue on an easy trail ending at the Housatonic River. Visitors will likely see plenty of local wildlife species there; bird songs often reverberate along the river during spring and summer.

Limited parking is directly south of Route 7, behind the Stockbridge Town Hall. Dogs must be leashed.

Those looking for a family-friendly picnic can also visit Bidwell Park nearby. There, picnic tables, playground equipment, and tennis courts await.