Kwuniikwat Island
Stockbridge, MA
Wildlife Viewing | Fishing
Laurel Hill and Rostrum Main Street, Stockbridge, MA
Managed by
Laurel Hill Association
Part of
Laurel Hill & Rostrum
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Dogs allowed - Leashed
- EV Charging
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Historic
- Interpretive Signage
- Parking
- Water Views
Laurel Hill Rostrum.
Laurel Hill Rostrum.
Entrance to the parking for Laurel Hill Park (behind Stockbridge Town Hall) from Main Street.
A trail leading up to Laurel Hill Rostrum.
View of the Housatonic River from a trail in Laurel Hill Park.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
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.
Laurel Hill Association
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Accessibility Assessment
There are no accessible features at this location.
Laurel Hill and Rostrum can be accessed through a paved, level parking area behind and on the side of Stockbridge Town Hall. This area offers parking for at least 25 cars, although some of the spots are reserved for police and town hall officials. Visitors can also access Laurel Hill through Goodrich Park, which features parking at the end of Park Street. This area features gravel parking for at least ten cars. Laurel Hill offers multiple trails, all of which are hilly with moderate grades. The trail branching off the Rostrum and going to the top of Laurel Hill is especially hilly, with grades over 20%. Many sections of the trail contain roots and rocks. The rostrum offers an area to rest, with benches and informative signage.
Parking area for Laurel Hill on the side of Stockbridge Town Hall.
Additional paved parking for Laurel Hill park behind Stockbridge Town Hall.
A short riverside trail runs along the Housatonic, connecting Goodrich Memorial Park and the Stockbridge Playground.
The trail ascends up a small hill from the Town Hall parking area to the Laurel Hill Rostrum.
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.
