Balance Rock State Park
Pittsfield State Forest
Lanesborough, MA
Mountain Biking | Hunting | Hiking
Taconic Crest Southern Terminus Trailhead Lebanon Mountain Road, Hancock, 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 dirt trail going up a hill.
A clearing in the forest.
A dirt trail winding through the woods.
A dirt trail going through the woods.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Taconic Crest Southern Terminus Trailhead
The Taconic Crest Trail is a 36-mile long hiking trail between Pittsfield State Forest and southern Vermont. Upon arriving at the parking lot, visitors will see the southern terminus of the Taconic Crest Trail. Overall, this trailhead is an excellent launch point for an enjoyable day of outdoor recreation in the Berkshires.
Leaving the parking lot, hikers will ascend through a maple forest. Eventually, after nearly two miles, the trail arrives at scenic views of several ponds. Many local wildlife species, including amphibians and dragonflies, thrive in this environment throughout spring and summer. Following the ponds, the trail then heads north toward Tower Mountain and Berry Pond.
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 Western Massachusetts. 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 in a vehicle pull-off area along westbound Route 20. There are picnic tables at the parking area, perfect for a lunchtime pitstop. Further west along Route 20, visitors will find additional parking for OHVs.
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Accessibility Assessment
Features- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Picnic Tables
This site has a paved parking area with no designated parking spaces. The trailhead is atop a small grass hill. To reach the trailhead, visitors must either climb the steep hill from the parking area (30%) or walk the length of the parking area to a picnic area, then walk up the grass (5%). This picnic area has accessible picnic tables. The trail itself is also quite steep, reaching up to 8%. The Taconic Crest Trail continues for 36 miles, but users can turn around at any time. The trail is only 3 feet wide for most of its length.
An accessible picnic table at the trailhead.
A narrow dirt path going through dense folliage.
A paved area for parking, off the main road.
Explore Pittsfield State Forest
Nearby Locations
View All Locations in Hancock, MAClubs, 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.
