Riverfront Trail
Great Barrington, MA
Wildlife Viewing | Snowshoeing | Hiking
The Williams River Preserve is a large, stunning expanse of land hidden within Great Barrington, MA, in Western Massachusetts. This area is a rural, diverse plot of land that contains countless natural environments and habitats and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Berkshires. It is filled with forests of oak, maple, and ash trees, along with other trees native to New England, as well as beautiful, grassy meadows. These meadows are filled with different types of grass and wildflowers. The fields are splashed with vibrant natural colors, from goldenrod to purple loosestrife to mountain laurels. The primary attraction to the preserve is the Williams River, which makes its way through the fields.
This area has no easy access points on any surrounding roads and no hiking trails. Therefore, it is very rural and a perfect window into the wilderness of the Berkshires. It is an excellent habitat for countless species of animals, such as white-tailed deer, turkeys, rabbits, foxes, geese, and even bears, making it an ideal location for hunting in Western Massachusetts. The wide range of ecosystems makes it a perfect spot for birding.
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.