When former BNRC President Tad Ames first envisioned the High Road, he sought to knit together the Berkshires’ rich natural scenery, outdoor experiences and world-class cultural institutions. This great system of trails will bring you out into the forest or through sweeping farmland, and then back into town where you can have a meal and spend the night.
But where to focus the High Road effort first? BNRC looked to Yokun Ridge in Lenox, where our conservation efforts began fifty years ago. The trails are well used but don’t fully connect and it’s easy to get lost. To knit together the pieces along this beautiful ridgeline, we found willing and enthusiastic partners. Together with the Town of Lenox and Mass Audubon—and with your help— work has begun to link existing wood roads, trails and beaten paths to create a 7-mile through-trail.
Our expert trail-builders will improve the path to accommodate more foot traffic while protecting sensitive habitat. Ample signage will ensure the traveler doesn’t go astray.
The new route isn’t open yet, as there’s much work to be done this summer. But soon you’ll be able to journey from downtown Pittsfield into the village of Lenox by foot. Along the way you’ll get to experience a wide range of lovely and wild landscapes—from a mountaintop with a view, to the calm cool of an old hemlock grove.
As you travel, depending on season, you might see evidence of deer, bobcat or even bear, and see or hear dozens of species of birds.
We’ll keep you posted on progress, and we look forward to meeting you on the first leg of the High Road!