Mahanna Cobble

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

The first section of the trail follows a 0.6-mile route on Bousquet Mountain. Hikers start at the top of Tube Town and look across the slope for a hiker sign. Cross the ski slope at the narrowest location. You will ascend the Russel ski trail, which is ACTIVE in winter; hug the edge of the tree line on the left side while heading up slope. Follow posts with blue blazes along the way, soon they will lead you to a trail through the woods toward the Drifter ski trail. Continue to follow blue blazes and then cross Drifter, another ACTIVE ski trail in winter. PROCEED WITH CAUTION at all ski trail crossings, and follow blue blazes to the woodland start of the trail and informational kiosk.

From there, the Mahanna Cobble single-track trail is 1 mile with switchback turns and stone steps. There is a spectacular view and stone bench at the vista. The bench is dedicated to founding BNRC Executive Director, George Wislocki. Enjoy the grassy ledges at the vista with uninterrupted views south over Kennedy Park and Yokun Ridge. Your approach back down the slope allows bird’s eye views of Pittsfield and the North Berkshires.

Please stay on BNRC or Bousquet property; if bringing dogs they should be under your immediate control. If you continue south along the Yokun Ridge Trail, please be aware that dogs, bikes, and hunting are not allowed on Mass Audubon land. 

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Mahanna Cobble is a terrific counterpart to the other dramatic hikes of the Berkshires. Located in the center of the county, this 222 acre reserve is close to town, has tremendous views, and a great picnic spot – it has it all.

The Cobble itself is the northern summit of Lenox Mountain, the long and picturesque ridge that extends north from Olivia’s Overlook to the Bousquet Ski Area in Pittsfield. Lenox Mountain has long been a focus for conservation. BNRC’s Burbank Trail at Yokun Ridge South anchors the southern end. The Town of Lenox’s watershed and Kennedy Park comprise the midsection. Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Sanctuary and BNRC’s Mahanna Cobble conserve the northern end.

Mahanna Cobble did not have an easy birthing. On its way to being sold to BNRC in 2007 by Bousquet Ski Area owner the late George W. Jervas, a would-be developer entered the picture. The developer claimed that it had reached agreement to buy the ski area, including the Mahanna Cobble tract under contract to BNRC. The news later emerged that the developer hoped to build a hotel, restaurant and condos on the summit of the mountain. All parties involved hired lawyers. In 2010 the courts affirmed BNRC’s right to purchase the land and ordered the developer to pay BNRC’s legal fees.

The Mahanna Cobble Trail construction team brought together BNRC volunteers, trail and stewardship staff and interns, Greenagers teen crews, as well as professional trail builders, OBP Trailworks, LLC. This route is built to sustainable trail standards, to provide a special experience for generations, and to reduce impact on the surrounding environment.

Today’s partnership with Bousquet Mountain and Mill Town ushers in a new moment in the Mahanna Cobble history. Access from the ski area secures a route to the reserve and newly completed trail. Bousquet now hosts the northern trailhead for BNRC’s High Road route from Pittsfield to Lenox and beyond, along Yokun Ridge. The High Road will connects trails and conservation to towns throughout the Berkshires.