Heritage Walks

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

34. Hinsdale-Dalton, MA**
9:00 AM - WALK THE OLD MILL TRAIL ALONG THE EAST BRANCH OF THE HOUSATONIC RIVER

Take a pleasant stroll with Dennis Regan, from the Housatonic Valley Assoc., along the Housatonic River on the Old Mill Trail which connects Hinsdale and Dalton - a 3-mile round trip, on this fairly level trail that follows the remnants of an early mill operation that once powered a thriving woolen mill in Dalton. We will examine parts of the water powered mill operation and discuss the various trail construction techniques found along the trail. Possibility of spotting birds and wildlife.

Walk is 3 miles, 3 hours. The starting location is the Old Mill Trail parking area along the Housatonic River at the intersection of Old Dalton Road and Rt. 8 in Hinsdale. Suggest bringing drink/snack.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-394-9796 or email - dregan@hvatoday.org

35. Windsor, MA **
10:00 AM - HIGHLAND BOREAL FOREST GHOST TOWN HIKE

Hike the highland backcountry at Tamarack Hollow and Notchview Reservation with naturalist Aimee Gelinas, founder of Tamarack Hollow (www.tamarackhollow.com) and outdoor guide for EMS. Look for cellar holes and other signs of the abandoned homesteads throughout the reservation and learn about the boreal forest fauna and flora that make this area ecologcally unique.

Walk is 4 miles, 3 hours over moderate terrain. There will be car spotting at the start of this one-way hike. Meet at the entrance to Windsor Jambs State Park on River Road, off Route 9 in Windsor. (visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/wnds.htm for directions to the park entrance). Wear waterproof boots, layered warm clothing, and bring drink/lunch.

** Pre-registration requested--email - aimee@gaiaroots.com or call EMS at 413-445-4967 or Aimee at 413-522-1505

36. Monterey, MA**
10:00 AM - BIDWELL HOUSE MUSEUM ARCHAEOLOGY - NATIVE AMERICANS, THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE & THE KNOX TRAIL

A guided walk and talk exploring the traces of inhabitants and travelers of the area from earlier centuries. Local historian George Emmons will tell the story of the Native People, the early settlement of the area by the British and the trip through the Berkshires by General Knox. Dress for the weather and suggest bring drink. NOTE - Museum admission is not included with this tour.

Walk is 1 mile, 1.5 hours - Meet at the museum, 100 Art School Road, Monterey

** Pre-registration requested--call 413 528-6888 or email - bidwellhouse@gmail.com

37. Pittsfield, MA**
10:00 AM - THE COLONIAL THEATRE HISTORIC TOUR

Journey through the history of the gilded age Colonial Theatre as our historians, Bob Boland and Bill Munn, share the story of the 1903 world-class theatre, movie house, National Historic Treasure appointment by Hillary Clinton, restoration, and 2006 grand re-opening! Wear sensible shoes for standing, walking, and stair climbing through 3 levels and backstage areas. We do have elevator access.

Tour is 1 hour. Located at 111 South St., just north of the intersection of routes 7 & 20 in the center of Pittsfield. There is a municipal parking lot just before the theatre as well as on-street parking.

** Pre-registration requested--email - bplouffe@thecolonialtheatre.org or call 413-448-8084, ext.31

38. Dalton, MA**
11:00 AM - STEPPING BACK ON A SCENIC ROAD ONCE PART OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Enjoy a walk with local historians from the Dalton Historic Commission, Gail Pinna and Mary Jane Caliento, on historic Gulf Road in Dalton, believed to have been part of the "underground railroad" corridor that operated from Lebanon, NY, to Dalton, MA. The "railroad" used a cave beneath the road. Also pass through Wizard’s Glen, which, with its dramatic rock formations and rugged terrain, has been a destination for hikers for centuries. Learn about the historic Hoose House (also believed to have been a stop on the underground railroad), once owned by a local farmer of African American heritage, who served in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.

Walk is 1 mile, 1.5 hours. Directions: From the Crane & Co. offices in Dalton, proceed east on Main Street (Rte 8 / 9), to Park Ave. (the first left after the nursing home). Driving on Park Ave., continue to the four corners at the end of the street. Turn left onto Gulf Road and drive a short distance to the parking area for the Appalachian Trail.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-684-3312 . Wear clothing suited for outdoors. There are two small hills on this walk. Rain cancels.

39. Falls Village, CT**
11:00 AM - FOREST, FUR & FEATHERS AT GREAT MOUNTAIN FOREST

Join staff for a intermediate level hike from Great Mountain Forest's WEST entrance to McMullen Pond in the center of the forest. Along the way, learn about forest management, wildlife habitat and the forest's charcoal history. Bring drink & lunch to eat while enjoying the lovely view at the pond. Wear sturdy hiking footwear.

Walk is 4 miles, 2 hours. From the junction of routes 44 and 7 in Canaan, CT (at the firehouse) drive south on Route 7 for 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Undermountain Road. Drive 3 miles and turn left onto Canaan Mountain Road, then 1.7 miles to the Great Mountain Forest entrance on the right, a gravel road with a kiosk inside the gate. Park on Canaan Mountain Road.

** Pre-registration requested--email - Jean@greatmountainforest.org or call 860-542-5422

40. Stockbridge, MA
11:30 AM - NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM - SITE & STUDIO TOUR

Explore the Norman Rockwell Museum’s beautiful Berkshire site during the splendor of autumn. Visit Linwood House, an 1859 Berkshire Cottage, and Norman Rockwell’s studio. NOTE - Museum admission is not included with this walk.

Walk is <1/2 mile, 1 hour. Meet at the front entrance terrace of the Norman Rockwell Museum, located on Route 183, 1/2 mile south of Routes 183 & 102 junction.

41. Becket, MA **
1:00 PM - EXPLORING THE BECKET LAND TRUST HISTORIC QUARRY & FOREST

Refer to event # 32 for description of this event.

42. Lee, MA **
1:00 PM - THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS IN OCTOBER MT. STATE FOREST

Join Alec Gillman, State Park Interpreter for the Mass. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, on an exploration of the scenic Gorge Trail up to Felton Pond. Discover forgotten rustic recreation features built by the CCC 75 years ago, along with other stories along Schermerhorn Brook. The CCC, a New Deal program during the Great Depression, improved parks and forests and inspired a recreational heritage that we still enjoy today.

Moderate 1.5 miles with 600 ft elevation gain, 2.5 hours. Meet at the intersection of Woodland Road and Valley St. in Lee, a dirt pull-over area. GPS coordinates: 42°20'50.70"N, 73°14'23.47"W. A shuttle van will take us to the trail head. Wear appropriate clothing for fall weather and rugged footwear. Suggest bringing drink/snack.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-499-4262 or email - alexander.gillman@state.ma.us

43. Lee, MA**
2:00 PM - INTERPRETIVE HIKE AT BNRC'S BASIN POND TRAIL

Today Basin Pond is a quiet little beaver pond and wetland; but attempts in 1886 and 1968 to dam the pond led to loss of life and heavy property damage. This interpretive hike is led by Doug Bruce from Berkshire Natural Resources Council.

Walk is 3 miles, 2 hours. From the intersection of Rt 102 and Rt 20 in Lee, MA (off exit 2 of the Mass Pike, drive east on Rt 20 for 4 miles, turn left on Becket Road across from LuJohn's Auction Gallery. Drive uphill 0.3 mile to the small BNRC parking area for Basin Pond, on the left. Recommend hiking boots, hiking stick for crossing brooks and bring drink/snack.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-499-0596 or email - dbruce@BNRC.net

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

44. Egremont, MA **
9:00 AM - HIKE AT BNRC'S BARRETT RESERVE - WEST

The 135-acre Barrett Reserve-west has gently rolling terrain, walkable logging roads, and scenic wetlands. The subject of this hike is the forest and its natural and managed history. This interpretive hike is led by Doug Bruce from Berkshire Natural Resources Council.

Walk is 2 miles, 2 hours. Reserve is on Locust Hill Road. From Great Barrington - At junction of Green River Road & Seekonk Road, go south on Seekonk Cross Road, then go right on Locust Hill Road. From Rt 71/Egremont Plain Road in Egremont, go north on Locust Hill Rd. Hiking boots are necessary & drink/snack and hiking sticks are suggested.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-499-0596 or email - dbruce@BNRC.net

45. Windsor, MA **
9:00 AM - HIGHLAND MEADOW HOMESTEAD HIKE AT EUGENE MORAN WILDLIFE MGMT. AREA

Join naturalist educator and EMS outdoor guide, Aimee Gelinas, on a hike through upland meadows to the ruins of a former dairy farm, with great views of Mt. Greylock. Windsor Brook, part of the Housatonic River watershed, flows through the property and provides habitat for beaver, herons and birds. Open wet meadows give way to unique boreal forests. Sponsored by the Windsor Cultural Council.

Walk is 3 miles, 3 hours. Terrain - gentle hills & tall meadow grass. From the junction of Routes 9 & 8A in Windsor, take 8A north. Drive 1 mile to the Eugene Moran Wildlife Area on the left. From Northampton, take Route 9 west to the center of Windsor, then north on Route 8A for 1 mile to the Eugene Moran Wildlife Area on the left. From Route 116, drive to Savoy, then south on Route 8A for 5 miles to the Eugene Moran Wildlife Area on the right. Wear waterproof boots, layered clothing, long pants, and bring drink/lunch.

** Pre-registration requested--email - aimee@gaiaroots.com or call EMS at 413-445-4967 or Aimee at 413-522-1505

46. Lanesborough, MA**
10:00 AM - MT. GREYLOCK -THE BRADLEY FARM INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

Join Steve Linscott, Park Interpreter for Mass. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, for a woodland hike on the Bradley Farm Trail, at the base of Mt. Greylock. The farm was former agricultural land, now reclaimed by forest. Discover the cultural and natural history stories in the landscape at the base of this iconic Berkshire landmark. Also enjoy the panoramic view of the Housatonic Heritage Area.

Walk is 1.8 miles, 1.5 hours. Easy to moderate terrain. Meet at Mt. Greylock Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA, 1.5 miles from intersection of US Rt 7 and North Main St. Wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for weather & suggest bringing drink/snack.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-499-4262 or email - alexander.gillman@state.ma.us

47. Pittsfield, MA **
10:00 AM - THE COLONIAL THEATRE HISTORIC TOUR

Journey through the history of the gilded age Colonial Theatre as our historians, Bob Boland and Bill Munn, share the story of the 1903 world-class theatre, movie house, National Historic Treasure appointment by Hillary Clinton, restoration, and 2006 grand re-opening! Wear sensible shoes for standing, walking, and stair climbing through 3 levels and backstage areas. We do have elevator access.

Tour is 1 hour. Located at 111 South St., just north of the intersection of routes 7 & 20 in the center of Pittsfield. There is a municipal parking lot just before the theatre as well as on-street parking.

** Pre-registration requested--email - bplouffe@thecolonialtheatre.org or call 413-448-8084, ext.31

48. Hancock, MA
10:30 AM - HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE WATER POWER, RENEWABLE ENERGY & ARCHAEOLOGY TOUR

Join Todd Burdick, Director of Interpretation, on this “green tour” of the Hancock Shakers’ 19th century water power technology and other examples of renewable energy evident at the Village of yesterday and today. See a demonstration of the 1858 water power turbine, and a moderate hike to the Village’s archaeological site to view ruins of Shaker buildings and dams. NOTE - Museum admission is not included. Wear clothing and footwear for walking through fields/woods.

Walk is 1 mile, 2 hours. Meet at the Hancock Shaker Village Visitor Center, main entrance, on Route 20, Hancock, MA, five miles west of Pittsfield.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-443-0188 or email - info@hancockshakervillage.org

NEWLY ADDED WALK. Salisbury, CT (This walk does not appear in the brochure)
11:00 AM - HISTORY OF AMESVILLE (Salisbury, CT)

Join Michael Hopper, a member of the Salisbury Historical Society, for a short walking tour of the area around the Housatonic River dam and a interpretation of life in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Michael will briefly touch in the geology of the region, and the famous Salisbury iron found in the area. The tour will focus on the Ames Iron works and later the Housatonic Railroad Company as well as the formation and growth of the hamlet of Amesville.. Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012

Walk is 1/2 mile, 1 hour. Meet at the parking lot above Great Falls on the Housatonic River.

49. Lenox, MA **
1:00 PM - A WALK BACK IN GILDED AGE HISTORY AT KENNEDY PARK

Walk with Jan Chague, from the Lenox Historical Society, through Kennedy Park. Hear about the famous Gilded Age residents and use your imagination to visualize what remains of this unique treasure right in the middle of Lenox! Enjoy magnificent views of Mount Greylock and the Catskills. The late 400-room Hotel Aspinwall was built in 1902; and was touted as "Hotel Beautiful", with famous people sojourning to it's splendor. After the fire of 1931, all that remains are some cellar holes and skeletons of what once was. We'll meander around a pond and a unique balanced rock at this lovely, colorful time of the year.

Walk is 5 miles, 3 hours. Drive on Route 7/20 to West Dugway Road, Lenox, MA. Turn onto West Dugway Rd and drive 1/4 mile to parking area on the left. Suggest bringing drink/snack. Dress in layers, sturdy foot wear, and rain gear. Heavy rain cancels the walk."

** Pre-registration requested--email - jg_chague@hotmail.com or call 413-637-1818

50. Lee, MA **
1:00 PM - WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC LOWER MAIN STREET IN LEE

Learn about the history of this thriving mill town as expressed in the buildings and public monuments on Lee’s classic victorian Main Street, a National Register Historic District. Caroline Young, from the Lee Historical Commission will lead this tour in period costume.

Walk is 1 mile, 1 hour. Meet at the Chamber of Commerce Information Booth in the Park, in front of the Congregational Church, at the intersection of Park St. and Main St. (Route 20).

** Pre-registration requested--email - rattlerprod@earthlink.net

51. Salisbury, CT
1:00 PM - SALISBURY WATER POWER TOUR

The waters of Wachocastinook Brook provided power for 18th and 19th century mills along Salisbury's Factory Street. George Massey, co-chair of the Salisbury Land Trust, will lead participants on an exploration of the sites and remains along this historic path. The walk will show how the industrial landscape has been transformed into today's residential area.

Walk is 1.5 miles, 2.5 hours. Meet at the fountain by the Salisbury Town Hall, along Routes 44/41 in the center of the town.

52. Monterey, MA **
1:00 PM - HIKE AT BNRC'S BOB'S WAY TRAIL

Join Amanda L'Etoile, from Berkshire Natural Resources Council for an interpretive hike at Bob's Way Reserve.

Walk is 2.5 miles, 2 hours. From the junction of Routes 7 & 23 in Great Barrington, take Route 23 east, past Ski Butternut. Continue through Monterey center and turn right into BNRC parking area just past Mt. Hunger Road but before the Sandisfield town line. Bring drink, snack and appropriate hiking footwear.

** Pre-registration requested--call 413-499-0596 or email - aletoile@BNRC.net

53. Tyringham, MA**
CANCELLED - 2:00 PM - SANTARELLA ESTATE & GARDENS -TYRINGHAM'S GINGERBREAD HOUSE - CANCELLED (sorry!)

Tour Tyringham's "Gingerbread House" and gardens and hear about its history from Dennis Brandmeyer. With it's rolling roof and storybook features, it was the former studio of Sir Henry Hudson Kitson, sculptor of the "Lexington Minuteman" and other famous public works. $5 / person donation

Walk is 1/4 mile, 3/4 hour. From Rte 102 in South Lee, just west of the intersection of I-90, take Tyringham Road south. The estate is located on the left side, 3 miles from Rt 102. OR, if coming from Rte 23, drive north on Tyringham Rd., for 6 miles, and it is located at on the right side.

** Pre-registration requested - call 413-243-2819 or email - denise@santarella.us to leave notice of how many in your group

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