The Best Biking and Camping in the Berkshires

Where to Go for the Best Biking and Camping in the Berkshires

The Berkshires are known for outstanding outdoor adventures. It’s a destination I have visited many times in all seasons. Therefore, I will share some of my favorite places for biking and camping in the Berkshires.

The Berkshires is a rural area of rolling mountains, remote gorges, and quickwater streams. Informally, the Berkshires extend from the Connecticut River Valley in Western Massachusetts to the Taconic Mountains just over the border in New York State.

Fall is a particularly stunning time to visit the Berkshires with its heart-stopping, colorful views. In addition, biking and camping in the spring and summer are popular too. In this post, I feature biking and camping trips I have taken in the Berkshires in the fall and spring.

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Best Biking in the Berkshires

This section highlights outstanding cycling destinations in the Berkshires for all types of bikers. Whether you are a family with small riders, a senior rambling along on an E-bike, or a hardcore mountain biker, the Berkshires has a cycling trail for you.

There are flat rail trails, low-traffic back roads, old forest roads, and cardio-pumping single track to appease all riders.

Harlem Valley Rail Trail

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a scenic bike ride in a bucolic valley in Eastern New York State. The trail is a work in progress with several sections still under development. However, there are 26 miles open from Copake Falls to Wassaic.

There is also a pretty 2-mile section starting in the cute town of Hillsdale. A tree farm is tucked into the hillside with the forest cascading down the gentle mountain slopes. Hillsdale has a brewery with good food and drink if you want to stop for dinner after your ride.

I started the trail at the beginning of the 26-mile section at Orphan Farm Road near Hillsdale. There is a large parking lot with picnic tables. Additionally, there are numerous other parking access points along the trail. 

The trail is gentle, perfectly smooth, flawless pavement.  The ride is a glorious experience in flowing through rural charm. The trail is cradled in a valley of farm fields, surrounded by mountains on both sides. Split rail fences line the path. Cows graze in the distance, and silos poke out of the rolling hills. 

Copake Iron Works Historic Site

The first intersection on the trail is located at the old depot, which has been converted into a restaurant and ice cream stop. Across the street is the Taconic State Park for overnighting in campsites or camping cabins. Take a left on the road at the park entrance to visit the Copake Iron Works Historic Site.

The interesting history of iron mining and processing in the area is told through the museum and artifacts at this free-to-enter attraction. A huge blast furnace is preserved for viewing. There is also a train ride for big and little kids to learn the story of the iron works.

Bash Bish Falls

If you follow the signs from the Taconic State Park intersection, you can view Bash Bish Falls, the highest waterfall in Massachusetts. You can bike up a continuous steep hill to the Bash Bish Falls State Park in Massachusetts. From there, you take a .3 mile hike down to the 60-foot cascade and ascend the same way on a very steep trail. An easier alternative is to park at the Taconic State Park Bash Bish Falls parking lot in New York and hike that trail to the falls. It’s a much easier hike, a little longer at .8 miles, but very pleasant. In addition, you don’t have to ride your bike up the steep hill to get to the Massachusetts Bash Bish State Park, which I learned the hard way.

There are plenty of very quiet, scenic backroads that follow beside the rail trail. Therefore, you can ride a loop through the rolling hills to see more of the Harlem Valley. I enjoyed returning to my car via Rudd Pond and Boston Corners roads. I barely saw a car the whole way.

Related post-> 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States

Pittsfield State Forest

Pittsfield State Forest has biking adventures for all kinds of cyclists. In sum, thirty miles of trails provide routes for bikers and hikers.

Bikers who like smooth, quiet roads will love the ride up Berry Pond Circuit Loop Road. While it’s a bit of a slog up the hill, you are rewarded by the stunning skyline of the Taconic Mountains crest.

Mountain bikers will be thrilled by the extensive network of over 100 flowy trails. The Taconic Skyline Trail brings you to awesome loop trail systems on both sides of the park. E-bikers who enjoy off-road trails will find plenty of terrain to explore. However, the trails are used for ATV travel, so you will need to share.

Balance Rock State Park, located in the northeast corner of Pittsfield State Forest, is a 4-mile bike ride from the campground. Here, a huge 165-ton limestone boulder is balanced precariously upon a bedrock base. It’s certainly a mystery how it has stayed balanced over the years. It looks as if you could push it, and it would fall over. However, I bet that’s been tried before to no avail.

Related post-> Amazing Places in the Berkshires for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Chester-Blandford State Forest

Chester-Blandford State Forest is packed with miles of wide, old forest roads that are excellent to bike on. It’s a perfect place for a mountain biker who likes wide-open trails. Likewise, a cyclist with an E-bike or hybrid bike would enjoy these trails.

The gravel roads are well-maintained and mostly smooth. That is to say, the two-lane roads are more even riding than some rail trails I’ve been on. The difference is in the hills. Amid the flat sections are a few heart-pounding climbs.

However, it’s worth it as the classic New England mixed hardwood forest is gorgeous for a ride in any season. Parking is available at the Sanderson Falls Road trailhead on Route 20 east of Chester.

From the trailhead, a wide gravel road ascends the hill to Sanderson Falls. Get off your bike at the sign and hike the short distance to the gorgeous three-level falls high on the cliffside. Return to your bike to explore the rest of the forest roads.  

By the way, If you are up for a unique trail system in Chester for a fascinating hike or mountain bike ride, check out Keystone Arch Bridges Trail in the Berkshires.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Possibly, the best rail trail in the Berkshires of Western Mass is the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. It runs from the town of Lanesborough for 12.7 miles to Adams. The name of the bike path comes from the Native American word Ashuwillticook, meaning “the pleasant river in between the hills”. Indeed, it is, as the Hoosac River wanders through the valley by the trail. Additionally, you’ll see glimpses of the Berkshires, including Massachusetts’ highest peak, Mt. Greylock, along the rail trail.

The paved rail trail is wide and smooth as it passes natural areas of the Hoosac Valley and historic towns. Vestiges of the trail’s former railroad line show up in historic buildings lining the path. Visit in the fall and be blown away by the foliage along the trail.

Parking in Adams for the trail is at the Discover the Berkshires Visitor Center on Hoosac Street. Lanesborough parking is at the old Berkshire Mall on Route 8.

Make a weekend of your visit to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and visit the fabulous Mass MoCA, an amazing modern art museum in North Adams. Or hike in Mount Greylock State Reservation. You can stay in the only B&B on the rail trail, the charming Topia Inn. This eco-friendly inn has spa bathrooms and bikes to rent, so you won’t need to schlepp yours out to the Berkshires.

Related post -> Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

Best Camping in the Berkshires

Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

This park is a centerpiece of the northern Berkshires with campsites nestled by a rocky, white-water river. There is nothing like the sound of rushing water lulling you to sleep in your tent.

Mohawk Trail State Forest is situated along the historic Mohawk Trail auto road, in a deep mountain gorge bisected by the Cold River. Some of the tallest trees in the northeast dot the hillsides. A section of the original ancient foot path used by Native Americans, now known as the Mohican-Mohawk Trail, runs through the property. Native Americans traveled between the Hudson and the Connecticut valleys along this route that followed the Hoosic River, across the Hoosac Mountains, and along the Deerfield River.

Hiking trails lead up the ridge to panoramic viewpoints. In the spring, wildflowers, including ladyslippers, hide among the big boulders.

Mohawk Trail Campground has 53 wooded campsites and 6 overnight log cabins available. Tent camping is $17/night for Massachusetts residents and $54/night for non-residents. Small cabins are $50/night for Massachusetts residents and $130/night for non-residents. Large cabins are $75/night for Massachusetts residents and $170/night for non-residents.

The campground features accessible bathrooms, showers, and a dumping station. There are no water or electric hookups. Each campsite is equipped with a food storage locker, a picnic table, and a grill. Dogs on leash and with a rabies certificate are welcome in the state forest.

Related post-> The Most Amazing Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts

Pittsfield State Forest Campground

Certainly, Pittsfield State Forest Campground is an ideal location to base for biking and camping in the Berkshires. The campground has 40 sites at the base of Berry Mountain. The modern area features an accessible bathhouse that offers hot showers, flush toilets, and a designated area for washing dishes. The drinking water spigot is at the center of the campground. A primitive area near Berry Pond (the highest body of water in Massachusetts) has only accessible composting toilets. Each campsite is provided with a picnic table, fire ring, and a bear-proof food storage locker.

Campsites are spacious and offer privacy from other sites. A lovely oak forest shades most sites. However, sun lovers will enjoy camping in the sunny open field sites near the entrance. 

Dogs are allowed on leash, but make sure you bring their rabies certificate to enter the campground. There are no walk-in campsites, so you have to reserve ahead of time. Use ReserveAmerica to reserve a campsite until 2 PM the day of camping. Campsites are $17 for Massachusetts residents and $54 for out-of-state campers.

Related post -> 10 Awesome Outdoor Pocket Adventures in Western Massachusetts

Taconic State Park

The Taconic State Park, just over the Massachusetts border in eastern New York state, is the perfect place for those who want camping and biking in the Berkshires. The campground is located at the beginning of the main section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Therefore, it’s easy to let the kids explore on their own on a safe rail trail while you make breakfast at the campground.

The campground offers both ground sites and platform sites for tent camping, in addition to approximately 30 sites that accommodate camping trailers. There are no hookups. However, clean, modern restrooms, showers, and dishwashing stations are spread throughout the campground. Many-sized cabins and cottages are available to rent. Each has different amenities, from full service to rustic.

Unlike Massachusetts State Parks, you can walk in and pick out a site to reserve. Camping fees range from $17-24 per night, with non-residents paying an additional $5 per night. The campground rules allow leashed dogs.

The Ore Pit Swimming Pond, which was once the local ironworks mining pit, has a roped swimming area. A short walk from the campground takes you to the former site of Copake Iron Works. Here find an interesting (and free) museum about the iron industry at the site in the mid-1800s. In addition, you can ride in one of the ore carts on the narrow-gauge railroad that once transported iron ore on the site. At stops along the way, you’ll hear the history of the ironworks.

Alternatives to Biking and Camping in the Berkshires

Besides biking and camping in the Berkshires, there are many alternatives for outdoor adventurers. The state parks and bike trails I mentioned have incredible hiking trails, swimming spots, and winter cross country skiing. If you are up for a winter hike, Bash Bish Falls is specular when covered in ice.

Accommodations in the Berkshires

Accommodations in the picturesque towns can give you a base to explore biking routes and Berkshires historic, cultural and natural highlights.

If you are not up for packing your camping gear but still want an outdoor glamping experience, Huttopia Berkshires might be just what you are looking for. The expansive tents have real beds, a private bathroom, a kichenette, and electricity. The facility has a comfortable common space, a pool, and activities for the whole family. Located on the Massachusetts border with New York, the location is perfect for biking in the areas mentioned in this post.

For staying indoors, Great Barrington, a charming village in the Bershires, has excellent proximity to cycling routes. For example, choose the Granville House for its character, friendly hosts, and delicious breakfast. You can’t go wrong with many of the historic inns in Great Barrington as a base for cycling adventures.

Or you can pamper yourself at the Stockbridge Country Inn in Stockbridge. The 4-star traditional inn with an interesting history and prime location offers a highly rated bed and breakfast experience.

Wrap Up of Biking and Camping in the Berkshires

There may be no better biking experience than riding the back roads, rail trails, and cycling trails of the Berkshires. When you combine that with a few days of camping under a canopy of trees and a blazing campfire at night, you are one lucky adventurer.

Many campgrounds connect directly to bike routes or are within easy riding distance of trailheads, making it simple to combine long days of pedaling with nights under the stars. Remember to book your campsites early as they do fill up especially on fall foliage weekends. Then, enjoy the sweeping views of valleys, lakes, and ridgelines, while riding peaceful backroads lead past farm fields, stone walls, and historic villages.

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