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Haunted Hikes of the Berkshires

Haunted Hikes of the Berkshires

by | Oct 10, 2021 | , , , ,

For a county as old as the Berkshires, it would be impossible not to have our share of the paranormal. With well over 116,000 acres of the region conserved for public land use, it’s also no surprise that many of these spooky encounters occurred during recreational activities like hiking. At Berkshire Family Hikes we’re always looking for inroads to get more people exploring their outdoors, and maybe a jaunt with the things that haunt our local woods is precisely the adventure you’ve been searching for. 

20 Family-Friendly Fall Foliage Hikes in the Berkshires

20 Family-Friendly Fall Foliage Hikes in the Berkshires

by | Sep 2, 2021 | , , , ,

When it comes to fall foliage, nothing beats the spectrum of colors on display in the Berkshire hills. Leaf peepers rejoice as the forested landscape erupts into shades of copper, cornelian, cranberry, gold, and every hue in between. From late September to October, this prismatic flash in the pan transforms any regular, old weekend hike into a dream-like ramble.

Maple Seed Dragonflies

Maple Seed Dragonflies

by | Oct 16, 2019 |

Helicopters, whirlybirds, twisters, propellers, or whirligigs – whatever you call the seeds of the maple tree, they are a source of fun no matter your age. The scientific term for these flying wonders is samara. Find them abundantly littering the ground under a variety of trees in spring and fall. 

Thank You Walk & Gratitude Tree Activity

Thank You Walk & Gratitude Tree Activity

by | Nov 18, 2020 | ,

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the habit of gratitude, fostering within them with the ability to raise forth positive emotions in their own lives.
Practicing gratitude as a family not only instills children with a lifelong ability to evoke positive emotions, but it also builds deeper family bonds. We build family connections through hiking, but one of my favorite ways to teach gratitude along the way is by taking a gratitude walk. 

Bird Brains – Bird Behavior Bingo

Bird Brains – Bird Behavior Bingo

by | Aug 20, 2020 |

The bird world is full of some wacky stuff. From Anting to Drumming, there are so many things to discover when you take a moment and observe.
Read a bit about some of these behaviors and then take it outside! Print out the Bird Behavior Bingo worksheet and see how many of these behaviors you can spot on a walk around your neighborhood, local park, or wildlife sanctuary.

All About the Angles — Wild Acres Conservation Area

All About the Angles — Wild Acres Conservation Area

by | May 19, 2021 | , ,

Sitting on the banks, marvel at how many poles have been cast into these waters over the last 92 years. Take a moment and think about the complicated relationships we have with public green spaces. Why it always seems to fall on virtuous citizens to champion for upkeep and outreach, yet the moment it’s deemed “of use” for an urban expansion project, the government comes clamoring. When it comes to money, it’s always about the angles and never about the anglers. 

Bird Brains – Geese Lessons

Bird Brains – Geese Lessons

by | Aug 22, 2020 | ,

Lately, the nights have been loud with katydids and I’ve been grabbing a sweatshirt for my morning walks. Fall is definitely in the air. The geese flocks in our nearby ponds are getting restless, somehow sensing the southward journey. As the days become shorter, instinctively they’ll know it’s time to migrate.
We’re all familiar with the breathtaking sight of a flock of geese winging overhead in that “V” formation but did you know that it is a pretty perfect example of teamwork?

Pooh Sticks Paradise – Margaret Lindley Park

Pooh Sticks Paradise – Margaret Lindley Park

by | Jun 10, 2020 | ,

When we visited in May, we didn’t think to much of the swimming area in regards to the global pandemic. It was too early to swim and Covid still seemed like a temporary inconvenience that would be sorted in no time at all. Cut to August and everything’s still closed, we’re gearing up for remote learning, and our Berkshire bubble is a maze of masked mortals waiting for the other shoe to drop. The only thing I could do without these days is the constant reminder of all the things we took for granted before the pandemic. 

12 Winter Hikes for Families

12 Winter Hikes for Families

by | Dec 5, 2020 | , , , ,

Winter is a wonderful time of year to hike. Blankets of snow and the crisp, cold air bring a fresh perspective to many of our favorite, familiar places. Views are clearer and unobstructed, bugs are a non-issue, and animal tracks turn us all into snow detectives. Check out some of our favorite spots for Winter family hiking. Pile on the layers and get out there already! Be sure to have the cocoa ready for your return… 

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