Housatonic Heritage Walks

The tristate region is rich in its history, culture and natural beauty, qualities celebrated by in late September and early October by the 14th annual Heritage Walks Program. Residents and visitors are invited to join in hiking, walking, biking and canoeing excursions planned for September 19 & 20, September 26 & 27 and October 3 & 4, 2015

Walks vary in range and rigor, with some offering walking tours of towns and historical buildings and industrial sites, while others celebrate nature with forest walks and canoe/kayak walks.

Historians, naturalists and environmentalists help participants explore the Housatonic River, the history of villages and towns as expressed in archaeological and industrial sites, architecture, bridges and monuments. Also to be explored are geological, ornithological and horticultural resources. Along the way, participants can expect to see splendid autumn vistas.

Examples include a paddle tour from Ashley Falls MA to the Great Falls in Falls Village CT.; birding at Dry Hill Reservoir in New Marlborough MA; American Chestnuts: Lost & Found in Falls Village; Revolutionary War Heroes and Interesting Characters in The Church on the Hill cemetery in Lenox MA; a literary tour of Great Barrington MA and an Appalachian Trail hike starting at Bulls Bridge in Kent CT. In all, 63 excursions will be offered over the three weekends.

The Housatonic Heritage Walks are a partnership of the numerous heritage organizations in the Upper Housatonic River Valley, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and the National Park Service.