Stay Berkshires Cool This Summer

Summer is the aaaahhhh season – a time to get outside, feel the sun on your face, and let your soul breathe.

Unplug, slide your phone into your bag, and get connected with your favorite summer adventure. Now is the perfect time to cool off and chill out. Read on for the many ways you can do just that in the Berkshires!

Who doesn’t dream of jumping into a cool outdoor lake on a hot summer’s day? There are plenty of town beaches throughout the Berkshires. Take a dip at Stockbridge Town Beach and head into town afterward to visit the many shops. North Pond in the Savoy State Forest and Windsor Lake in North Adams are stocked each spring with trout, and are perfect for shoreline fishing as well as swimming or kayaking, and picnic tables are available. The Historic Valley Campground is also situated on Windsor Lake. Pitch a tent and stay for a few days! Benedict Pond, found within Beartown State Forest, is a scenic spot for a swim, paddle, or cast of the fishing line. There is also a 1.7 mile walking loop around the pond to stretch your legs.

If you are seeking accessible water access, Lake Mansfield Park in Great Barrington is a great choice. In addition to swimming access, families will find a large playground, picnic areas, and an easily walkable/wheelchair/stroller accessible trail system where diverse bird species can be observed. Burbank Park Beach in Pittsfield, which is wheelchair accessible, is the perfect mid-county spot to chill on a sunny day. Sandisfield State forest holds beautiful York Lake, a quiet, trout-stocked lake perfect for an afternoon of grilling with friends.

Onota Lake

In Savoy, the Tannery Brook Falls (so named for its historic link to the tanning industry) is a sight to behold, falling some 100 feet. Take a picnic break as you stop to take in this gorgeous spot. Wahconah Falls is breathtaking due to the sheer volume of water in motion. Located within Wahconah State Park, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are available nearby. Bash Bish Falls in Monterey features an 80-foot drop that ends in a pool of emerald water, sheltered by the cooling canopy of the State Park evergreens. Make a note to swing by the Southfield Store, where you can find an incredible array of fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods to enjoy on site or to go. (Looking for more picnic options? Here are some insider tips!)  

The Berkshires offers plentiful locations to slip your boat into cool waters. The town beaches of Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Lenox, Monterey, Richmond, Stockbridge have launches and docks available. Seek some heat relief at Onota Lake, where you can swim, paddle, waterski, and fish. A 653-acre great pond with varied depths, Onota Lake offers unparalleled views of the mountains and offers a double concrete boat ramp and ample parking. No boat? No worries! Check out the Onota Boat Livery where you can rent canoes, kayaks, motor boats, and even pontoon boats. How cool is that?

BerkshiresOutside. Photo by Christina Lane Photography.

If you are looking for a unique, adventure-driven experience, check out Crab Apple Whitewater,Inc., where you can enjoy an exhilarating, staff-led rafting or kayaking adventure for you or for a group on the Deerfield River. If you’re looking for a cool adventure away from the water, hop on the Mountain Coaster or zipline at Jiminy Peak, or try ziplining or chairlift rides at Catamount Mountain Resort.

Staying for a few nights, and looking forward to accommodations that have pools? From boutique hotels to family-friendly suites, there are numerous places to stay that offer on-site swimming options. Vacation Village in the Berkshires is perfect for families, as are the Holiday Inn Club Vacation Oak ‘n Spruce Resort, and Courtyard by Marriott Lenox Berkshires. The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, TOURISTS, and The Inn at Stockbridge are among the welcoming lodging properties featuring pools as part of their many amenities. Check Places to Stay to find more locations and information to help plan your visit. 

Holiday Inn Club Vacation Oak ‘N Spruce Resort

And the best way to beat the heat? Ice cream, of course. The Craft Food Barn in North Adams serves hard and soft-serve ice cream, build-your-own-sundaes, and mint chocolate chip ice cream pie (with an Oreo crust!). Get some to go at the drive-through window. High Lawn Farm makes and packs its own ice cream in 15 flavors, as well as additional seasonal flavors like Lemon Poppy. Chocolate Springs Cafe has, as the name suggests, fabulous chocolates, and it also offers delicious ice cream and gelato flavors. Grab a cone or dish and relax on a comfy couch while you cool yourself from the inside out!

Summer-on in the Berkshires! You’ve waited so long for it – come and enjoy the sun, the warmth, and the cool! We have plenty to share! Find additional inspiration right here: Adventure Tourism, Water Sports, Family Activities. And be sure to check out our sister website, Berkshires Outside, for even more ways to explore the beautiful Berkshire outdoors!

Return to the Berkshire Blog.