I just did one of my favorite Berkshires day hikes with my son – Mount Race in Sheffield. This hike offers the best of everything. You get to see a beautiful waterfall (Race Brook Falls, which you’ll reach at approximately the 1.1 mile mark), climb boulders, see multiple smaller falls, cross babbling brooks & then top it off with fantastic views into Connecticut & beyond from the summit. And, the majestic hawks soaring right above your head are an added plus.
The total hike is approximately 5.5 miles and has some good vertical climbs – so be sure to wear appropriate footwear, allow yourself around 5 hours or so & bring plenty of water & snacks. To get to the trail from Great Barrington, take Route 41 South and approximately 1.9 miles past the Berkshire School, you’ll see the trailhead on the right (look for the parked cars). If the parking area is full, you can park along Route 41 but just make sure your car is really off the road and on the grass.
Once on the trail, at about the ¼ mile mark, you’ll see a signpost for Race Brook Falls. Bear left at the sign post. Follow the blue blazes up the trail & when you get to the Appalachian Trail sign post, bear left & follow the white blazes. Once you start seeing the pine forest, you’ve almost reached the summit, with its magnificent views.
We’ve reached the summit. YES!
If your limited on time, want something less strenuous & have approximately 1 hour, you can visit the lower falls, which will be an approximately 1.4 mile round trip hike. Just stay straight when you get to the 1st sign post at the beginning of the trail.
Have a blast on your hike!
