Lenox Mountain ~ Lenox Massachusetts

Yes, I realize the name of this blog is Hiking Maine!! However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to hike Lenox Mountain when I went to Mass. to visit my longtime friend. I grew up in Berkshire County Mass. Dalton, to be precise. I had hiked places before, but never the ones right in my backyard. That's one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place, to let people know what is right here in Maine. Well today I am telling you about what is in Berkshire County Massachusetts. Just in case you find yourself in that neck of the woods. Lenox Mountain is located in the town of Lenox. The mountain climbs to 2,116 feet above sea level at latitude – longitude coordinates of N 42.401474 and W -73.306218.
I was up early on Saturday and loaded my pack into the car. It's only about 20 mins from Dalton to Lenox. It took me another 10 to actually figure out where I needed to be. The actual trail head that is listed in the books and on Trails.com is inaccessible. I had the opportunity to park down the road at the Audubon location or off to the side f the road. I chose the road. From their it was about .8 of a mile up to the trail head. While I started off the incline at an easy pace I was quickly passed by a runner, drenched in sweat and breathing like he was being chased by a bear!! I should mention it was a bit humid and warm on April 18, 2010.
Ok so I am a bit behind in posting as well!!
Lets get back to the story :)

I began the 1.9 mile hike to the peak. As the runner passed me he did exclaim that I had a nice camera (yes he actually meant the camera) and asked if I had seen the Trillium. As I had just started on my way, I replied that I had not, but would be on the lookout. Well it wasn't difficult to see, the whole hike was lined with Trillium. Yet, I don't seem to have any in the photos I took. The walk to the trail head was pleasant and took less than 15 mins. Of course, I stopped a number of times to take pictures of the birds fluttering across the road and back. The area, which is heavily wooded, was filled with chickadee, nuthatch, robin, finch and of course woodpeckers.

Once I hit the trail head the woods became more dense and there were far more birds. I was hopeful that I would see some critters, so I marched on, camera in hand. As I rounded the corner, my attention was caught by the beautiful stream that meandered down the side of the hill. I spent much of the next hour walking through the wooded hillside, over the brooks and boulders. I couldn't help but stop frequently and take photos. I usually end up with a few dozen to a few hundred depending on how long I hike.

As I came upon a clearing I was struck by the oddest tree I had seen. The tree was bent in two, but not broken. It was if it were merely reaching down to touch the ground. It was still early in the season, so the trees had not leafed out. The surrounding trees were also bare so it made for a pretty nice view. The remainder of the hike to the top was pleasant. The trail was easy to follow, although it was cluttered with roots and loose stone. The water that flowed back and forth across the trail was gentle and very beautiful to see. The rocks, covered with moss, hung over the path worn by the water, while trillium and other foliage lined the way.

I continued along for a while longer before reaching the top of the mountain. Except for the two people I saw at the beginning of the hike, I was alone. It was quiet except for the birds and the wind. As you approach the peak, the forest gets more dense and is predominantly conifer, mostly hemlock. You can start to see a view of the surrounding towns, and then you emerge on to the peak to a spectacular view of Richmond Pond and Bartlett's Orchards. There is even a bench so you can sit and take in the view. I spent a few minutes in awe at the site that had been so close to me while growing up, yet I had to travel 8 1/2 hours to hike to it!

Once at the top I had to decide if I wanted to hike back down the mountain trail or take the Overlook Trail that would lead me back through the Massachusetts Audubon Pleasant Valley Sanctuary. I usually prefer to not hike in and out the same way if I can prevent it, so the Audubon trail it was.

The Overlook trail goes down the back side of Lenox Mountain. The Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Sanctuary has over seven miles of trails. I choose to hike the Overlook Trail to the Old Lodge Trail. the Overlook Trail was an easy hike down the mountain. The trail follows the brook and connects to the Old Lodge Trail. The Old Lodge Trail winds around the pond and back out to the Bluebird Trail then to the road. I took my time hiking down, snapping photos all along the way. When I reached the pond I spent some time with a lone duck. The hike was just over 4 miles long and was one of the most enjoyable I had hiked to date. I would recommend this hike and plan on heading back this fall.