hiking in the berkshires Archives - Porches In at MASS MoCA

Think summer’s winding down? Not in North Adams! Tucked in the heart of the Berkshires, this vibrant city still has plenty to offer for those chasing sunshine, culture, and community. Whether you’re here for a weekend or planning a summer getaway in the Berkshires, North Adams is your perfect late-summer destination.

Late Summer in the Berkshires: Why North Adams?

The Berkshires are known for their stunning natural beauty and cultural richness, and North Adams is the region’s artistic heartbeat. With its blend of outdoor adventure, music, food, and arts, late summer in North Adams means more time to explore—and fewer crowds to compete with.

Here are some of the top things to do in North Adams before summer officially ends.

1. Enjoy the Windsor Lake Concert Series

Every Wednesday evening through August, Windsor Lake becomes the ultimate lakeside music venue with the Windsor Lake Concert Series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy local food vendors, and relax to the sound of live music from regional bands.

Where: Windsor Lake, 200 Windsor Lake Rd
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (weather permitting)
Tip: Arrive early to walk the lakeside trail or rent a kayak!

2. Visit the North Adams Farmers Market

Support local farmers and artisans at the lively North Adams Farmers Market. It’s a great place to grab fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and maybe even breakfast from a food truck. Check out the North Adams farmers market schedule below!

Where: Armory Parking Lot (206 Ashland Street)
When: Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM, through mid-October
Bonus: Some Saturdays feature live music and family-friendly activities.

3. Explore MASS MoCA and Nearby Attractions

Art lovers can’t miss MASS MoCA, one of the country’s largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts. But don’t stop there—there are plenty of things to do near MASS MoCA:

Go for coffee or lunch at Tunnel City Coffee
Hike the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail or Natural Bridge State Park
Check out local galleries like The Eclipse Mill Artist Lofts
Grab a beer at Bright Ideas Brewing
Stay for dinner at Casita at MASS MoCA

4. Catch a Show or Festival

Looking for events in North Adams? The city’s late summer calendar is full of music, art, and community happenings. Upcoming highlights include:

Motorama / Main Street – For all lovers of motorized vehicles from classic cars, tuner cars, fire trucks, etc: to come together and show off their own goods
The Chalet at MASS MoCA – Spend the evening in the beloved beer garden featuring live performances
FreshGrass Festival at MASS MoCA – Coming in September, but worth planning ahead!

Check the city’s calendar for more great events in North Adams.

5. Take a Scenic Hike Before the Leaves Turn

Late summer in the Berkshires is the perfect time to hit the trails in and around North Adams. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stroll or a heart-pumping summit, the views are unforgettable.

Here are some favorites:

Mount Greylock – The highest peak in Massachusetts, offering panoramic views and multiple trail options.
The Cascades Trail – A short, rewarding hike to a hidden waterfall, just minutes from downtown.
Natural Bridge State Park – Explore unique marble formations and an easy loop trail perfect for all ages.

Don’t forget your camera—the lush green landscapes are about to shift to fall color, so now’s the time to catch the last of summer’s glow.

Don’t Let Summer Slip Away

Whether you’re catching live music at the lake, strolling through the farmers market, or diving into world-class art, there’s no shortage of things to do in North Adams this late summer season.

Book your stay at Porches and discover the perfect place to slow down, soak up the culture, and enjoy the best of late summer in the Berkshires.

Benefits of Hiking in the Berkshires in Spring

Summer is indeed the most popular time to visit the Berkshires. But, spring in North Adams has some amazing opportunities and benefits that rival the allure of the warm months.

Firstly, it’s much less crowded. Booking rooms at our Inn is much easier than at the height of the tourist season. You might even have the trail to yourself! It can also get very hot and humid in the summer, but the cool spring season makes hiking more enjoyable. Picture this: a wooded trail lined with budding blossoms and seed leaves—perfect for your Instagram.

And if the sunshine happens to turn to rain, accommodating the weather is super easy! Simply bring a rain jacket or some hiking boots, and you’ll have just as much fun on any of our hiking trails regardless of rain, sun, or mud. Their versatility is what makes them the best things to do in the Berkshires in spring.

Hiking Trails Near North Adams, MA

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie, there’s a trail near Porches Inn just for you. If you’re looking for easy hiking in the Berkshires, we recommend you try out Steadman Pond at Hudson-Howard, Monterey. This easy trail is only a quarter of a mile and ten minutes one way. But don’t be fooled: the scenery is expert-level. The new growth along the trail is beautiful in spring and the pond glitters in the seasonal sun.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try out Stevens Glen in West Stockbridge. This fan-favorite hike features a waterfall that is in full force during the springtime! The waterfalls usually dry out by mid or late summer.

Or, for one of the best hiking trails in the Berkshires, climb Mount Greylock! It’s the highest point in Massachusetts. And if you take the 4.4-mile paved road before May, you’ll avoid all vehicular traffic and any dirt from the mud season.

Visit the Berkshires this Spring

Beat the crowds and the heat by staying at the Porches Inn at Mass MoCa this spring! We’re only a short walk or drive away from the best hiking spots in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. And, we’re the perfect, most hospitable place to crash after a long day outdoors. Check our availability today while there’s still plenty of space!

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