The Hopkins Memorial Forest is a reserve with hiking trails spread out over an extensive 2,600 acres.
Hopkins Memorial Forest
Our Review
The Hopkins Memorial Forest is a reserve with hiking trails spread out over an extensive 2,600 acres. The Williams College Center for Environmental Studies manages the area and uses it for research as well as for undergraduate educational purposes. They also preserve and monitor the forest. There’s roughly 15 miles worth of trails throughout the property that allow for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Within the Ford Glen Brook and Carriage Road trails, visitors are permitted to enjoy the scenery via horseback riding. That being said, motorized vehicles and bikes of any sort aren’t allowed here.
The trail names include Carriage Road, Ford Glen Brook, Birch Brook, Hoosic River, Logging Roads, Lower Loop, Upper Loop, Nature, Shepherd’s Well, and Taconic Crest. Some trails have neat wooden bridges that cross over the water. There’s also occasional information plaques scattered along the trails that pertain to the wildlife and plants. Although there are a few inclines, the hiking is relatively easygoing. Guests can bring dogs, but they have to be leashed. Also, this forest expands into New York and Vermont in addition to Massachusetts.
Hopkins Memorial Forest is close to Mount Greylock in Adams as well. This mountain is home to the highest summit (3,491 feet) in Massachusetts, and the views are breathtaking. Visitors can hike the mountain at large, drive to the peak, visit the gift shop, stay at Bascom Lodge, and witness the Veterans War Memorial Tower.