Western Mass: Otis or Richmond for hiking and nature?

Hello Western Mass experts,

Your forum has been very helpful in planning our trip through the Berkshires this coming October 9-14. My husband and I love to hike and love fall color, so this area of New England seems perfect. Can any of you with more experience help us with the following?

What are your favorite dayhikes in this area? We love all types of hiking, easy to strenuous. Vistas are especially sought this time of year.

Also what area for lodging do you recommend? We have two affordable cabins that we have found: one in Richmond and one in Otis.

Our biggest priority is access to lots of good hiking trails, vistas and nature.

We do not care about being super close to a trendy village or shops, though having some choices for nice dinners out will be a bonus.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Western Mass: Otis or Richmond for hiking and nature?

As to your question on Otis or Richmond, I personally would pick Richmond. Both are rural, small towns, without much in them in the way of stores or dining, but Richmond is a little more centrally located for dining options. Richmond is a little more upscale too. Dining options would be Great Barrington, Lenox, Lee, Pittsfield, Stockbridge or a number of restaurants ';over the mountain'; along rte 20 in New Lebanon, NY.

For hiking, there are many state parks in the area. Although I have not been there, Monument Mountain on the north end of Great Barrington is mentioned often. There is also a National Audubon location in Lenox. Between the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough and Adams there is a ';rail trail'; which is paved, flat and about 11 miles long, if you want to walk or rent bikes. Mount Greylock (the tallest mountain in the state) is also located in the area and has hiking trails all over it, as well as an auto road to the top. The Appalacian trail cuts through Berkshire county as well (it crosses Greylock) if you are interested in hiking part of it. I can%26#39;t think of the name of the site, but check out the state web site www.mass.gov and click on links to tourism. I%26#39;m sure you will find more information on the state parks, etc.

Check out the Arcadian Shop on route 7 + 20 in Lenox. They have many supplies for the outdoor adventurer and I believe they can also be a wealth of information. Their web site is: www.arcadian.com.

Have a great trip!

Westernmass