Check out our what to do section for a complete list of Berkshire outdoor recreation.
Hike into History at Hancock Shaker Village
By Cynthia Saunders
April 2008
It was a beautiful blue Sunday afternoon as we strode towards the Hancock Shaker Village Visitor's Center. Mike and I were headed to meet Todd Burdick, the Village's director of education, as he had offered to give us a guided tour of the mile-long universally accessible Farm and Forest Trail through the woods beside the Village.
Inaugurated by John Olver in September, 2007, the Farm and Forest Trail is designed to connect the visitor's experience of the Village with an understanding of its natural surroundings. Scattered along the path are sixteen interpretive labels that offer textual and illustrative explanations of not only the unique plants and ecological features surrounding the trail, but also the ways in which the Shakers utilized these specific natural resources.
One sign points out the wetlands where Shakers harvested black ash logs to make their famous woven baskets. Another highlights a photo of the Shadbush, a tree whose berries can be made into tasty jams. These observations help even the nature novice recognize and appreciate how developing a better understanding of nature can help to sustain a community today and tomorrow, just as it did with the Shakers years ago.
As we made our way out of the woods and onto the path running between pastures, Todd pointed behind us and explained how the different heights and densities of the forests revealed their ages. Most of this land had been used as pasture at one time or another. Side by side, these forests told a story as clearly as any written history.
Another popular trail option at the Hancock Shaker Village is a six mile wilderness trail maintained by the Boy Scouts, which runs up through the hills into the State Forest area and off further than the eye can see. If we had planned to take this longer hike, we would have prepared for a full day's excursion and brought packed lunches with us. As we were, we opted to save that trail for another day (despite knowing how way leads on to way, I figured there was a good chance we would make it back).
We ended our informative hike with a quick stop to visit the baby animals in the barn. Here, we visited with a few young piglets, some adolescent cows and little calves, and, my favorite, a couple of two day old lambs! If you do get to make it over here for some hiking and history, this is a stop I wouldn't skip.
Over the next couple weeks, there should be even more spring arrivals to visit—including some turkeys and chicks. They will be available for viewing and petting in the Round Stone Barn, so come with your cameras and questions for the staff and volunteers. April 12 through the 27 is the big viewing season, 10-4 p.m. (Children 12 and under will be admitted free.)
About Cynthia Saunders
Cynthia Saunders is a freelance writer and the Director of Education for the Barrington Stage Company. A North Adams native and current resident, she is excited to live within walking distance of her favorite restaurants, yoga studio, and movie theatre. She can be contacted at cynthia.saunders@gmail.com.