Trail Mix: Northern Exposure

 

There’s no mystery to building a sterling northern Berkshire field trip—a visit to The Clark in Williamstown, Massachusetts, or the excellent Sol LeWitt retrospective at MASS MoCA kicks things off, followed by a bite at one of the region’s great eateries, a performance at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and maybe a nightcap at Mezze Bistro + Bar before tucking in at the Porches Inn.
That’s the road more traveled—but for those looking to slip away from the crowds for an unscheduled hour, two words will do: Notch Cascades.

 

Owned by the city of North Adams, Massachusetts, the Cascades keep a low profile. But locals know this streamside walk to a waterfall as a respite in any season, and visitors who don’t mind the possibility of getting a foot wet will find this a relaxing alternative to more popular hill-climbs such as Stone Hill or Pine Cobble.

 

From downtown North Adams, head west on Route 2; a little more than a mile after leaving town, turn left onto Marion Avenue, and follow this quiet street through a fine neighborhood to its end, parking on the right in a three-car pull-off.

 

The wide, nearly flat trail, though slightly frayed by heavy use, poses no navigational difficulties, meandering upstream along Notch Brook for about a mile and a half to the waterfall.

 

A wooden footbridge makes the trail’s only real stream crossing a piece of cake. Farther along, walkers may need to rock-hop streamside to keep feet dry. As the waterfall’s song grows louder, a very brief trek along a steep and eroding side slope is required. For the best possible views of the waterfall, clamber over rocks for the last few feet before the pool’s edge. There’s no call for serious hiking boots on this trail, but with water, rock, and dirt in abundance, leave the fashion footwear in the car.

 

One last note: avoid turning around in driveways (or on lawns) when leaving. The neighbors are good sports about having a public trailhead outside their living room windows—no need to abuse their hospitality. [JUNE 2009]

Tad Ames is president of Berkshire Natural Resources Council.

 

THE GOODS

 

Mount Greylock Map Guide

Berkshire Natural Resources Council

www.bnrc.net/map.htm