Off The Beaten Path Too

Another of my favorite Berkshire spots is Wahconah Falls in Dalton. This is just a quick trip up route 9, and a short hike from the parking lot to the roaring falls. You can hike on the 0.5 mile loop trail through open woods and along upper portions of the falls, as they tier down the hillside, then cascades about 40 feet into a deep pool. A quick dip in the pool at the bottom is all it takes to cool off. The water can be extremely cold even on the hottest of summer days.

Wahconah Falls is also the subject of American Indian folklore, which tells the love story of the beautiful Wahconah and her Mohawk lover Nessacus. This local legend is not only where the falls get their name, but also the basis for the name of the local high and middle schools. You can read the legend here.

If you've never been, you definitely owe yourself this simple pleasure! Don't forget to let me know about your favorite "off the beaten path" Berkshire experiences.

Off The Beaten Path

There are so many beautiful places, here in the Berkshires, that are well known to residents and tourists alike, but some of my favorite places are a little less traveled. Ashmere Lake is situated on the Hinsdale/Peru town line close to my home. I love to take my kayak out on a quiet afternoon and paddle its many peaceful coves and shorelines.

I'd love to hear from you about your favorite "off the beaten path" spots. I'm looking for creative submissions of all kinds - photos, videos, poems, short stories, paintings, drawings, etc. - about the quiet places that inspire you. You can either post them or send them to me at my email address: perulaura@gmail.com, along with your name and the location and I'll put them up. I'll start by sharing some photos of a recent paddling trip to Ashmere.