Dog Friendly Berkshires: A Guide to the Best Activities with Your Dog
Katouche and I set out for Western Massachusetts for some much-needed fresh air and exploring. As I started planning our trip, I quickly realized just how many dog friendly Berkshires experiences there are. From scenic hikes to welcoming restaurants and pet-friendly hotels, the dog friendly Berkshires scene makes it easy to bring your pup along.
We drove along Route 2 and made a stop in Shelburne Falls to see the Bridge of Flowers. It is a perfect place to stretch your legs and let your dog take a break before continuing on to the Berkshires.
A Dog Friendly Guide to the Berkshires
1. Natural Bridge State Park
Once we arrived in North Adams, we headed to Natural Bridge State Park to see the only natural white marble arch in North America. Even if you see signs saying the park is closed for the season, you can still walk in. It is about a 10 minute walk up to the old quarry, which opens into a beautiful meadow lined with birch trees.
From there, you climb a steep set of wooden stairs to reach the bridge. Dogs should stay on a leash here since there are some steep drops. This stop is one of the more unique dog friendly Berkshires experiences, and it is well worth the visit.
We brought sandwiches from Linda’s Cafe and had a quick picnic before heading back down. Katouche loved cooling off in the river along the way.
2. The Porches Inn
We checked into The Porches Inn, which is one of the best places to stay when planning a dog friendly Berkshires getaway. The property is incredibly welcoming to dogs, and Katouche was thrilled with the treats waiting in the room.
Since dogs are not allowed inside MASS MoCA, this was a good time for him to relax while we explored nearby attractions.
3. The ‘6 House Pub
For dinner, we drove about 10 minutes to The ‘6 House Pub in Williamstown. This historic spot has hosted famous guests like Paul Newman and Angela Lansbury, but what makes it stand out today is how welcoming it is for dogs.
The outdoor patio is perfect for dining with your pup. Our waiter brought over a bowl of water for the dog and, to my surprise, his very own dog menu. He recommended the gourmet meatballs, and I was sure my dog would devour them.
Instead, he looked up at me like it was some kind of test. I ended up cutting them into small pieces and serving them to him one bite at a time. Apparently, I have a very proper dog.
The staff could not have been more kind and even offered to bring him something else if he did not like his meal.
4. Cascades Waterfall Hike
The next morning, we headed out for a hike to Cascades Waterfall. Parking has changed, so you now park near the local YMCA and walk through a neighborhood to reach the trailhead. Just follow the blue blazes.
This is one of the best easy hikes in the dog friendly Berkshires area. The trail follows a river and leads to a beautiful waterfall in about 20 minutes. While the hike is short, there are roots and rocks along the way, so watch your footing.
5. Hoosic River Walk
We wrapped up our trip with a relaxing walk along the Hoosic River. You can park at Noel Field and follow the flat grassy path along the water. It is about a mile round trip and makes for a peaceful ending to a dog friendly Berkshires day.
The only downside is some industrial noise from across the river, but the ease of the walk and the open space make it a great option if you are traveling with your dog.
I still cannot decide who loved this trip more, me or my dog. The dog friendly Berkshires atmosphere makes it easy to slow down, explore, and enjoy time together outdoors.
If you are planning a trip, the dog friendly Berkshires region is full of hidden gems that welcome both you and your pup. It is one of the best places in New England for a relaxing getaway with your dog.
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