Saturday, December 3, 2011

Olivia's Overlook

My blog seems to get a good number of hits from people looking for information on Olivia's Overlook. Probably because I uploaded some shots awhile ago.

So I thought I'd add some more and some links for visitors who are looking.

The overlook itself is a clearing in the woods created but the laying of gas lines and reveals stunning views of Lake Mackinac aka Stockbridge Bowl. The land is part of land trust and is connected to other land trusts and protected properties. This is part of Yokun Ridge.



The Berkshire Natural Resource Council manages many properties throughout the Berkshires. Click on their name and it will bring you to this property with access to the others.

So if you are headed to Olivia's overlook, enjoy the view but don't miss out on some of the other great views and trails as well.

This one is



There are also several pieces of land within 5 minutes from here that are great for hiking. Steven's Glen being one and another is Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary ( part of Mass Audubon)


The Michael Walsh trail leaves from the parking lot and goes up along the ridge line and into the woods.



Across the road connects to the Burbank Trail loop up to Mission Pond. As the sign warns, some of these properties are open for hunting in season, so caution is advised in the cooler months. Pleasant Vally Sanctuary does not allow hunting.




These pictures were taken in the morning as the mist was still on the lake and hadn't yet been burned of by the sun.


At close to the crest of the ridge on a road out of Lenox and past Tanglewood, it reaches a peak then the road moves down the other side of the ridge to West Stockbridge ( that is unless you go straight and end up in Richmond. The road is a shortcut for those coming in from New York and heading for Tanglewood or Lenox.




It gets confusing sometime where you are. Lenox Mountain seems very much to be the same ridge structure as Richmond Mountain. It really depends on which direction you are coming from.

For some contrast, here is the same view in the summer.




So if you are heading to Olivia's Overlook enjoy the view and the walk in the woods. But don't miss out on some of the other great views as well.

This one is just down the mountain and past Tanglewood and called Gould Meadows, also part of a land trust and includes trails that go down to Stockbridge Bowl.



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's just beautiful there Jeff! Almost as pretty as Wild and Wonderful West Virginia!! It's nice that there are so many places to visit and walk within a short distance from each other. It would probably take a few days to really see them all really well I bet. I'd like to get up to the Birkshires someday. I think I would love it. Sturbridge would be one of my favorite places to visit...debbie

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Yes it is, a little more contained than the parts of West Virginia I've seen and the mountains are more worn down over the ages. Great place to visit, hope you do make it sometime. Sturbridge is cool too. Someone who reads my blog occasionally is a volunteer there.

Anonymous said...

Jeff, today is Christmas Eve and I wanted to be sure and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Hope it's full of laughter, joy, love, lots of yummy food, lots of desserts and new running shoes for you!! May you have a Blessed Day!! ...and Happy New Year, hope it brings you a little more down time! ...debbie