Eco-Conscious Travel In Massachusetts

Massachusetts Eco-Conscious

Allured by forests, beaches, lakes, and wildlife, travelers are drawn to the natural bounty of Massachusetts. The Bay State is committed to responsible tourism, and to the preservation of its environment for future generations to enjoy. For those who want to travel consciously, here’s where to learn about eco-friendly attractions, activities, dining, transportation, and lodging in Massachusetts.

Western Massachusetts

The western region of the state is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. In order to protect its surroundings, the community is passionate about providing eco-friendly accommodations, farm-to-table eateries, and outdoor activities. Home to five regional tourism councils including The Berkshires, Franklin County and Pioneer Valley to name a few, this mountainous, outdoors region has so much to offer from stunning hiking trails to hands-on working farms that truly tap into what Western Massachusetts is all about.

Attractions

Mount Greylock

VISITORS CENTER, 30 ROCKWELL ROAD, LANESBOROUGH, MA 01237

At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts and Mount Greylock State Reservation offers a variety of hiking trails.

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Camping

Photo: Lindsey Schmid

October Mountain State Forest

317 WOODLAND RD, LEE, MA 01238

The largest state forest in Massachusetts, totaling more than 15,000 acres. Located in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, the campsite has 47 campsites total.

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Photo: @jennspics0629 (IG)

Prospect Mountain Campground

1349 MAIN RD, GRANVILLE, MA 01034

Set alongside the slow-moving Connecticut River creating a relaxing and peaceful camping atmosphere, this is an ideal spot for tent and RV campers alike.

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Dining

Photo: Cafe Adam

Cafe Adam

420 STOCKBRIDGE RD, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

Located in the middle of the Southern Berkshires, the restaurant collaborates with nearby farmers, artisan bakers, food crafters, mongers, brewers, distillers, and curators in order to keep menus in season and create sustainable, ethical, and delicious meals.

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Chester Common Table

30 MAIN ST, CHESTER, MA 01011

A community-focused restaurant located conveniently where the Berkshires meet the Pioneer Valley serving creative comfort foods that embrace the seasonal bounty of the area.

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Photo: Gramercy Bistro

Gramercy Bistro

16 WATER ST, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA 01267

The restaurant buys organic, farm-raised food and are proud members of Berkshire Grown. Whenever possible, the chefs source produce and poultry from farms in Berkshire County such as East Mountain Farm and Square Roots Farm.

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Hiking

Appalachian Trail

BECKET, MA

This trail passes through 14 states and is over 2,000 miles long — 90 of which cover the western border of the state.

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Photo: Joy Gora

Berkshire Camino

437 NORTH ST, PITTSFIELD, MA 01201

Curates and leads single and multi-day mindfully-guided hikes and tours in the Berkshires.

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Photo: Paul Franz

Chapel Brook Reservation

ASHFIELD, MA

Along the 173 acres of Chapel Brook Reservation visitors can find Pony Mountain standing at 1,420 feet, Chapel Ledge, and Chapel Falls.

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Department of Conservation and Recreation

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Experience Massachusetts’ state parks by pitching a tent and camping under the stars at various locations across the state.

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Lodging

Photo: Caite Davis

Greylock Glen Resort

GOULD RD, ADAMS, MA 01220

A premier destination for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and cozy lodging in the Berkshires. The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2023.

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Photo: Devon Banks Photography

Topia Inn

10 PLEASANT ST, ADAMS, MA 01220

LEED Platinum-certified hotel in the Berkshires that includes organic and eco-friendly elements in all aspects of the property.

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Working Farms

Photo: Canterbury Farm

Canterbury Farm

1986 FRED SNOW RD, BECKET, MA 01223

Canterbury Farm offers outdoor activities, like skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and nature hikes, plus hosts concerts and is a working tree farm.

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Photo: @heymrbailey (IG)

Holiday Brook Farm

100 HOLIDAY COTTAGE RD, DALTON, MA 01226

The fourth-generation family farm covers 1,300 acres of forest and pasture. Guests can not only hike along Holiday Brook’s trails and roads, but also get their hands dirty milking cows, bottle-feeding baby livestock, and stacking hay.

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