Hosting nearly 15 miles of groomed trails, Kennedy Park attracts visitors throughout the year for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Pack a picnic and spread a blanket under the shade of a tree or at one of the tables for a peaceful summer afternoon. In the fall, the colors add something extra to your experience. And when winter lays a fresh coat of snow, the trails become a wonderland for Nordic skiers and snowshoers. Packing a pair of sturdy boots in spring is wise because the going gets a little muddy as the snow melts.
While primarily known as an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts, plenty of shorter routes with little to no elevation gain attract those who simply want to stroll through nature, keeping an eye out for wildlife that call the park home. Bring a furry friend with you, as dogs are allowed. Among all the great things to do in the Berkshires, Kennedy Park stands out as one of the best.
History of the Park
The land now known as Kennedy Park was the original site of the Hotel Aspinwall, a prosperous hotel in the heart of the Berkshires. Built in 1902 by a Civil War officer, the hotel sat on over 400 acres just north of town. Destroyed by fire in 1931, the once thriving hotel hosted dignitaries keen on summering in the Berkshires.
One of the largest resorts in the region, at the height of its success, the hotel featured a baseball diamond, a 9-hole golf course, and numerous bridal paths through the woods.
The fire that destroyed the property started early on the morning of April 25, long before it was open for the season. Unable to save the building, firefighters fought bravely to keep the fire from spreading to the surrounding forest.
In 1956, the town of Lenox purchased the property for $12,000 and converted it to a public park for all to enjoy. Little evidence remains of the hotel’s existence within the park grounds.
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
The park maintains several hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty from easy to intense. Well-groomed and maintained, the trails are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Volunteers maintain the trails, ensuring your experience will be fun and safe. Kennedy Park attracts many beginner mountain bikers because the trails are smooth and virtually rock-free. With a color-coded map, it’s easy to chart a course combining some of the shorter trails for a longer ride or hike.
Located just 10 minutes north of our luxurious retreat in the Berkshires, Kennedy Park offers many opportunities to get outside and appreciate nature. While the Berkshires are known as a cultural mecca, with world-class museums and fabulous summer estates, the area is rich in natural beauty.
Kennedy Park is just one of the many parks and nature reserves easily accessed from our bed and breakfast in Lee, MA. A year-round destination, the Berkshires offers something for everyone, with outstanding outdoor activities every season.
Photo Credit: © MRaust via canva.com
