It’s summer and it’s hot. Not that we’re complaining. It’s just that it’s time to talk about the top water activities in the Berkshires. Here at our lovely bed and breakfast inn near Lenox, MA, when you want to cool off, just step outside and take a dip in the pool. But if you’re looking for a little bit more excitement and adventure, let us recommend some of our favorite ways to get in and on the water here in the Berkshires.
With so many freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers in this part of the state, there are literally dozens of ways to get wet. Canoe or kayak on flat water. Embark on a challenging white water rafting adventure. Learn to fly fish with a guide. Or plunge into a crystal-clear lake and splash around like you are a kid again. It’s summer and it’s hot. Let’s get wet.
Berkshire Canoe and Kayak Tours
Family-owned and operated, Berkshire Canoe and Kayak Tours offers fun friends and family adventures on the water led by an expert guide. Glide along the Housatonic River keeping an eye out for abundant wildlife. On any given day you may spot great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, beavers, and muskrats. In our opinion, experiencing the unmatched natural beauty of the Berkshires from the cockpit of a canoe or kayak sparks a new appreciation for this fragile environment.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting on the Deerfield River ranks right up there as one of life’s most thrilling adventures. Join the highly experienced guides of Zoar Outdoor for a 10-mile trip through Class II and III rapids. With names like Hurricane Hole, Freight Train, and Pinball, your rafting adventure will surely bring hoots and hollers of joy to all aboard. If you’re new to the sport, however, a half-day Float Trip might be more your style. A gentle meander through farmland and foothills allows ample time to splash in the waters of the Deerfield River.
Spin and Fly-Fishing
When the fish are jumping, the urge to pull on a pair of waders and grab a fishing rod may be hard to ignore. The chance to snag a trout, small-mouth bass, pike, or carp in a fresh-water lake or pond in the Berkshires draws anglers from near and far all year long. Whether you fancy a spin or fly rod, prefer catch and release, or are angling for a trophy catch, the Berkshires will not disappoint. Find your perfect fishing hole among the rolling hills of western Massachusetts.
Swimming Holes
With so many fresh-water lakes and ponds to choose from, you may need a little guidance on where to find the best swimming hole in the Berkshires. In our opinion, you can’t beat Benedict Pond located in the Beartown Mountain State Park. Reaching the pond requires a bit of a hike, but once you lay eyes on the sparkling blue water surrounded by dense forest, you’ll be glad you made the trip.
Say hello to summer and welcome the heat that inspires you to get outside and find the top water activities in the Berkshires. Here at the Devonfield Inn, we’ve scouted near and far to find the best ways to enhance our guests’ experiences. Join us as we explore these and other adventures awaiting you in the Berkshires.
