Tyringham MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tyringham, Massachusetts.
1. Tyringham Cobble
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Tyringham Cobble offers visitors a chance to ascend through orchards and woodlands to ancient formations of exposed bedrock. The trail leads to panoramic vistas overlooking the serene Tyringham Valley below. Hikers can enjoy this natural wonder managed by the Trustees of Reservations while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
2. Ashintully Gardens
HISTORIC ESTATE GARDENS
Ashintully Gardens blends formal and informal gardens with the ruins of a historic mansion in the forested hills of the Tyringham Valley. The gardens were created over 30 years by contemporary classical composer John McLennan and earned the Hunnewell Medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1997. Visitors can explore footbridges, grassy terraces, and artistic elements like urns, columns, and statuary set among natural features including a stream and native deciduous trees.
3. McLennan Reservation
PRISTINE NATURE RESERVE
McLennan Reservation is a protected natural area managed by the Trustees of Reservations in Tyringham. The reservation offers scenic hiking trails through diverse ecosystems and landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the tranquility and biodiversity of this well-preserved Berkshires treasure.
4. Woven Roots Farm
SUSTAINABLE LOCAL AGRICULTURE
Woven Roots Farm is a sustainable agricultural operation located in the heart of Tyringham. The farm emphasizes eco-friendly farming practices and provides fresh, locally-grown produce to the community. Visitors can learn about sustainable farming methods and connect with the local food system through farm visits and programs.
5. Appalachian Trail Section
ICONIC HIKING PATH
The Appalachian Trail passes through Tyringham for 12.5 miles, offering hikers a chance to experience this legendary long-distance path. This section provides beautiful views of the Berkshire landscape and connects to other notable natural areas in the region. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy day hikes or connect to the larger trail system for more extended adventures.
6. Upper Goose Pond Cabin
RUSTIC HIKER'S RETREAT
Upper Goose Pond Cabin is operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club specifically for Appalachian Trail hikers. The cabin provides a rustic overnight accommodation option surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkshires. Hikers can rest and rejuvenate while enjoying the peaceful setting along the shores of Upper Goose Pond.
7. Goose Pond Boat Launch
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Goose Pond Boat Launch provides public access to Lower Goose Pond, a pristine cold-water pond known for its trout fishing. The launch accommodates various watercraft including motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing for the special Brown Trout population that thrives across multiple seasons in this scenic Berkshire waterway.
8. Marble Palace Ruins
HISTORIC ESTATE REMNANTS
The Marble Palace Ruins are the remaining Doric columns of a once-magnificent Georgian-style mansion built by Robb and Grace de Peyster Tytus. Visitors can follow a half-mile woodland trail to reach these architectural remnants that stand as a rugged reminder of the estate's storied past. The ruins offer spectacular north-facing views over the Tyringham Valley and provide a glimpse into the area's rich history.
9. Santarella
STORYBOOK GINGERBREAD HOUSE
Santarella, often called the Gingerbread House, is a whimsical property featuring unique storybook architecture in the Tyringham Valley. The estate includes fantastical structures with curving rooflines and artistic details created by sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson. This enchanting destination offers gardens, water features, and distinctive buildings that seem plucked from a fairy tale.
10. Tyringham Union Church
HISTORIC VILLAGE CHAPEL
Tyringham Union Church is a charming historic chapel in the center of Tyringham village dating back to the 19th century. The white clapboard building features traditional New England architectural elements and serves as a community gathering place. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance and quaint character of this well-preserved local landmark.
11. Stockbridge Bowl
PRISTINE BERKSHIRE LAKE
Stockbridge Bowl, also known as Lake Mahkeenac, is a scenic 372-acre lake located just a short drive from Tyringham in neighboring Stockbridge. The lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the public beach area, boat launch facilities, and peaceful atmosphere of this beloved local recreation spot.
12. Norman Rockwell Museum
ICONIC AMERICAN ART
The Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world's largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art, located a short drive from Tyringham in nearby Stockbridge. The museum showcases the celebrated illustrator's iconic depictions of American life through paintings, drawings, and complete set of Saturday Evening Post covers. Visitors can explore the artist's studio, which was moved to the museum grounds, and gain insight into his creative process and cultural impact.
13. Berkshire Botanical Garden
LUSH HORTICULTURAL DISPLAY
Berkshire Botanical Garden features 15 acres of meticulously designed gardens showcasing both native and exotic plant collections near Tyringham. The garden includes themed display areas, educational exhibits, and rotating art installations throughout the grounds. Visitors can attend workshops, special events, and seasonal festivals while enjoying the beauty of this horticultural treasure established in 1934.
14. Red Lion Inn
HISTORIC BERKSHIRE LANDMARK
The Red Lion Inn is a historic landmark dating back to 1773 that offers classic New England dining and accommodation a short drive from Tyringham. The inn's main dining room serves traditional American cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients in an elegant setting with antique décor. Visitors can also enjoy more casual fare at the inn's Widow Bingham's Tavern, Lion's Den pub, or courtyard, making it a quintessential Berkshires dining destination.
15. Tanglewood
PREMIER MUSIC VENUE
Tanglewood is the renowned summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra located near Tyringham in Lenox. The open-air music venue hosts a variety of classical, contemporary, and popular music performances on its sprawling grounds from June through early September. Visitors can enjoy concerts in the Koussevitzky Music Shed or on the lawn while picnicking amid the beautiful Berkshire landscape.