Ascend through orchards and woodlands to ancient formations of exposed bedrock and panoramic vistas of the serene Tyringham Valley.
Tyringham Cobble was born from massive tectonic movements that shifted ancient strata, leaving an exposed underbelly of rock atop a high ridge.
In the late 18th century, a growing Shaker community bought this geologic wonder as part of an extensive 2,000-acre farm holding and pastured cattle and sheep on its northwest side.
In the 1930s, a group of conservation-minded individuals calling themselves The Cobblers purchased the property to protect it from development—in particular a proposed ski run—and their descendants donated the land to The Trustees in 1963.
Hike two miles of trails—including a section of the Appalachian Trail—over the twin knobs of the Cobble for spectacular views of the valley. Keep an eye out for an unusually shaped rock formation known as Rabbit Rock. Hop Brook, a favorite fishing stream of President Grover Cleveland, meanders along the northern edge of the reservation on its way west to the Housatonic River. Along the way, glimpse the wildflowers, blackberries, blueberries, and wild strawberries growing in clearings and open meadows, and carve out time for a picnic in the wildflower-festooned field at the summit.
FREE to all.
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours. Please note: the parking area is not plowed in the winter.
20 Jerusalem Road
Tyringham, MA 02164
Get directions on Google Maps.
From the Mass Pike (I-90), take Exit 10 in Lee, Route 20 East. After getting onto Route 20, immediately turn right onto Route 102 (towards Stockbridge) and then immediately turn left onto Tyringham Road. Follow into Tyringham Center. At the small post office/library/town hall, turn right onto Jerusalem Road. Entrance and parking (16 cars) are on right.
Trails
2-mile loop trail. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places.
There is a trail map posted on a kiosk in the parking area.
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.
In the late-18th century, pioneer farmers cleared the forested slopes of what was then called “Cobble Hill.” The population of Tyringham grew rapidly, and included Shakers who, by the 1840s, owned an extensive 2,000-acre farm holding including Tyringham Cobble, where they pastured cattle and sheep. By 1885, the dwindling group of Shakers had sold out and moved to other communities at Hancock, MA and Enfield, CT where farming was more profitable.
You start the moderate hike which takes about and hour and 15-30 minutes through a field of beautiful wild flowers. The view from the top is great. Highly recommended!!!!
– Cathy K., TripAdvisor
