Summer 2021 (I am fully vacinated and I expect you are also.)
Saturdays from 10am-11:30am, Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge
Stockbridge Historical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge through October. Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street Monuments, Stockbridge Cemetery and the Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby Saturdays at 10am and cost $15per person (cash only)
Private Stockbridge Historical Walking Tours
Book a Stockbridge Historical Walking Tour designed to your interests including Native American history, English settlement, archetecture, famous residents or Norman Rockwell. Contact me to arrange.
Summer 2020 (Canceled by Pandemic)
September 2019
Saturdays from 9am-10:30am, Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge
Historical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge through the end of October.
Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street fountain, Congregational church, cemetery and Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby at 9 am and cost $10 per person (cash only).
Sunday Sept 8, 1:30pm-4:00pm, Sheffield
A Gentle Walk on the Shays Rebellion Section of the Appalachian Trail
Join Appalachian Mountain Club hike leader, Bess Dillman, for a walk starting at the monument commemorating the last battle of Shay's Rebellion in 1787, then walk through fields, hardwood forests, and across a swampy area on a boardwalk, to the railroad tracks and Rt 7. The trail is uneven with roots and rocks; however, this section is one of the flattest sections on the AT and is a lovely walk through a variety of habitats. Wear sturdy footwear. 4 miles–2.5 hours. Free.
Directions: From Rt 7 in Sheffield–Driving south on Rt 7, drive 2.2 miles from the Big Y store in Gt. Barrington and take a right onto Lime Kiln Road and drive 1 mile and turn right–you will immediately see the monument on the right and AT parking area on the left. From Rt 23/41 in Egremont–take Sheffield Road and drive for 1.7 miles to the AT parking area on the right and the Shay’s Rebellion marker on the left.
Sunday Sept 22, 1:30pm-4:00pm, Sheffield
A Gentle Walk on the Shays Rebellion Section of the Appalachian Trail
Join Appalachian Mountain Club hike leader, Bess Dillman, for a walk starting at the monument commemorating the last battle of Shay's Rebellion in 1787, then walk through fields, hardwood forests, and across a swampy area on a boardwalk, to the railroad tracks and Rt 7. The trail is uneven with roots and rocks; however, this section is one of the flattest sections on the AT and is a lovely walk through a variety of habitats. Wear sturdy footwear. 4 miles–2.5 hours. Free.
Directions: From Rt 7 in Sheffield–Driving south on Rt 7, drive 2.2 miles from the Big Y store in Gt. Barrington and take a right onto Lime Kiln Road and drive 1 mile and turn right–you will immediately see the monument on the right and AT parking area on the left. From Rt 23/41 in Egremont–take Sheffield Road and drive for 1.7 miles to the AT parking area on the right and the Shay’s Rebellion marker on the left.
Thursdays, Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 10am-noon, at various locations
OLLI at Berkshire Community College
Introduction to Hiking in the Berkshires (six hikes)
We’ll enjoy the benefits of nature and physical activity while walking 2-4 miles through scenic meadows and on woodland trails. We will discuss the flora, fauna and other natural features of our outstanding Berkshire landscape. Participants must be moderately fit and capable of walking 2-4 miles on uneven, hilly ground; must wear sturdy walking shoes, and be prepared for weather changes. Use of hiking poles is suggested.
Possible hiking sites: Tyringham Cobble; Beebe Hill Fire Tower, Austerlitz,NY; Basin Pond, Lee; Bob’s Way, Monterey; Dry Hill, New Marlborough; Pleasant Valley, Lenox; Appalachian Trail in Sheffield.
In her former life, Bess Dillman and her husband ran a small creative advertising agency and published a magazine here in the Berkshires. Now retired, Bess is a certified Appalachian Mountain Club hiking leader, guiding hikes in the Berkshires since 2007. Over the years, she has led more than 325 hikes. Ms. Dillman loves to share her passion for the trail! LIMITED REGISTRATION: 15
To join OLLI and register for this offering, contact OLLI at Berkshire Community College.
OLLI at Berkshire Community College
Introduction to Hiking in the Berkshires
See above description.
Historical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge through the end of October.
Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street fountain, Congregational church, cemetery and Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby at 9 am and cost $10 per person (cash only).
Sunday Sept 8, 1:30pm-4:00pm, Sheffield
A Gentle Walk on the Shays Rebellion Section of the Appalachian Trail
Join Appalachian Mountain Club hike leader, Bess Dillman, for a walk starting at the monument commemorating the last battle of Shay's Rebellion in 1787, then walk through fields, hardwood forests, and across a swampy area on a boardwalk, to the railroad tracks and Rt 7. The trail is uneven with roots and rocks; however, this section is one of the flattest sections on the AT and is a lovely walk through a variety of habitats. Wear sturdy footwear. 4 miles–2.5 hours. Free.
Directions: From Rt 7 in Sheffield–Driving south on Rt 7, drive 2.2 miles from the Big Y store in Gt. Barrington and take a right onto Lime Kiln Road and drive 1 mile and turn right–you will immediately see the monument on the right and AT parking area on the left. From Rt 23/41 in Egremont–take Sheffield Road and drive for 1.7 miles to the AT parking area on the right and the Shay’s Rebellion marker on the left.
Sunday Sept 22, 1:30pm-4:00pm, Sheffield
A Gentle Walk on the Shays Rebellion Section of the Appalachian Trail
Join Appalachian Mountain Club hike leader, Bess Dillman, for a walk starting at the monument commemorating the last battle of Shay's Rebellion in 1787, then walk through fields, hardwood forests, and across a swampy area on a boardwalk, to the railroad tracks and Rt 7. The trail is uneven with roots and rocks; however, this section is one of the flattest sections on the AT and is a lovely walk through a variety of habitats. Wear sturdy footwear. 4 miles–2.5 hours. Free.
Directions: From Rt 7 in Sheffield–Driving south on Rt 7, drive 2.2 miles from the Big Y store in Gt. Barrington and take a right onto Lime Kiln Road and drive 1 mile and turn right–you will immediately see the monument on the right and AT parking area on the left. From Rt 23/41 in Egremont–take Sheffield Road and drive for 1.7 miles to the AT parking area on the right and the Shay’s Rebellion marker on the left.
Thursdays, Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 10am-noon, at various locations
OLLI at Berkshire Community College
Introduction to Hiking in the Berkshires (six hikes)
We’ll enjoy the benefits of nature and physical activity while walking 2-4 miles through scenic meadows and on woodland trails. We will discuss the flora, fauna and other natural features of our outstanding Berkshire landscape. Participants must be moderately fit and capable of walking 2-4 miles on uneven, hilly ground; must wear sturdy walking shoes, and be prepared for weather changes. Use of hiking poles is suggested.
Possible hiking sites: Tyringham Cobble; Beebe Hill Fire Tower, Austerlitz,NY; Basin Pond, Lee; Bob’s Way, Monterey; Dry Hill, New Marlborough; Pleasant Valley, Lenox; Appalachian Trail in Sheffield.
In her former life, Bess Dillman and her husband ran a small creative advertising agency and published a magazine here in the Berkshires. Now retired, Bess is a certified Appalachian Mountain Club hiking leader, guiding hikes in the Berkshires since 2007. Over the years, she has led more than 325 hikes. Ms. Dillman loves to share her passion for the trail! LIMITED REGISTRATION: 15
To join OLLI and register for this offering, contact OLLI at Berkshire Community College.
October 2019
Thursdays, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, at various locationsOLLI at Berkshire Community College
Introduction to Hiking in the Berkshires
See above description.
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June 2019:
Saturdays from 9am-10:30am, Red Lion Inn, StockbridgeHistorical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge!
Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street fountain, Congregational church, cemetery and Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby at 9 am and cost $10 per person (cash only).
Wednesday, June 26, 10am-noon, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, Lenox
Nature Walks for Health and Happiness
A relaxing walk in the woods can be the perfect way find balance in your life. I will help you connect with the natural world while you explore the trails at Pleasant Valley. Curiosity will set the pace for these leisurely nature walks.
Dress for the weather including comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and snacks. Sunscreen and insect repellent recommended.
Free for Mass Audubon members, $5.00 for non-members.
Please register for this program either online or call 413-637-0320 to register by phone.
July 2019
Saturdays from 9am-10:30am, Red Lion Inn, StockbridgeHistorical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge!
Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street fountain, Congregational church, cemetery and Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby at 9 am and cost $10 per person (cash only).
Saturday, July 20
Appalachian Mountain Club Hike on the Appalachian Trail
Hike begins at Home Rd in Sheffield. We climb East Mtn to a view rock, traverse East Mtn to the Tom Leonard Shelter and Ice Gulch then down and across Rte 23 with a steep climb up to Benedict Pond. Total distance about 7.5 miles including all the trail in Great Barrington. This is a strenuous hike with some steep and rocky sections. Optional swim at Benedict Pond (there is a bath house), and can stay for an annual community potluck with music that celebrates Great Barrington as an Appalachian Trail Community. And you may be able to talk to some thru-hikers!
The hike is free, but you must register with me to get the specific information.
Wednesday, July 24, 10am-noon, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, Lenox
Nature Walks for Health and Happiness
A relaxing walk in the woods can be the perfect way find balance in your life. I will help you connect with the natural world while you explore the trails at Pleasant Valley. Curiosity will set the pace for these leisurely nature walks.
Dress for the weather including comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and snacks. Sunscreen and insect repellent recommended.
Free for Mass Audubon members, $5.00 for non-members.
Please register for this program either online or call 413-637-0320 to register by phone.
August 2019
Saturdays from 9am-10:30am, Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge
Historical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge!
Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street fountain, Congregational church, cemetery and Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby at 9 am and cost $10 per person (cash only).
Wednesday, August 21, 10am-noon, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, Lenox
Nature Walks for Health and Happiness
A relaxing walk in the woods can be the perfect way find balance in your life. I will help you connect with the natural world while you explore the trails at Pleasant Valley. Curiosity will set the pace for these leisurely nature walks.
Dress for the weather including comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and snacks. Sunscreen and insect repellent recommended.
Free for Mass Audubon members, $5.00 for non-members.
Please register for this program either online or call 413-637-0320 to register by phone.
Historical Walking Tour from the Red Lion Inn
Join me every Saturday for a historic walking tour of Stockbridge!
Walk the streets of Stockbridge and learn about the first residents of the area, the founding of Stockbridge by the English, various important citizens, the Berkshire "cottages," tidbits about Norman Rockwell. The stops and attractions include the old Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Library, Alice’s Restaurant, Main Street fountain, Congregational church, cemetery and Mission House.
Tours depart from The Red Lion Inn lobby at 9 am and cost $10 per person (cash only).
Wednesday, August 21, 10am-noon, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, Lenox
Nature Walks for Health and Happiness
A relaxing walk in the woods can be the perfect way find balance in your life. I will help you connect with the natural world while you explore the trails at Pleasant Valley. Curiosity will set the pace for these leisurely nature walks.
Dress for the weather including comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and snacks. Sunscreen and insect repellent recommended.
Free for Mass Audubon members, $5.00 for non-members.
Please register for this program either online or call 413-637-0320 to register by phone.
