Trail Mix and Sass: Streams, Ponds and a Big A$$ Reservoir
By Patricia Racine
August 2026
Our little corner of Berkshire County is pretty much dominated by water features when talking about the local state forests. These hiking spots are all alongside water of some form and provide a serene feeling that comes only from the gentle lapping of waves or gurgling of brooks.
First and foremost, there is our town superstar, Tolland State Forest, which is not so much a hiking destination, like the rest of the state forests in Berkshire County, but a boater’s paradise– not so much this year, but Mother Nature can be a finicky Biatch. Our claim to fame is Otis Reservoir, the second largest recreational lake in Massachusetts, which is generally filled to the brim with boats and jet skis on beautiful weekends. The reservoir was formed in the late 1860s when Messenger, Rand, and Little Pond were dammed up in order to supply a consistent flow of water for the Collins Tool Company down the Farmington River in Collinsville, CT, until the company relinquished control over the reservoir and its dam in 1966 to the DCR. In the early days the reservoir was a very popular getaway for working-class families who built seasonal camps around the shore and spent lazy summer days up here enjoying nature. Unfortunately for those of us who also enjoy foot travel, there is only the Gilmore Trail offered. This is a 3.5 mile trail that goes along the water’s edge for a tiny bit before dipping into the woods; the trail is a heart-healthy trail and is moderate enough to give you cardio benefits. But if I had to choose between hiking this trail and not hiking I would not hike; the trail is overgrown, not well trod, and if you are looking to roll your ankle on roots and rocks, this is the place.
Just south of the Reservoir is Sandisfield State Forest and another CCC project; this time a dam was built by the 196 Company, otherwise known as the Sandisfield Beavers, and it was built to create York Lake for recreation purposes. The company built picnic areas, a beach, and the York Lake Trail, which is an easy 2.2 mile hike through the forest and across what used to be farming land. This lake is a relaxing, lovely place to visit for a day of outdoor activities without the worry of getting run over by an errant boater. It is great for kayaking and has swimming access in addition to being stocked with trout multiple times a year.
Finally, there is Granville State Forest on the banks of the Hubbard River; this too was built by the CCC and quite a lot of their stone bridges and old campsites are still available to walk around. Now there is a new campground with a bathhouse and 22 sites for those looking to get away from crowds. There is a 1.5 mile heart-healthy trail here, which is perfect for hikers on both ends of the age spectrum, in addition to many other trails to explore. I am partial to the two trails that follow the Hubbard River; the north side is an in-and-out trail that follows close to the river all the way to an oddity–an old steam boiler lying in the middle of the trail in the middle of nowhere that sparks your imagination as to how it got there. On the south side of the river, you follow the trail down river before turning up to the new campground and then along a narrow track that is high above the river before dropping down to a bridge that hooks back to the original trail. This 2.5 mile loop is beautiful and generally quiet, in addition to bringing you by an all-important bathroom at the halfway point.
Conveniently on your way back to Otis you can stop by my new favorite place, Dagger’s Meadery for a quick weekend bite to eat and a flight of their amazing meads either in their charming tasting room or around a firepit while enjoying the scenery, and if you are there on the right evening, live music. (Honestly, I suggest you go at least once to Dagger’s as it is a great place with a unique offering, and who doesn’t love a Viking-themed place?)
If the tranquility of waterways is your thing, then you can’t go wrong with any of these state forests. The hiking is not difficult, and you are rewarded with beautiful views. And if ripping around on a jet ski is your thing, drop into the Reservoir and enjoy its 1,200 acres of clean, cool water.