New Mahanna Cobble Trail Opens at Bousquet

We're only a month into winter, but cabin fever (let's face it, 10 months worth) has got us all going a little loopy. A great way to get out of the house, stay safe, and have fun is to take advantage of all the awesome trails and outdoor beauty The Berkshires has to offer.

Today, the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), Bousquet Mountain, and Mill Town marked the re-opening of Mahanna Cobble trail with new and improved hiking access.

The trail starts at the base of Bosquet and offers hiking and snowshoeing access to Mahanna Cobble, a south-facing natural destination atop Bousquet Mountain. Mahanna Cobble is a conservation reserve owned and managed by BNRC and is free and open to the public.

Last summer, hundreds of hikers enjoyed a temporary access route from the base of Bousquet to BNRC’s new Mahanna Cobble Trail. When construction at Bousquet increased in the fall, the access was temporarily closed. Now reopened, the route is improved with a woodland access trail leading from Bousquet’s base to the Mahanna Cobble Trail. This is the first time Mahanna Cobble is available for winter access.

Hikers will start at the top of Bousquet’s “Tube Town.” Signage and blue blazes painted on trees will guide hikers to the Russel ski slope, and then upward along a woodland path. There is a spectacular view south of uninterrupted forest and stone bench at the vista. The rest of the trail contains switch-back turns and stone steps and is a 3.2-mile out-and-back trip.

Bousquet Mountain welcomes hikers to enjoy the food, beverages, and facilities offered at the base of the mountain, which for the 2021 season, will operate entirely outside with seating in the pavilion, dining deck, and around firepits. A range of casual dining offerings are available including hamburgers, pizza bites, creative french fries, grilled sandwiches, s’mores packs, as well as a full range of hot drinks and bar offerings.

While dogs are allowed on BNRC properties, they are not allowed on Bousquet property or the access trail during the 2021 ski season.

Follow signage and check the Mahanna Cobble webpage for updates before heading out.