New Ashford
New Ashford is a small town in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Brodie, a ski resort, was a major attraction, but this closed in 2002. Portions of Mount Greylock are within the town boundary. The town, settled by Europeans in 1762, is said to be named after a fort made of ash trees - "Ash Fort" - which was built in 1769. Alternatively, it is claimed to be named after Ashford, Connecticut.
Get in
New Ashford is north of Lanesborough and south of Williamstown. Route 7 is the primary road through the town, and is the main entry point from Williamstown and Lanesborough. From Hancock, you can take Brodie Mountain Road north through Lanesborough to the junction with Rt. 7 near the New Ashford border. Access to the Mount Greylock portions of the town is from Lanesborough. From Rt. 7, turn onto either North Main Street or Scott Road, and then turn onto Greylock Road, which will turn into Rockwell Road. Travelling up this road will take you into New Ashford, and ultimately will take you to the summit of the mountain in Adams. Various trails accessible by foot which start in Williamstown can also take you into New Ashford. This road is only available seasonally, however.
Get around
Route 7 is the only primary road through New Ashford, and most attractions are along the route. The drive is very scenic, cutting through the forested Taconic Range.
See
- Several nicely shaded rest stops are along Route 7. A short drive up to Greylock Regional School in Williamstown offers a spectacular view of Mt. Greylock. Also some beautiful scenery along Rockwell Road on Mount Greylock, which is accessible from Lanesborough.
- 🌍 1792 Schoolhouse (New Ashord Schoolhouse), Mallery Rd (The schoolhouse is across from the Townhall, which is located at 199 Mallery Rd). Built in 1792, the schoolhouse building was also the site where Phoebe Jordan became the first woman to vote in a United States national election after the passage of the 19th Amendment, casting her vote on Nov. 2, 1920.
Do
Trails
Note that access to trails on Mount Greylock by car is seasonal. On foot, and snowmobile if enough snowfall, offers broader accessibility.
- 🌍 Campground Trail, Mt. Greylock Campground Parking Lot, Rockwell Road (Trailhead begins at the Campground Parking Lot on Mount Greylock, along Rockwell Road. Rockwell Road is accessed from North Main Street or Scott Road in Lanesborough.). 1.1 mile-long hiking trail on Mount Greylock. Can reach the summit in Adams by continuing on the Hopper Trail and joining up with the Appalachian Trail
- 🌍 CCC Dynamite Trail, CCC Dynamite Trailhead, Rockwell Road (Parking at CCC Dynamite Trailhead on Rockwell Road. Rockwell Road is accessed from North Main Street or Scott Road in Lanesborough.). An easy hike
- 🌍 Jones Nose Trailhead and Old Adams Rd. Trail, Rockwell Road (Drive up Rockwell Road from Lanesborough until you reach the parking lot for Jones Nose Trailhead.). Located on Mount Greylock, almost all of the approximately 1 mile-length of Jones Nose Trail runs through Cheshire. However, the trailhead begins in New Ashford. Old Adams Rd. Trail begins here as well. The trailhead also has many wild blueberry and raspberry bushes in the vicinity. The summit of the mountain can be reached from this trail by joining the Appalachian Trail.
Eat
- 🌍 The Mill on the Floss, 342 Route 7, ☏ +1 413 458-9123. 5pm-close, Tuesday-Sunday. Contact restaurant to reserve customized hours for special events. French country cuisine served at an 18th century farmhouse. $25-$100. Temporarily closed.
Sleep
- 🌍 Berkshires Shirakaba, 20 Mallery Rd (Located on Mallery Rd, off Rt. 7), ☏ +1 413 458-1800. Check-in: 3pm, check-out: 11am. Japanese-American bed & breakfast. Very highly reviewed and recommended. Two suites offered. Massage therapy sessions can be scheduled. Does not accommodate pets. $345 - $385 (Average based on standard rates).
- 🌍 New Ashford Inn & Motor Inn, 259 Route 7, ☏ +1 413-458-8041. Family owned and run. Free wifi. No pets. King, queen and double size beds. $52 - $85 June-October, $42 - $62 November-May. Possibly no longer in operation.
Go next
- Williamstown is a short drive to the north, and offers many cultural attractions including the Clark Art Institute and the historic Williams College.
- Further north is Vermont state
- To the east of Williamstown is North Adams, which provides access to the northern side of Mt. Greylock.
- Ramblewild, in Lanesborough, and Jiminy Peak, in Hancock, are a short drive south, off Route 7 on Brodie Mt. Rd. Lanesborough is also south on Rt. 7, and from there Pittsfield.
| Routes through New Ashford |
| Rutland ← Williamstown ← | N S | → Pittsfield → Danbury |