Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

A place like no other near The Berkshires in Massachusetts

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

In Lenox, you’ll find a wildlife sanctuary managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Spanning 1,211 acres, this sanctuary offers a variety of natural wonders to explore. With 7 miles of trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of forests, meadows, wetlands, and wildlife. The trails are clearly marked and come in different lengths and difficulty levels.

One of the trails that stands out is the All Persons Trail. It’s a mostly flat loop around Pike’s Pond, taking about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. This trail is perfect for those seeking an easy stroll, and you might even catch a glimpse of beavers along the way.

For the more adventurous hikers, there’s the Trail of the Ledges. This challenging 3-mile loop will test your skills as you ascend the steep slopes of Lenox Mountain, which reaches a height of 2,126 feet. Once you conquer the climb, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Greylock, the Taconic Range, and the Catskill Mountains.

Beyond hiking, Pleasant Valley Sanctuary offers a range of programs suitable for people of all ages and abilities. From birding to canoeing and paddling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this scenic sanctuary.

According to visitors, there are numerous hiking loops available, making it impossible to complete all of them in a single day. However, the nature center staff is there to assist groups in selecting the most suitable trails and providing guidance on where to spot beavers during their hike.