“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” 

Throughout September, enjoy 63 free guided walks that connect you with the area’s historical, cultural, and natural sites.  Housatonic Heritage Walks are offered Saturdays & Sundays throughout the month and range from tours of historic buildings, cemeteries, and town centers, hikes on the Appalachian Trail, walks through industrial heritage sites and ruins, walks and bike rides on old country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at various performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estates. The Walks take place at established heritage and cultural sites, as well as less familiar areas. Also included is a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River, and “family friendly” walks. All ages – all people are invited to join us! Local experts leading the tours will help participants explore the region’s rich and varied historical, cultural, industrial and environmental history Housatonic river paddling trips.

A great many historically and culturally significant venues will open their doors to the public on these weekends. Natural resource conservation organizations provide access to many of the region’s significant resource areas and provide interpretive talks about those resources.
(above quote from John Muir)

Click here to view the full schedule of Walks throughout CT & MA

Below are some of this weekend’s local events:

Saturday, September 8th – Sharon, CT 4 PM – 7 PM:
THE SHARON ART WALK
The second annual Sharon Art Walk gives the public a chance to see a broad range of art work at several locations in the heart of Sharon, CT. Stroll around the Sharon Town Green area and stop in to see paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other art works on display. Each of the participating galleries, institutions and artists’ studios will be open and will host a reception with light refreshments for artists and visitors. To pick up a list of locations, go to the Sharon Historical Society & Museum or Sharon Town Hall. The walk is concentrated in a two mile radius, and participating galleries will have signs at their entrances.

Sunday, September 9th: Sheffield, MA 9 AM – 12 PM:
DRURY PRESERVE & MOON IN THE POND ORGANIC FARM
See how nature conservation and sustainable agriculture live harmoniously side by side. Explore the unique beauty and nature of Schenob Brook with a spectacular view of the Berkshire-Taconic mountains on a moderate hike with naturalist, Rene Wendell, from The Nature Conservancy. We will also walk through the Moon In The Pond Farm and learn about this diverse, organic farm that TNC helped protect. Farmer Dominic Palumbo will give a tour of his farm and offer samples of some great farm meats, heirloom vegetables, and other produce; and the farm store will be open for purchases. Wear sturdy footwear and bring drink/snack. It will be the height of fall bird migration, so bring your binoculars. 3 hours–3 miles To register–rwendell@TNC.org or call 413-229-0232

Sunday, September 9th – Stockbridge, MA 10 AM – 10:45 AM
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MISSION HOUSE
In the mid-1730s, the Mohicans living in western Massachusetts gave permission for a young minister to live among them. The Rev. John Sergeant lived in a simple cabin until he built the Mission House c.1742. Now located on Main Street in Stockbridge, this National Historic Landmark, the story of the Mission House holds a multi-layered history: the Stockbridge Experiment, when the Stockbridge Mohicans lived side-by-side with English colonists, and the Colonial Revival restoration by Mable Choate and Fletcher Steele in the late 1920’s. The Mission House also showcases an outstanding collection of 18th-century American furniture and decorative arts.

Sunday, September 9th – Great Barrington, MA 10 AM – 11 AM
AN INTERPRETIVE STROLL ON THE HOUSATONIC RIVER WALK – BERKSHIRES’ NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL
Join the Greenagers on a tour of this designated National Recreation Trail that follows the Housatonic River as it flows behind Main St. Incredible volunteer efforts removed 400 tons of debris from the river and developed a trail that respects nature and reveals the river’s beauty. Learn of the historic, cultural and ecological significance of the river. 1 hour–0.5 mile

Sunday, September 9th – Salisbury, CT 11 AM – 12 PM
CANNON AT 20 PACES! THE RISE AND FALL OF THE AMES IRON WORKS
Contrast a shaded walk along a flat trail beside the Housatonic River with the smoky history of the Amesville Iron Workssame land. Lou Bucceri, from the Salisbury Association Historical Society, will share the history about the factory and the people that produced the most powerful cannon of the Civil War. Learn how the cannon destroyed no Confederate targets, but only the man and company who created it. 1 hour–0.5 mile

Sunday, September 9th – Sheffield, MA 1 PM – 3:30 PM
A GENTLE WALK ON THE SHAYS REBELLION SECTION OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Join Appalachian Mountain Club 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