             
 | Property Description | 329 acres | Established 1946 | Bartholomew's Cobble is home to one of North America's greatest diversities of fern species and their allies, as well as abundant woodland wildflowers. The Reservation is named for its two rocky knolls that rise above the Housatonic River. These cobbles consist mostly of limestone and marble, whose alkaline soil supports an unusual array of flora. Away from the cobbles, the landscape changes to open fields dotted with red cedars and then to forest. Neutral to acidic soils here support coniferous and hardwood trees typical of a New England transitional forest, such as oak, pine, birch, hemlock, maple, and hickory. Freshwater marshes and beaver ponds are home to many types of plants and animals. The high point at Bartholomew's Cobble, Hurlburt's Hill, rises 1,000 feet to a twenty-acre upland field on the Massachusetts-Connecticut border that offers panoramic views northward up the Housatonic River Valley. In total, the Reservation's numerous and varied habitats feature more than 800 species of vascular plants and more forest types than anywhere else in Berkshire County. For this reason, the National Park Service designated Bartholomew's Cobble a National Natural Landmark in 1971. |
| | Trails | | 5 miles of trails. Moderate hiking. |
| | Facilities | | Visitor's Center and Natural History Museum (handicapped-accessible public restrooms). Private functions may be arranged for groups of up to 40 people; call or e-mail for more information. |
| | Tours and Programs | The Trustees of Reservations offers guided natural history canoe tours that help adults and children (12 and older) explore the natural wonders of Bartholomew's Cobble and the Housatonic River. All guided tours are led by expert naturalists, and proceeds support ongoing conservation work at Bartholomew's Cobble, including conducting wildlife research, protecting endangered species, and restoring native habitats. Visitors may also participate in workshops, lectures, and children's programs. For listings, visit our Events Calendar or contact us at bcobble@ttor.org. Housatonic Paddle – Guided Canoe Trip
When: Memorial Day, May 26 | 9AM - 12Noon
Sundays, June 1, 8, 15 | 8:30AM - 11:30AM
Saturdays, June 21, 28 | 8:30AM - 11:30AM On this guided paddle, we’ll explore the rich and varied habitats of the winding Housatonic.
Fees: Members: Adult $15; Child (10 – 16) $10. Nonmembers: Adult $25; Child $15.
Please pre-register by calling 413.229.8600 or email us at bcobble@ttor.org. Note: For all tours, please arrive on time! Tours depart promptly on-schedule. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Tours are weather dependent. Appropriate clothing recommended, including a hat. Bring binoculars, water, snack, sun block, and sun glasses. The river is bug-free, so no need for insect repellent! |
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| | Volunteer Work Days | | Help staff weed the Cobble of its nasty exotic invasive species! Learn how to identify and conserve our native species. Volunteer on Thursdays in the spring, summer, and fall, 9AM to 12Noon. For details, e-mail or call 413/229-8600. |
| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from Visitor's Center and Museum. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. The Ledges Interpretive Trail Guide is available for sale at the Visitor's Center or may be mail ordered in advance of your visit. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Original acreage purchased in 1946. Additional land purchased in 1963, 1968, and 1969, and in 1976 with a matching grant from the National Park Service and the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Additional land given by Ellen Spero Roman and James S. and Robert E. Spero in 1978; Antonio J., Gilbert F., and Vincent A. Malnati in 1981; Harry Kahn in 1982; Dr. Alan J. Frish in 1982; and Ann Z. Grumpelt in 1996 and 2000. |
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Telephone:
413-229-8600 E-mail:
bcobble@ttor.org When to Visit:
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Museum and Visitor's Center open year-round, daily, 9AM-4:30PM (closed Sundays and Mondays, December to March). Allow a minimum of 2 hours, 3 hours if also visiting the Colonel John Ashley House. Spring wildflowers show best mid-April through May. Spring bird migration at peak in May. Ferns best in June. Hawk migration from mid-Sept. through Oct. Admission Fees & Permits:
Trustees Members free. Nonmembers: adult $5, child (6-12) $1. Group rates offered for special programs and vary depending on program; call for more information. Regulations / Advisories:
NO PETS are permitted on property. This rule is strictly enforced in order to protect the wildlife. Please download the NO PETS policy flyer below. How to Get There:
From Sheffield, MA: Route 7 south approx. 2 miles to Route 7A, on right. Route 7A .5 mile to Rannapo Road, on right. Rannapo Road 1.5 miles to Weatogue Road, on right. Weatogue Road 100 yards to parking area and Visitor’s Center, on left.
From Canaan, CT: Route 7 north to Route 7A, on left, just past State Police barracks. Route 7A approx. 1.5 miles to Ashley Falls center and 4-way stop. Left at 4-way stop onto Rannapo Road. Rannapo Road approx. 1 mile to Weatogue Road, on left. Weatogue Road 100 yards to parking area and Visitor’s Center, on left. Designated parking area for 30 cars. Road Map:
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