A Weekend Getaway in the Berkshires

Dates: October 17 – 19, 2008

Friday, October 17
Independent Arrivals.

11:00 AM
Meet at the Country Inn section of the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock (Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is on route 43, about 3 miles off Route 7 in Hancock.) Register, explore the amenities of our accommodations, and enjoy the nearby areas. Room assignments will be available upon arrival.

1:30
Check in

2:00 PM
Bring 1 quart of water. Carpool to Ashuwillticook Rail trail for a walking tour of the New England landscape with Professor Ellmore. The trail passes through Hoosac River Valley, between Mt. Greylock and Hoosac Mountains, with wetland communities flanking the trail. We should expect stunning views of fall foliage at its peak. Professor Ellmore will comment on the local flora, and we can drink at a fresh running spring with exceptional water quality.

5:00 PM
Return to our Country Inn accommodations.

6:30 PM
Meet for a review of schedule/excursions & other instructions before attending a brief talk by Professor Ellmore on predicting the direction of change. Reception and light fare to follow.

Later, linger in the lounge for quintessential Tufts camaraderie, try the outdoor heated pool** and the indoor and outdoor hot tubs, or simply relax in the lounge.

Saturday, October 18

7:30 AM
Meet for breakfast. Check weather forecast at the reception desk for appropriate clothing and bring 2 quarts of water.

8:30 AM
Meet in the lounge for the mandatory safety briefing and pick up bagged lunch.

9:00 AM
Depart (via carpool) for paddling to the Housatonic River Wildlife Refuge, or simply relax and explore the Berkshire scenery and culture at your leisure; perhaps independently bicycle or practice photography.

2:00 P.M
Return from paddling.

2:30 PM
Depart for a short hike starting at the Grouse Run trail to the Jiminy Peak summit during peak fall colors for the panoramic scenic vistas. Stop at the Zephyr to learn about wind-farming from Professor Ellmore.

7:00 PM
Informal pre-dinner reception.

7:30 PM
Linger after dinner for talk of day's events, or enjoy the swimming** and the hot tubs.

Sunday, October 19

6:30 AM
Coffee and tea available in the Country Inn Lounge

7:00 AM
Meet for breakfast. Prepare luggage for departure and check out at the front desk. Check weather forecast at the reception desk. Bring 2 quarts of water.

7:45 AM
Meet for mandatory safety briefing. Depart for Mount Greylock State Reservation's challenging Roaring Brook trail to hike to Stony Ledge. We'll climb more than 1,000 feet to reach what has been described as the best mountain view in the Berkshires: the summit of Mt. Greylock (3,491 feet), flanked by hardwoods in full fall regalia [3-5 hours roundtrip]. Those who need to depart earlier may opt for a shorter and leisurely 1-hour hike to Bradley Farm trail.

Depart for home or extend your stay.

Swimmers must have a companion.

The above itinerary is tentative and subject to change. Participants interested in paddling are invited to bring their personal canoes or kayaks. While guided hiking and paddling are available as scheduled, participants may independently explore the area's many resources. A list of museums and other amenities will be available. Program participants who wish to extend their stay by arriving before and/or staying longer than the planned program should make such requests to the Tufts Travel-Learn Program.

Back to 2008 destination list