high ledges wildlife sanctuary

Massachusetts Audubon runs more than 50 wildlife sanctuaries all over the state, and this is one of my favorites in Western Mass. Gorgeous view of the Deerfield River valley and surrounding hills is especially stunning in the fall (it's more crowded in autumn, especially at the Ledges overlook). According to the Mass Audubon website, High Ledges has almost 600 acres with 5 miles of trails. There's a nice variety of terrain on the way to the overlook, and it's an easy hike.

Don't expect to see too many people in this lovely Nature preserve, and that is just fine with me. We travel to the summit often and gaze out over Shelburne Falls. You can take the short trek to the top in about 15 minutes, or you can wend your way along the several Nature trails (which can be quite muddy at times). Even the views going up to the High Ledges are exquisite. After our hike we like to head down to the West End Pub for a beer and a snack.

We enjoyed our hike at this small, somewhat remote Audubon Society reserve. The landscape was beautiful, a mix of pristine forest, swamps, bogs, and overgrown orchards. Occasional overlooks to the valleys and towns below were exciting relief to the mostly dense, dim forest. the small scale and pretty good markings make this a manageable place for short, gentle hikes.

i can walk here from my house or can drive to the entrance off patten. in either case it is a lovely hike and in the spring it is the place to go to see lady slippers.

This is just a lovely location. You can park at the end of the road and walk in--it's not very far. Or make it a bike ride (it's a heck of a climb up to the parking lot, so don't attempt it if you aren't in shape). One of my favorite memories of High Ledges is of sitting out an entire mid-summer afternoon on a rock, reading a book, and looking down across the valley as the shadows grew long and the sun set. I don't think I saw another person, and even though I could clearly see the goings on down in Shelburne falls, I felt completely isolated and quiet.

Nice family type hike, known as a good area for birdwatchers. Not much elevation change, water runs alongside for some of it, and vernal pools (I think) appear in spring. You know you are near tye look out when you come upon a a chimney of what used to be a cabin in the woods. The chimney itself was built of what looks like native stones, such as jasper. Feel the wind on your face as it blows across the valley you view. Pack a snack or little lunch to take it in.

The best place to view wildflowers, birds and wonderful views of the valley. I feel it is one of the nices places in the country. Lots of trails to hike. A great place to spend the day. It takes many days to do all the trails.In the spring you can see hundreds of lady slippers (flowers) Look only, and take many pictures. Lots of pink and some yellow. I found a white on a few years back and I have never seen another.Bring water and please what ever you take in please take it out with you.