Summer is a magical time in Pittsfield and the surrounding Berkshires. Savor the long, warm days as you explore our refreshing lakes, scenic vistas and a myriad of outdoor activities. Photo credit: Justin Allen
Swimming
Take the family for a fun day of swimming at Burbank Park on Onota Lake or Lulu Pond Beach at Pittsfield State Forest. The former usually has lifeguards on duty during the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Photo credit: Gillian Jones, Berkshire Eagle
Boating/Kayaking/Paddle Boarding/Water Skiing
Enjoy Boating, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding and Water Skiing on either of Pittsfield’s two spectacular lakes – Onota and Pontoosuc. Boat launches to access the Housatonic River are at Fred Garner Park and Canoe Meadows. Berkshire Community Rowing (BCR, also BRASS) offers rowing experiences and coaching for people of all ages. Their boathouse is located within Burbank Park on Onota Lake.
Photo credit: Ogden Gigli
Biking
Pittsfield is super bike friendly! In the spring of 2021, new bike lanes were unveiled downtown that provide a seamless cycling experience from Park Square to Tyler Street and back. The bike lanes are buffered on either side with 2’ clear-zones to better separate people cycling from open car doors and moving traffic. The North Street bike lanes are just one piece of a future safe cycling network that will connect major thoroughfares in the city including Tyler Street, Wahconah Street, Elm Street, and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which is a scenic 14-mile trail that runs from Pittsfield through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams.
Springside Park is a popular venue for off-road biking. Berkshire Cycle Association hosts the free Berkshire Mountain Bikes Series here every Summer/Fall and in the past have hosted the Berkshire Cyclo Cross Races.
Enjoy off-road mountain biking at Pittsfield State Forest, with its magnificent scenic vistas and trails. Photo credit: Ben Garver, Berkshire Eagle
Boat Rental
Discover the ultimate boating experience with Berkshire U-Drive Boat Rental, located on Pontoosuc Lake or Onota Boat Livery on Onota Lake.
Camping
Campsites are available at Pittsfield State Forest.
Photo credit: Stephanie Zollshan, Berkshire Eagle
Hiking
There are beautiful trails to explore just minutes from downtown. Check out our full list here.
Fishing
Anglers can find exceptional fishing year round in Pittsfield at Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes, and seasonally at Pittsfield State Forest.
Pontoosuc Lake is home to abundant populations of yellow perch, white perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, black crappie and chain pickerel.
Onota Lake has an exceptionally diverse array fish species, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, brown bullhead, white sucker, carp, golden shiner, common shiner and rainbow smelt. For fishing supplies, check out Onota Boat Livery.
Photo: Berry Pond, Pittsfield State Forest
Golfing
Pittsfield has two beautiful golf courses that are open to the public, Berkshire Hills Country Club and the GEAA.
Skateboarding
The City of Pittsfield worked with the nationally-known skate park design company, Spohn Ranch, to design Phase 2 of the park. An excellent way for the kids to let off some steam. Come check it out! Photo credit: The Berkshire Eagle
Corner of East St. and Appleton Ave. | facebook
Yoga
Pittsfield loves yoga and you can find many outdoor classes throughout the city during the summer and fall several parks and scenic locations throughout the city. Classes head indoors during the colder months. Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness and Radiance Yoga host year round classes.
