PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's new outdoor recreation website connects residents and visitors with the county landscape while promoting the region.

On Monday, BerkshiresOutside.org was launched with more than 550 access points to trailheads, boat launches, parks, and more. It will serve as a companion to 1Berkshire's tourism website Berkshires.org.

"I think the idea here is to try and make available information about everything that there is to do outdoors in the Berkshires," BRPC's Assistant Director Laura Brennan said. "There's a lot more than people realize."

Built by Gemini Creative of Stockbridge, the user-friendly website allows filtering by location, activity, and preferences and includes an interactive map of the county. Filters allow users to tailor their search for specific needs such as dog-friendly locations or places near public transit.

Most of the experiences are free but some, such as golf facilities, have charges.

Brennan explained that being a region with so many outdoor recreation options can be a part of a person's decision to make a life here and is an increasingly large part of why people vacation in the Berkshires.  

"We've had a reputation of course for arts and culture for a long time but that's always been in the beautiful natural setting of the region and as the marketing of the Berkshire's evolved, it has included more and more about what there is to do actively outdoors," she said.

"And that helps that helps us to attract visitors that maybe come with families or stay longer and do lots of different things."

With this, visitors can have a well-rounded trip filled with theaters, museums, and fresh air.

Berkshires Outside includes more than 400 parks owned and managed by almost 100 organizations from New Marlborough to Williamstown. While the Berkshires are known for scenic views and natural resources, many don't know just how much there is to do outdoors.

Popular spots like Monument Mountain and Olivia's Overlook can get overcrowded and this tool allows people to expand their recreation spots and get the quiet peacefulness that many go to the woods for.  Curbing overcrowding also helps preserve the land.

There are nearly 900 miles of documented trials on the website.

Brennan and Mark Maloy, BRPC's GIS, data and information technology manager, led the project. Both are excited for the launch.

"I really have enjoyed this project," Maloy said.  

"We both really enjoy outdoor recreation and so getting asked to explore some of these sites has been a great opportunity but it's also something I think we're going to use ourselves. Personally. I want to go hiking this weekend. Where do I go? Well, pull up the map and see what's in the area we want to go to."

The website has been under construction for a year and is about three years in the making.  A number of outdoor recreation stakeholders including 1Berkshire, the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation were consulted.

"We're very pleased with the results so far and the response from the outdoor recreation industry has been really positive," Brennan said.

The primary source of funding was through a state earmark and there have been several smaller funding sources.

• Most Read

• Most Comments

• All News

• Blogroll

• Photos