Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Deb S

2023-12

We visited on a chilly, overcast, fall afternoon & only saw 2 other people on the paths.The chipmunks were playing and chirping as we wandered nearby.The trails are exceptionally well cared for & marked clearly.It's definitely a place I'll visit again very soon!

RUXANDRA PREDESCU

2023-11

Beautiful easy hike in nature. We did not see any beavers though... We were told they come out at dawn. But it's nice to see the forest and fall colors. Be careful, by the stream the trail can be muddy.

Karen Melo Ticas, CFP

2023-08

Fantastic place! We very much enjoyed our visit. First, it’s very clearly an LGBTQ+ friendly service area. They have welcoming messages in various areas and a gender neutral bathroom. This goes a long way to making families feel at ease to be themselves. Bathrooms are modern and super clean during our weekday visit. Also ample parking, but again, wasn’t a peak time so that could be different. The trails are all very well maintained and clearly marked. Blue takes you away from the main area, yellow brings you back. We don’t live nearby, but if we did, we’d come back often. Thanks for being so welcoming!Restrooms: Clean and kid friendly.

Allen Livermore

2022-05

A great hiking experience for all seasons. A variety of trails and scenic environments. I especially enjoy the Trail of the Ledges. The view at the top is breathtaking. Love how, if you are a member, you can register online and skip the line at the welcome booth. Good for kids. Bikes are not permitted.

Stuart Krantz

2023-05

This is just a great MA Audubon Preserve. Lots of trails. Beaver Dams. An active (so they say, I never saw wildlife) Beaver Lodge along Beaver Lodge Trail - another was in the pond. I saw at least TWO well-established Beaver dams. Lots of gnawed trees.We took only the easy trails but the higher ones could be “strenuous”. We’re non-member seniors so the price was only $3 each. Adults were $5. There’s even a short, easy trail for “EVERYONE”.There’s been a drought so there was lots of mud and only a little water where the trails we’re.Some trails were more detoured than closed because of storms in early September. The bathrooms seemed new and very nice. Under A/C, with a water fountain, both non-gender and specific gender. I used a stall in the Men’s room and it seemed “new” w privacy doors from floor to ceiling and no open walls.I saw some birds and a chipmunk. Enjoy!!

Stuart Ratcliff

2024-04

for driving a little over an hour and being out of state not too impressed. I first thought oh what a nice quiet peaceful area but as it is your supposed to pay 5 dollars if your not a member so not worth it. the trail to the summit you can do for free and the other trails I did were a bit rough with snow and very muddy slippery conditions even some trees down. they had trails closed as well. if you want to do a family trip and bring kids that's fine for the locals. out of state or people just checking it out no need . if your wanting a good hiking park go up the street to kennedy park which I did plenty of trails and not as muddy

Michael Rocco

2023-05

Fantastic hiking trails at Pleasant Valley Sanctuary. It was well worth the $5 per person we paid for entry. The trails were maintained well and the views were unbelievable. We found it to be very informative send enjoyable. The hike itself was easy but made for a great afternoon, even in December. We enjoyed learning about the beavers and looking at their handiwork up close. The guide working the ticket area was friendly and helpful!

Dennisa Thompson

2023-09

Beautiful place to visit. Great trails for those with mobility issues or children. Bathrooms were very clean. The is a hidden gem.Restrooms: Very clean. Located at front of preserve.

Kai Cimmino

2023-05

Lovely, well-maintained with diverse flora. There are flat trails and loops or continue further into the Audubon and gain elevation to a gorgeous vista. The view at the top overlooks westward. Relatively quiet experience when I went late in the afternoon on a week day. I would assume it gets busier on weekends as well as in summers when there are events and programming. This is a space that is friendly to all ages and activity levels.

Aeron Alto

2024-02

A really beautiful site with lots of amazing views and birds! However, the trails are very poorly maintained and marked. Due to a massive fallen tree in one of the paths, the lack of proper blazing or clearing, and the tiny nearly-unreadable maps on the brochures, I got extremely lost here and just barely made it out by nightfall. It's fine if you're an experienced hiker - just be aware and prepared. I was planning for a casual stroll and I really should have worn better shoes and downloaded a map off the Internet in advance.Dog-friendliness: Dogs are NOT allowed in the wildlife refuge, I don't know why the Maps entry says they are.

Emily Yeager

2023-05

All of the Mass Audubon sanctuaries in the Berkshires are beautiful, put I'm partial to Pleasant Valley. The wildlife you can see here is astounding and the trails are peaceful (I particularly love the waterfalls, the beaver dam, and the hike up to the top of the mountain). They have trails for everyone (though a few are being rebuilt currently after a major storm). This is a hidden (nature) gem in the area!

L M

2020-05

Great family and kid friendly outdoor location. The many hiking trails cover many levels of difficulty, from flat to hilly. The only problem is they could be a little better marked. We got totally lost bit it was simple to get back with a little bit of basic knowledge of the outdoors. My grandkids and I enjoyed a several hour walk here recently and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the 9 year old computer/ gaming nerd. We even saw a bear shuffling into the woods which my grandson called "one of my forest animals". The beaver pond area was beautiful and filled with wildflowers, trees with foliage that were just starting to turn and gorgeous birds and chipmunks too many to count. Good time in a place that will keep the kids busy looking for nature's treasures!

Mike Z

2023-08

Hiked a few trails in vicinity of the ponds, didn’t have a chance to try mountaintop trail. Good overall impression, clearly marked trails and nice nature center.

Leah Km

2023-11

Beautiful place for a nice walkUpdate as Oct. 2023OMG I was in shock the place was very bare and empty. I thought to myself maybe Oct is too late for foliage. As I walkes further I noticed all trees were down and the boarwalk blocked haftway. I asked a staff there "What happened here?" He said microburst in Aug 2022. How sad 😔.. It's still beautiful though, I am glad I went to see the before and the after.check out my instagram @lens.scape79 and @wild.petals79

Alan Galiwango

2022-05

Beavers, Beavers and even more beavers. We were in town for a weekend retreat. It rained all weekend and this was a welcome activity. Bring your boots because the trail can get muddy. A lot of trees felled by beavers building dams. Highly recommend while in Lenox.

Tommy Christianson

2023-11

Got lost for several hours on the trails with my camera. If you like that kinda stuff, do not miss this.

Laura

2023-05

I love this place. The trails are very well mantained. Very relaxing place. I highly recommend it.

Sam Ou

2019-05

Beautiful trail up to Lenox Mountain! Picturesque wooded paths that are clearly marked, and the cacophony of birds and critters calling in the forests are musical and lovely. A wonderful place to hike or leisurely walk around the gorgeous land and experience nature fully!

Jennifer Martinez

2023-05

Great hiking experience! Easy and difficult trails for kids and families. Lots to see and explore!Restrooms: Clean and we'll kept

sarah and jacob Cosulich

2021-05

Great hike with lots of trails with different degrees of difficulty, this place offers something for everyone. We decided to take a couple of the shorter trails around the pond to keep the kids interested and did it ever. We saw lots of flowers, birds, frogs, and fish in the pond. The trails were well marked and easy to follow. Due to Covid-19, the visitor’s center, restrooms, activity center, and exploration area were all closed but we were still able to have a great time here.

Ja Kr

2018-05

This is a stunning property with a variety of terrain to hike on. Hikes range from pretty simple to a little bit stressful depending on where you go. On the way out, and very near the parking area, it's always fun to stop by in the morning or evening and watch the Beavers at work. There is a spot where they will go directly under the walkway. Unplug yourself, and spend some time walking through this property on a beautiful day.

Chris Barker

2023-05

Well-marked trails among woods and beaver ponds. Pleasant displays explain the habitat. Bring binoculars and your favorite bird song ID app.

John Tabor

2022-05

It was muddy when we were there. Some wildlife but didn't see any beavers. The facilities are up to date and well maintained. Different levels of hikes for all levels. Lots of blow downs but all cleared.

Ashley Hill

2021-05

Such a great place! Well marked and maintained hiking trails. Beautiful & peaceful scenery. Only $5. Great price for wonderful & easy hiking.

Greg Key

2021-05

This is a fantastic place for a gorgeous walk in the woods. Lots of trail options with varying levels of difficulty.

Vawd

2022-05

Super pretty, and it's a pretty lengthy hike if you go the full distance. Trees were unfortunately down, and I didn't have time to go the full hike but it was awesome nonetheless.

ExploreMore

2021-05

Loved our hike here! Beautiful trails with nice scenery. Would definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area!

Rich Mulley

2021-05

Great variety of trails and landscapes. We did the Ledges trail and it wasn't too bad as long as you take a rest every so often. The beginning is the hardest and it levels off nicely toward the top. View at the top of Lenox is almost as good as Greylock, except without the crowds.

gaye weinberger

2022-05

Well maintained with paths and trails for all levels of fitness. Benches strategically placed for view and rest. And their educational programs well worth signing up for.

Noah Rosen

2021-05

During a great family outing, challenging ourselves with a good hike, I was struck by the number of beautiful birds and variety of calls when I remembered this was more than a park but an Audobon Sanctuary!