October 7, 2026 – Tyringham, Massachusetts

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: approximately 2.3 miles

Max elevation: 1,358 ft.– total elevation gain 440 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Tyringham Cobble Trail Map 2023

Trailhead parking: 20 Jerusalem Road, Tyringham, MA 01264

Please note: the parking area is not plowed in the winter.

There are no public restrooms at Tyringham Cobble. Plan accordingly before arriving, as the trailhead parking area does not have restroom facilities.

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Overview:

Located in the heart of the Berkshires in Tyringham, Massachusetts, Tyringham Cobble is a 206-acre reservation managed by The Trustees of Reservations, offering a rewarding hike through open meadows, woodlands, and unusual rock formations to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The centerpiece of the property is Cobble Hill, a rocky ridge shaped by ancient geological forces that rises above the peaceful Tyringham Valley. The two-mile Cobble Loop combines a woodland hike with a section of the Appalachian Trail, leading to scenic overlooks where the rolling hills and rural landscape of the Berkshires stretch into the distance.

Cobble Hill, the centerpiece of Tyringham Cobble, rises to approximately 1,358 feet above sea level, offering scenic views of Tyringham Valley and the rolling hills of the Berkshires.

One of the more unusual features along the Cobble Loop is this natural sandstone formation, affectionately known as Rabbit Rock or the Sandstone Bunny. Its distinctive shape bears a resemblance to a rabbit, adding a bit of character to this otherwise scenic woodland hike. Keep an eye out for it along the southern side of Cobble Hill.

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History:

The history of Tyringham Cobble stretches back to the late 18th century, when pioneer farmers cleared its wooded slopes for agriculture. By the 1840’s, the property had become part of an extensive 2,000-acre farm owned by the Shakers, a religious community that pastured cattle and sheep on the hillside. As the Shaker community declined, its members sold their land and moved to other communities by the late 19th century. The Cobble remained in agricultural use, with sheep and later dairy cattle grazing its open fields.

In the 1930’s, Olivia Cutting James and a group of conservation-minded friends known as The Cobblers purchased seven parcels of land encompassing the hill and surrounding pastures. Their goal was to protect the landscape from development, particularly a proposed ski run. Between 1935 and 1939, they assembled the property and ensured that this distinctive part of the Tyringham Valley would be preserved.

Following James’s death in 1961, she left her share of the property to The Trustees of Reservations and established an endowment for its upkeep. The surviving members of the group subsequently donated their holdings, and the Trustees formally received the remaining land in 1963, preserving the 206-acre reservation for public enjoyment.

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Trails Overview:

The Appalachian Trail crosses Tyringham Cobble, connecting its scenic summit with the larger network of trails through the Berkshires. An important change came in 2008, when the Appalachian Trail was rerouted over the rocky summit ledges. Previously, it passed along the western side of the reservation without climbing to the top. The current route gives hikers a more scenic experience, with expansive views across Tyringham Valley.

Tyringham Cobble offers a short but rewarding network of trails through open meadows, wooded slopes, and rocky terrain, with scenic views of the surrounding Berkshire hills. The main hike follows the Cobble Loop, which incorporates a section of the Appalachian Trail and climbs toward the rocky summit of Cobble Hill. Although relatively short, the route includes some steep sections and uneven footing, particularly near the summit ledges.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow, with painted blazes and signs at junctions to keep you on track. This makes Tyringham Cobble a good choice for hikers who prefer straightforward navigation without having to constantly consult a map.

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Parking: 

The main parking area for Tyringham Cobble is located on Jerusalem Road in Tyringham, Massachusetts. The Trustees of Reservations lists parking for 16 vehicles. The lot is unpaved, with a mix of gravel, dirt, and grass on a slight slope. Larger vehicles may have difficulty maneuvering in the limited space.

There are no public restrooms at Tyringham Cobble. Plan accordingly before arriving, as the trailhead parking area does not have restroom facilities.   

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Hike Overview:

I arrived at approximately 10 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, just as a van carrying four hikers was pulling into the parking lot. Another couple was already setting out on the trail. Despite the early activity, this turned out to be a peaceful outing. I encountered the couple at one of the viewpoints, along with a couple of Appalachian Trail section hikers and two hikers completing the loop in the opposite direction. Otherwise, the trails were quiet, allowing me to enjoy the scenery without the crowds.

There are three viewpoints along the hike, each offering similar scenery. While none are particularly spectacular, they provide pleasant views of the surrounding countryside and are a nice reward for the effort.

I hiked the loop clockwise for a couple of reasons. This direction tackles the steeper sections early, bringing the viewpoints into play near the beginning of the hike. After the initial climb, I could relax and enjoy the scenery, finishing with an easy walk along a mowed path across a grassy hillside.

The elevation profile shows the steep initial climb toward the summit, followed by a descent over more gradual terrain for the remainder of the loop.

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The Hike:

The trailhead for Tyringham Cobble is located on Jerusalem Road, with a small, unpaved parking area accommodating approximately 16 vehicles. From here, the trail begins by crossing an open grassy field toward the woods. The rural setting provides a peaceful starting point for this short but rewarding hike in the Berkshires.

From the parking lot, cross the grassy field toward the far-right corner, where an opening leads into the woods. When I started my hike, the grass had not been mowed, so I simply trudged across the field. On my return, workers were mowing a path along the far-right edge, which provides an easier way across when maintained.

When you reach this trail sign, you’ll arrive at the junction where the loop begins. The blue-blazed trail can be hiked in either direction, bringing you back to this same point. I recommend hiking clockwise, so bear left to tackle the steeper sections early and reach the viewpoints sooner.

The blue-blazed Cobble Loop Trail heads south, climbing at a moderate grade through an area of tall grass and wildflowers before continuing toward the wooded slopes of Cobble Hill.

Wooden gates along the trail provide passage through the property’s fenced areas, helping maintain the boundaries between the hiking routes and surrounding pastures.

This natural sandstone outcrop is located on the southern side of Cobble Hill. Its unusual shape resembles a rabbit, making it a fun landmark to look for while hiking the trail. Like the other rock formations in the area, it is a product of the region’s complex geological history rather than a human-made sculpture.

The trail soon enters the woods, and about half a mile from the start, the blue-blazed Cobble Loop Trail reaches a T-intersection with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. Turn right to continue the loop.

For the next 0.8 mile, the Cobble Loop Trail shares its route with the Appalachian Trail, so watch for both blue and white blazes marking the way.

The trail emerges from the woods into an open area, where the landscape begins to open up and the first viewpoint of the hike comes into view.

The first viewpoint opens up to a lovely view of Tyringham Valley, with the rolling Berkshire hills beyond. The elevated vantage point offers a pleasant introduction to the scenery along the Cobble Loop, with the quiet rural landscape stretching out below. While the view is not especially dramatic, it is a welcome reward for the climb and a good reason to pause and take in the surroundings.

Leaving the first viewpoint, the trail resumes its ascent along a rocky, uneven footpath, climbing farther up the hillside before emerging at the second viewpoint.

The second viewpoint is the best of the hike, offering a more expansive panorama of Tyringham Valley and the surrounding Berkshire hills. From this elevated vantage point, the picturesque countryside unfolds below, with open fields, scattered homes, and rolling hills stretching into the distance. It’s a lovely spot to pause and take in the scenery, and the broader outlook makes this a definite highlight of the Cobble Loop.

Far below, Tyringham Village Cemetery can be seen nestled in the valley, adding a touch of history to the rural landscape. The historic cemetery stands out among the surrounding fields and rolling hills, offering a reminder of the generations who once called this peaceful corner of the Berkshires home.

Having reached the high point of the hike at approximately 1,358 feet above sea level, the trail begins its descent down Cobble Hill. The grade steepens in places, with rocky, uneven footing requiring careful steps as the trail drops away from the summit area.

After passing through another wooden gate, the trail soon reaches the third and final viewpoint. Although the outlook is more limited than the previous two, a bench offers a welcome place to sit, rest your legs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing the descent.

The trail continues downhill, passing through another wooden gate as it descends the hillside. Along the way, old stone walls climb the slope, remnants of the area’s agricultural past, while scattered boulders dot the trail and surrounding woods, adding to the rugged character of this section.

As the trail descends to lower ground, wooden bog bridges help hikers navigate wet, muddy sections, providing firmer footing through the damp terrain.

After approximately 0.8 mile on the Appalachian Trail, the two trails diverge. Bear right, leaving the white-blazed AT and following the blue blazes of the Cobble Loop Trail to continue the loop.

After passing through the final wooden gate—the only one I encountered that was actually functional—the trail emerges from the woods onto an open, grassy hillside. Straight ahead, the rolling Berkshire Mountains stretch across the horizon, providing a scenic backdrop for the final stretch of the hike.

The trail traverses the grassy hillside, passing a junction with the Pavilion Trail, which provides an alternative starting point for the hike. Continue along the blue blazes for approximately another 0.3 mile to complete the loop and return to the junction where the hike began.

After closing the loop, pass through the steel gate and cross the open grassy field to return to the parking lot, where the hike began.

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Review:

Tyringham Cobble is a short, rewarding hike featuring three viewpoints, unusual rock formations, and peaceful woodland walking. The second viewpoint is the highlight, offering the most expansive outlook over Tyringham Valley. The hike is well suited for those looking to explore the Berkshires without committing to a full day on the trail. The open grassy hillside near the end provides a pleasant finish. Overall, Tyringham Cobble is well worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Pros:

Short hike, three viewpoints, peaceful trails, interesting rock formations, scenic Berkshire countryside, manageable distance, easy access from the parking area.

Cons:

Viewpoints are somewhat limited, no restrooms at the trailhead.

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Sources:

• Tyringham Cobble

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