Berkshire Family Hikes Launching Backpack Program

12:55PM / Sunday, May 12, 2024Print Story | Email Story

The backpacks will have informational and educational materials, a safety kit and other items to make hiking enjoyable.

DALTON, Mass. — Berkshire Family Hikes' "Uncommon Paths" program will allow hikers to borrow a backpack full of beginner hiking material from the Dalton Free Public Library starting May 20.

Library patrons can take out two curated backpacks filled with essential hiking supplies. Each backpack contains all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure, including field guides, hiking tips, a first aid kit, and more.

Library cardholders can borrow a backpack at no cost; hikers can rent the bag for one week, which is non-renewable.

This initiative aims to promote outdoor exploration and community engagement in partnership with the library and the town's Open Space and Recreation Committee.

Berkshire Family Hikes will celebrate the program's launch with a kickoff hike event at the Pines Community Forest on Friday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Participants will have the chance to experience the beauty of nature alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts and see the backpacks in action. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is set for Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m.

This program is partly supported by a grant from the Dalton Cultural Council, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. In November, the Cultural Council approved the initiative for a $648 grant.

"We are thrilled to introduce the Uncommon Paths backpack program to the Dalton community. This initiative not only encourages individuals and families to connect with nature but also helps to boost the borrower's confidence in getting outdoors," Taylor Staubach, Founder of Berkshire Family Hikes, said.

"We are deeply grateful for the support of the Dalton Cultural Council, as well as our partners at the Dalton Public Library and the Dalton Open Space and Recreation Committee, in making this program a reality."

Berkshire Family Hikes is a local organization dedicated to promoting outdoor exploration, education, and stewardship in the Berkshires through guided hikes, educational programs, and community initiatives.

They strive to connect individuals and families with the natural world while fostering a sense of adventure and environmental responsibility.

The "Uncommon Paths" backpack program aligns with their mission to provide accessible outdoor experiences that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and

More information about the Uncommon Paths backpack program and to stay updated on upcoming events here.

Tags: hiking,

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Pittsfield Parks OKs Annual Events, Hears Wahconah Park Idea

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:11PM / Sunday, February 22, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Parks Commission signed off on some annual city events on Tuesday.

Commissioners approved the 80th annual Eggstravaganza Egg Scramble, the Westside Legends' 6th annual Easter egg hunt, and another lineup of Eagles Band concerts in the park. The Eagles Community Band is in its 90th year.

Pittsfield's 80th egg hunt will be held at The Common on Saturday, April 4 (rain date April 11) from 10 to noon. The free event is open to children ages 2-11 and will feature a balloon artist, a face painter, the Easter bunny, and, of course, plastic eggs filled with small prizes.

The Westside Easter Egg Hunt, organized by the Westside Legends, is on the same day, April 4, from 1 to 3 p.m at Durant Park. It was scheduled to not conflict with the city's event, and will include tabling from community organizations, and some raffles.

City officials are also planning an opportunity to appreciate the Wahconah Park grandstand's century of history in Pittsfield. Demolition is currently out to bid, and prices are expected the first week of March.

"We want to have some conversation around opening up the grandstand one last time for the community to come in and look around and share memories," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath reported.

"I think it would we'd be remiss if we just brought in the wrecking ball and people were like, 'Wait a minute, I didn't have a chance to have one last look out from my favorite spot in the grandstand,' So we're going to figure out how to do that, how to get that done safely, and just how to celebrate this with some folks."

He has been in touch with Larry Moore of Berkshire Baseball to share facts about the park, "and just remind people how much of a storied past Wahconah Park has had, and just keep hope alive for the next iteration of Wahconah Park, whatever that looks like."

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