Benedict Pond Loop

This easy-to-moderate route begins at the Benedict Pond day-use area and follows a well-marked path around the shoreline. Start at the boat launch near the parking lot off Benedict Pond Road, accessible via Blue Hill Road. The blue-blazed trail circles the pond in either direction, briefly overlapping the white-blazed Appalachian Trail near the southeastern shore. Numbered interpretive stops offer insight into local ecology, while scenic views of the pond and surrounding hardwood forest make for a relaxed and educational walk. Boardwalks cross wet areas, though footing may still be uneven or muddy in places. Open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and interpretive walking, this route provides easy access to mountain laurel thickets, wildlife habitat, and forested shoreline. Hikers can take an optional detour a short distance up the Appalachian Trail to The Ledges scenic vista. The calm atmosphere and minimal elevation change make it a solid option for day hikes in the Berkshires, especially for families or casual hikers.