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A straightforward out-and-back.
This small but stunning glacial ravine is a short walk from easy parking in Stockbridge, MA. The Ice Glen Trail has a lot to offer.
If you love ancient pines and tall hemlocks, enormous moss-covered boulders and hidden nooks, this ravine—which even in the midst of summer carries whispers of snow and ice—is the forest mystique you seek. It’s so fun.
I stopped here in the middle of a long car drive back to New York from Maine. It’s a perfect way to stretch your legs for 45 minutes or an hour.
This hike is kid-friendly, though small children should be carefully supervised.
Local lore has it that the tallest pine in Massachusetts stands at the southern edge of the glen.
Founded in 1853, the Laurel Hill Association is the nation’s oldest village beautification society. It owns the property for Laurel Hill, near the Stockbridge town center and maintains the trails for Ice Glen.
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Ice Glen Trail Hiking Trail
There are two trailheads from which to begin this very short hike. One is right in town, to the north of the glen, and begins by crossing a delightful footbridge. However, I began southwest of the glen, on Ice Glen Road along which there are some lovely views of Monument Mountain, another classic Berkshires hike.
The Ice Glen Trail hiking trail in Stockbridge, MA, includes…
- Easy hiking into the ravine from either side
- Ancient pines
- Enormous boulders
- So much moss
- Footbridges and stone stairs
BTW, I did this hike in March and was very glad I had a pair of MICROspikes in my pocket.
A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 8 delightful photos.
Ice Glen Trail Hike Time
Allow 1 hour for this hike.
Ice Glen Trail Elevation Gain
The elevation gain for this hike is 250 feet (apx 75 meters).
Ice Glen Trail Trail Notes & Gallery
The first part of this hike is by kind permission of the landowners, so please abide by their terms…
After walking up the road, the Ice Glen Trail begins on the left and it’s immediately lovely…
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Similar Hikes
Close by is Monument Mountain, a superb short loop hike with fantastic views.
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Trailhead Info for this Hike
Small roadside parking. Pay close attention to signage.
Google Maps Location: 42.270902, -73.311253
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Good unless you are deep in the gorge. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
