Bartholomew's Cobble

Bartholomew's Cobble is a 329-acre nature reserve in Berkshire County with two rocky hilltops and river floodplains along the Konkapot and Housatonic Rivers. The land includes open meadows, pastures, and stream valleys that create a mosaic of different habitats.

The land was originally part of a large colonial property before George Bartholomew developed and farmed it in the early 1800s. These two periods of ownership shaped how the landscape looks and functions today.

The meadows and pastures reflect a long tradition of land stewardship that shapes how the reserve looks and functions today. Visitors notice how this managed landscape continues to support both agriculture and wild species in harmony.

About five miles of moderate hiking trails wind through different habitats and reach Hurlburt's Hill at the highest point. The trails suit visitors of various fitness levels with different difficulty options throughout.

The reserve holds the largest diversity of fern species in North America and supports one of Massachusetts' largest populations of bobolinks. This combination makes it an unusually rich habitat for these specialized creatures.

Location: Berkshire County

GPS coordinates: 42.05720,-73.35080

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41