Stockbridge Bowl, artificially impounded body of water north of Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Stockbridge Bowl is a large reservoir in Massachusetts surrounded by green hills and forests in the Berkshire region. The body of water stretches roughly 2 miles long and reaches depths of about 48 feet, with a shoreline that curves around the landscape in an inviting way.
The lake was originally called Lake Mahkeenac, named after the Mahican people who inhabited the area and called it home of the Mahekanus. A dam was constructed in 1880 to manage water supply for the town, and the Stockbridge Bowl Association has overseen its care and environmental protection since 1946.
The lake is known locally as Lake Mahkeenac, a name rooted in the Mahican people who once inhabited the region. A historic sailing club on the western shore maintains a large wooden boathouse where members have gathered for generations, creating a strong sense of community tied to the water.
A public boat ramp on the northwest side provides easy water access, while a town beach on the southeast shore offers picnic areas and restrooms for day visitors. Multiple hiking trails circle the lake and through surrounding forests, ranging from easy family walks to more challenging routes through the hills.
A small island called Kwuniikwat was renamed in 2018 to honor the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe, with a name meaning appearing long in their language. The Josh Billings Run, a popular September triathlon where kayakers and canoeists paddle around the lake, draws many competitors and has become a cherished local tradition.
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