Berkshires, Mountain range in western Massachusetts, United States.
The Berkshires form a mountain range in western Massachusetts that stretches over roughly 98 miles and reaches to the northern borders of Connecticut. The highest point sits at Mount Greylock, whose summit stands at over 3,000 feet (1,064 m) and offers wide views over forested hills and valleys.
Sir Francis Bernard named the region in the 18th century after his home county of Berkshire in England when he served as governor of the Massachusetts colony. Later, the mountains became a retreat for writers and artists from New York and Boston, who built small summer houses here.
The Tanglewood Music Center draws young musicians from many countries during summer months, where they rehearse together with experienced teachers on the grounds. Visitors often see students practicing in small groups on the lawn or tuning their instruments between concerts.
Hiking trails of different lengths run through the forests and over the hills, some ending at viewpoints with benches for resting. In fall, the deciduous forests turn red and orange, while in winter snow often makes trails impassable and warm clothing becomes necessary.
The rocks here formed roughly 450 million years ago through pressure and heat, when continents collided and the mountains folded upward. Today, hikers can see smooth, folded rocks in some spots that show how the material was reshaped.
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