The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum operates its Hoosac Valley Train Ride between Adams and North Adams, a distance of approximately 5 miles, on a state-owned one-time New York Central branch. The Lenox Station Museum and rolling stock collection are located in Lenox, approximately 25 miles south of Adams.
Choices
Berkshire Scenic operates Memorial Day weekend, on Saturdays from early July through Labor Day weekend, and Saturdays and Sundays through October, with two to four trains a day. The hour-long ride aboard ex-Lackawanna commuter coaches pulled by EMD switchers, or a single Budd RDC features narration of scenic and historic locales. Tinseliner holiday trains run from late November into December and other special event trains are offered. BSRM’s museum and the majority of its collection are in Lenox, open on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Exhibits include a local railroad and trolley history, a replica block station, several vintage diesel locomotives, and a restored New Haven Railroad caboose.
When to go
New England’s famed fall foliage peaks in this region in early October During this time, expect crowded roads and high lodging rates. It’s less congested at other times.
Good to know
Lodging is available in the Adams/North Adams and Pittsfield/Lenox/Lee areas. The Berkshires feature many cultural and natural attractions. Fine dining as well as fast food chains can be found throughout the region.
Worth doing
The museum’s beautifully restored 1903 New Haven Railroad station at Lenox contains an impressive collection of railroad historical artifacts and offers a short “Jitney” ride within the grounds.
Don’t miss
The visitor’s center is at the Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams, which features exhibits on the nearby 4.75-mile Hoosac Tunnel. Other area attractions include Tanglewood and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
Getting there
Adams is on Route 8 between North Adams and Pittsfield. Lenox is near U.S. Routes 7 and 20, south of Pittsfield. Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited Boston section stops daily at Pittsfield.
Location: 10 Willow Creek Road, Lenox (museum); 3 Hoosac Street, Adams (train ride)
Phone: 413-637-2210 (museum), 413-663-4189 (train ride)
Website: berkshiretrains.org
E-mail: Form on website
