Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area

Visit the Berkshires and Northwest Connecticut

Be more than a tourist. You’ll be surprised at what you find in the Upper Housatonic Valley.

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Explore Black History and Culture

Visit the historic sites that shape our past, present & future.

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Discover Our Most Popular Trails

For hiking, biking and exploring secret places.

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OUR MISSION

To illuminate the diverse, rich identity of the Upper Housatonic River Valley region and to preserve and promote its historical, cultural and natural resources.

Start Your Adventure

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Paddle

Enjoy rivers and lakes with gentle waters or world class rapids.

Plan Your Bike Route

The Upper Housatonic Valley (Northwest CT and the Berkshires), beckon road riders and mountain bikers alike. with spectacular routes and trails.

Museum, Houses and Gardens

Explore special places that tell the stories of our past.

Hiking Trails in NWCT and Berkshires

From easy and family friendly walks to challenging hikes, our region offers trails for all abilities.

Explore the Music and Theater

Explore the cultural offerings of the Upper Housatonic Valley, including several of the country’s oldest and most esteemed stages.

Destinations to Experience

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Native American Heritage Trail

Visit and learn about the places, landscapes, and resources that are related to Native American culture and history

African American Heritage Trail

Scholars, historians, educators and community leaders are working to preserve Housatonic Valley’s rich African American legacy.

Great Writers Trail

Enjoy a virtual or real-life driving tour to delve into our region’s rich literary past.

Du Bois National Historical Site

Learn about native son W.E.B. Du Bois, NAACP founder, educator, writer, activist and conservationist.

Iron Heritage Trail

Follow the heritage of iron production in the Tri-State section of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York including Litchfield, Berkshire, Dutchess and Columbia counties.

Upcoming Events

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National Heritage Area Map

National Heritage Areas around the U.S. have distinctive histories, geographies, natural resources and fascinating stories to tell. Ours is one: comprising nine towns in Northwest CT and 20 in Berkshire County, MA.