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.

There are 62 National Heritage Areas in the U.S.

U.S. Congress has designated these areas, which are administered in partnership with the National Park Service.

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Featured Sites

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East Mountain State Forest

A challenging trip along the Appalachian Trail climbs the steep slopes of East Mountain with four beautiful overlooks across three states.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

This 11-mile Rail Trail winds through backwoods, lakesides and wildlife, tracing an original route of Native Americans.

Norfolk Historical Society

This museum on the Norfolk village green occupies the old Norfolk Academy, built in 1840 and used as a Town Hall and jail.

The Great Mountain Forest (GMF)

The Forest has 13 miles of forest roads for hiking, mountain biking, X-C skiing and snowshoeing.

The Litchfield County Choral Union

A 75 member chorus was established in 1899 with summer performances at The Music Shed at Norfolk – the Battell Stoeckel Estate.

Spotlights

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2025 – The 23rd Annual HOUSATONIC HERITAGE WALKSFeatured Events

2025 – The 23rd Annual HOUSATONIC HERITAGE WALKS

Pollinator Resolution signed between Rotary District 7890 and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage AreaNews

Pollinator Resolution signed between Rotary District 7890 and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area

Legendary Locals of the Southern BerkshiresBooks

Legendary Locals of the Southern Berkshires

African-American Heritage TrailPhoto Galleries

African-American Heritage Trail

Instagram @housatonicheritage

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