Ashfield

Ashfield lies in the eastern foothills of The Berkshires, with several high hills, including Ridge Hill, in the northern portion of town. The town is at the junction of the north-south Route 112 and the east-west Route 116, which are combined for 1.4 miles south of Ashfield Lake. It is located approximately twelve miles west of I-91, the nearest interstate. Ashfield is 40.27 square miles in area, with a population of approximately 1,700.

Attractions

Ashfield Historical Society, on Main Street, featuring 10 rooms of Ashfield memorabilia in 1830 building. The main exhibition hall is a recreation of a general store, circa 1850. Exhibits include some of the 23,000 glass plate negatives taken between 1882 and 1907 by the Howes brothers. A barn houses many relics of early rural life. Open Saturdays June through August, 10 am to 12:30 p.m., during special events such as Ashfield Fall Festival and by appointment. For more information contact the curator, curator@AshfieldHistorical.org or call, (413) 628-0001.

Ashfield Lake & Belding Memorial Park, the park is located on Main St. (Route 116), just east of the intersection with Route 112, and has a public boat launch on Ashfield Lake and picnic facilities. The lake has a beach with restrooms and a lifeguard during the summer months. Canoeing, fishing, swimming and diving from the dock are all popular activities.

Ashfield Farmers' Market, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the town common, Saturdays May through October. Featuring local farms and musicians. Contact ashfieldfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Ashfield Fall Festival, is held Columbus Day weekend in the center of town. It offers arts shows, craft fair, demonstrations, food, games and entertainment.

Bear Swamp Reservation, Hawley Road, about 1/2 mile west of the town center. Hike three miles of trails, some steep in places, to a nearby beaver pond and terrific views of hillside orchards spreading below and the distant Green Mountains. For more information, visit the Trustees of Reservations website.

Chapel Brook, Williamsburg Road about 2 miles from the intersection of Route 116, Creamery Road and Williamsburg Road. Hike to the top of Pony Mountain, then cool off with a summertime dip in the chilly waters of the brook’s picture-perfect pools and falls. For more information, visit the Trustees of Reservations website.

For more information, visit the Ashfield Town Website