Skip to content
Daytime

Morning Light on Berry Hill

Start your day early on Berry Hill to catch the quietest moments before the midday crowds arrive.

Best time: noneAbout 120 min

Timeline

  1. 07:30

    Berry Hill

    Begin your hike at the Berry Hill summit. The trail is short and accessible from the park automobile road, making it an easy start to your morning.

  2. 08:15

    Berry Hill

    Stay at the summit for the golden light. In October, the sun sets toward the west, casting a warm glow over the Taconic Mountains. This is the best time for photos before the light fades.

  3. 08:30

    Pittsfield State Forest

    Walk south to Pittsfield State Forest. It is a short 46-minute walk from the summit, offering a peaceful change of scenery among the trees.

  4. 09:15

    Berry Hill

    Return to Berry Hill for the final leg of your journey. The trail back is straightforward, and you can end your hike with a final look at the landscape as the day progresses.

Local tip

Since there are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity, bring water and snacks with you. The area is best visited in the morning for the best light and fewer people.

Check before you go

  • Check the sunrise and sunset times for your specific date, as they vary throughout the year.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the hiking trails.
  • Bring layers as the weather can change quickly on the mountain.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Hancock (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Hancock