Brittany Polito, iBerkshires
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s new outdoor recreation website connects residents and visitors with the county landscape while promoting the region.
On Monday, BerkshiresOutside.org was launched with more than 550 access points to trailheads, boat launches, parks, and more. It will serve as a companion to 1Berkshire’s tourism website Berkshires.org.
“I think the idea here is to try and make available information about everything that there is to do outdoors in the Berkshires,” BRPC’s Assistant Director Laura Brennan said. “There’s a lot more than people realize.”
Built by Gemini Creative of Stockbridge, the user-friendly website allows filtering by location, activity, and preferences and includes an interactive map of the county. Filters allow users to tailor their search for specific needs such as dog-friendly locations or places near public transit.
Most of the experiences are free but some, such as golf facilities, have charges.
Brennan explained that being a region with so many outdoor recreation options can be a part of a person’s decision to make a life here and is an increasingly large part of why people vacation in the Berkshires.