Richmond Pond, a 218-acre raised “great” pond; 53 feet deep at center, fed by 4 streams, runoff & springs. Two-thirds of the pond is in Richmond; 1/3 is in Pittsfield. I rented a house here in 2000 and that’s how I ended up in the Hilltowns!

Take a BOAT TOUR OF RICHMOND POND
Start at Boat Launch, & Paddle Counter-clockwise (to right from boat launch)

Richmond Shores (120 cottages, with private community beach) – Includes canal which connects to Nordeen Marsh. You can paddle canal, out & back, through large culvert under Shore Road to Town Beach Road where beaver dam blocks Marsh access.

Camp Russell (Boys & Girls Club) – Started 1910 as overnight camp for boys; in early 1980’s changed to a day camp; starting in 1991, girls were also allowed. Hosts many specialized summer day camp sessions.

Branch Farm (10 cottages) – The pond’s first cabin was built 1895; it’s 4th cabin after Camp Russell. A few cabins later, eagles’ nest is in tall pine.

Independent cottages (2) – They’re the green & brown ones.

Whitewood (18 cottages) – Truran boat rentals operated there in 1950’s.
Privately owned 29-acre property & large home on 1,300 feet of shoreline; has 2 small islands; was former Girl Scouts’ Camp Marion White.

South Pond Farm condominiums (46 units) – This community is in Pittsfield; formerly part of the Scace Flower Farm.

Camp Arrow Wood – Owned & operated year-round by Mill Town Capital as part of 3-venue outdoor recreation complex including Bousquet Ski & Bousquet Sport. Was Lakeside Christian Camp & Conference Center (Baptist, year-round) for 40 years until spring 2020. Lakeside was preceded by Camp Allegro for Jewish girls from the late 1930’s until 1979.

Dam – Mill owner built it in 1864; it expanded the pond acreage by 1/3; the outflow feeds the West Branch of the Housatonic River. Camp Arrow Wood owns & maintains the dam, adjusting pond water level as needed.

Richmond Town Beach – Open in summer; access gate closes daily at 6:00 pm; has picnic tables & porta-potty; no dogs allowed. Site of historic ice house; pond’s ice was harvested & shipped by train to NY.

Western Mass Hilltown Hikers  Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts  Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation  Visit Massachusetts  #hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers #hilltownhistory  #hilltownhikersadventures #discoverthehilltowns    #intheberkshires #hiking #visittheberkshires #hilltownhikers  #hikingwithdogs @topfans
SEE MORE and  become a member at www.hilltownhikers.com Support us at –> https://hilltownhikers.square.site/ Text HILLTOWNHIKERS to 707070 to donate!
Venmo @hilltownhikers