Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Hike in New Marlborough and Fly Tying Clinic

April 25th at 10:00 am for the Hike

Barbecue Lunch on the grill sponsored by the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery 

Optional Fly Tying demo/lesson after lunch

Hike Rating:  Easy to Moderate 2.50 mile loop with 435 ft of elevation gain.  Sights to see:  cellar holes, charcoaling site, glacial kettle, town boundary post

Located one-half mile north of the hamlet of Hartsville, the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery (or the Hatchery to locals) was established along the Konkapot River in the late nineteenth century by Dr. Samuel Camp. Dr. Camp designed the Hatchery to be a place where he could entertain his friends “on the fat of his own land.” He selected the site for its immediate proximity to the spring at the base of the mountain that flowed through a 10-inch pipe and ran a cool 48 degrees year-round.

Much of Dr. Camp’s original vision and structure remains today. The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is situated on 148 acres of forested land that is the source of a pristine aquifer, supplying 200 gallons per minute of the pure Oxygen-rich water trout love through various pools. We raise brook trout for local recreation and educational programs throughout Berkshire County. Our woodland trails that surround the aquifer are home to many diverse species of wildlife, making the Hatchery a special place for learning about not only fish culture, but also about the natural history of the Berkshires.

The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is a cold-water aquaculture facility that lies on 148 acres in Berkshire County, in northern New Marlborough, Massachusetts.  It’s primary mission is supporting the restoration of lake trout populations in the Lower Great Lakes by supplying lake trout eggs to other federal hatcheries and rearing native brook trout for stocking in local waterways to support recreational fishing and educational programs. They operate under the supervision of the USFWS and the Berkshire Hatchery Foundation to support the restoration of lake trout populations in the Lower Great Lakes by supplying lake trout eggs to other federal hatcheries. These eggs are hatched, grown and stocked into Lakes Ontario and Erie. The restoration efforts are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. They  produce upwards of 1.2 million fertilized Seneca lake wild strain lake trout every year. The conservation efforts both enhance the lake trout population and habitat, but also provide recreational fishing opportunities to anglers in the area. The hatchery contains a shop, a fish-rearing hatchery including ten circular pools, two raceways, and three ponds, trails for recreational use, an outreach pond, and visitor parking areas. Situated on a 148-acre tract of land, the property spans across the township line between New Marlborough and Monterey and is characterized by steep hills, minimal level topography, and dense mature forests. The Konkapot River flows through the western-most portion of the property, along the west side of Hatchery Road. The hatchery complex is situated in the southwest corner of the tract and consists of six primary buildings as well as associated structures including 10 concrete rearing pools, a raceway, four ponds, and memorial monument. Additions features include a shed, visitors’ kiosk, and nature trails. Water is supplied by a well field with a catch basin and well house that channel the natural springs that flow throughout the property. 

Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

“We support and partner with the US Fish & Wildlife Service to help sustain the Hatchery and ensure it thrives. We encourage public appreciation for and support of the Hatchery, freshwater ecosystems, and recreational fishing in the Berkshires.”

• We engage and educate the public about the fish hatchery and related conservation, restoration and ecosystems;
• We support the education of school age youth and educators; and
• We encourage and support environmentally responsible recreational fishing.

Fishing Derbies

Join the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery for 2026 derbies! Open to children ages 13 and under, each second Saturday of the month from 9-10:30AM, April-September, at the fishing pond on Hatchery Road.  Learn to fish, and compete for prizes. No child goes away empty handed.

Register

Please Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers  Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles and a snack!

Want to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.

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GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010

Mission Statement:  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of historical properties and tours, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. provides monthly, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups, non-profit organizations, libraries and schools.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249

IMPORTANT: For all activities, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather, including rain gear, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.”  If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash!  Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control, leashed or otherwise, and be prepared to pick up after your dog.

Adults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time.