Berkshire County community for history buffs and nature lovers
About 10 miles south of the Massachusetts-Vermont border lies Adams, a Berkshires community infused with history and nature. Miles from any metropolitan center, “Adams is at the foot of Mount Greylock, the tallest peak in Massachusetts,” says Elizabeth Nelson, Director of Marketing for 1Berkshire, a business and lifestyle resource for the area. “It has a quiet, small-town vibe, and it’s close to amenities with great access to nature, strolling and hiking.”
Each community in the Berkshires has their own quirks and culture. “Adams is the third-largest community in Berkshire County,” says Lindsey Schmid, Senior Vice President of Tourism and Marketing at 1Berkshire and Regional Tourism Council Director. “Each town is a fiefdom unto itself, with different regulations regarding trash pickup, BYOB regulations and tax breaks, depending on the town.” This western Massachusetts community is known for being the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, a 19th-century women’s rights activist and abolitionist.
Trails at Greylock Glen in Adams are either rustic or improved like this fine gravel path.
The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall has hosted many Civil War veterans.
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Adams’ gateway to the great outdoors
Adams includes green spaces in the community center and golfing at Forest Park Country Club; however, the main outdoor attractions revolve around the hills. A main recreational hub is Greylock Glen, where nature lovers can go birdwatching, snowshoeing and hiking amongst the trees. “The Greylock Glen in Adams is a very special place,” Nelson says. At the new Outdoor Center, people can rent gear, grab snacks and attend lectures on environmental topics. More facilities are coming soon, including a lodge, amphitheater and conference center.
Runners and cyclists can take to the paved Ashuwilltoicook Rail Trail, which stretches through Adams, or opt for one of the area’s many nature trails. The hike to Bellevue Falls leads to a freshwater swimming hole and a small waterfall. Savoy Mountain State Forest includes camping grounds, fishing spots and over 50 miles of trails.
The Ashuwilltoicook Rail Trail winds its way through Adams giving residents a great resource for outdoor activity.
Greylock Glen in Adams is a recreational site at the base of Mount Greylock State Reservation where waterfalls abound.
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Adams’ historical attractions and outings
History buffs can tour the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, the home of the famed 1800s abolitionist. It is open on weekends and hosts events like afternoon tea. Hoosac Valley Train Rides also offer a step back into the past: the Hoosac Valley Explorer takes passengers on a one-hour round trip ride, narrated with historical anecdotes about the Berkshires. Families can hop aboard the Christmas-themed locomotive during the holidays.
The town of Adams can be seen from the Mount Greylock State Reservation in Adams.
The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams features not only the original home of the great suffragette, but also historical context.
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Homes in the Berkshires under $400,000
Some homes sit close to one another on level lots in the center of Adams, while others may have more privacy in the rural outskirts. Nearly all have views of the forested hills. The residential landscape includes Cape Cods, turn-of-the-century Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes. Prices start with fixer uppers below $100,000 and peak at upwards of $400,000. Multifamily homes range from about $45,000 for a five-bedroom to $350,000 for a residence with over ten bedrooms. Average home values in Adams have been rising steadily for the past few years.
Multi-family homes in Adams are often quite well maintained.
The Cape Cod style home is one that may have distinct decorative features in Adams.
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Public school pipeline in Adams
Hoosac Valley Regional School District is rated C-plus overall on Niche. At Hoosac Valley Elementary, rated C-plus, 100% of students participated in an arts course in 2024, beating the districtwide and statewide numbers. Students may advance to Hoosac Valley Middle, rated C and Hoosac Valley High, rated C-plus. Alternatively, high schoolers may attend Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School, rated B.
The Hoosac Valley Elementary School is housed in a well-maintained art deco building in the heart of Adams.
The Hoosac Valley Middle and high School are in a modern building on the south edge of Adams.
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Shopping and dining in Adams
The center of Adams is a pedestrian-friendly downtown area along State Route 8 lined with street parking and lamp posts adorned with American flags. Local businesses and organizations housed in preserved Victorian-era buildings include The Adams, a theater undergoing renovation. The Adams hosts various performances, from multimedia shows to dance, and its incubator program allows independent artists to develop original works. Adams Hometown Markets, a regional grocery chain, has a location in the middle of Adams, and Walmart is a few miles up State Route 8. One of Adams’ casual eateries is AJ’s Trailside Pub, a convenient pitstop along the Ashuwilltoicook Rail Trail serving burgers, beer and cocktails.
AJ's Trailside Pub in Adams offers a delicious menu of traditional fare with a full bar and sports themes.
Restaurants and shops like Coffee Liberation Front give Park Street in Adams a sophisticated feel.
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Getting around north Berkshire County
State Route 8 cuts through Adams, leading 6 miles to North Adams Regional Hospital and 15 miles south towards Pittsfield. Berkshire Regional Transit Authority buses stop in the center of Adams, connecting passengers to Pittsfield and North Adams. Albany International Airport is 55 miles away.
The town of Adams is set at the base of Greylock Mountain and has a great array of outdoor recreational spaces.
Busses wend their way along the streets of Adams allowing great access to other towns nearby.
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Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erin Vincent,
an experienced agent in this area.
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