Frequently asked questions

When does the season run and will there be programming in the Winter?

Berkshire Camino operates guided walks and hiking tours exclusively in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. We generally offer guided hikes from May through October. Check with us for hikes year-round, depending on the weather and trail conditions.

Where do I find a calendar of the day hikes and multi-day hiking journeys?

The calendar can be found on our booking platform. Start by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button that is found on the Private Day Hike menu page or on the main menu of the website. We’ve made some changes for the 2024 season. Day hikes are offered as private excursions and can be booked any day of the week. There are several time slots available daily, generally starting as early as 8:00am.

Multi-day hiking journeys can also be shopped on the booking platform. The dates in 2024 are:

Southern Berkshires 3-day/4 night journeys on May 5-9, 2024 and October 6-11, 2024

Central/Northern Berkshires 4-day/5 night journeys on May 19-24, 2024 and October 13-18, 2024

What can I expect if I come alone?

Berkshire Camino is designed with the solo traveler/participant in mind. We are particularly focused on creating a safe way for solo female visitors hikes in the Berkshires. It is likely that there will be other solo travelers in Multi-Day journey groups. The experienced created by our guides aims for everyone to quickly get to know one another by name and to walk and talk with different people along the way. A signature of our values is that we never turn a solo hiker away for a day hike. If you’ve gone out of your way to find us, then we are here for you!

Can I bring a group?

In 2024 all day hikes are private excursions for solo hikers and groups. We are best equipped to support up to 14 people. Exceptions may be possible. Group pricing applies when there are more than six people in your group so be sure to contact us for pricing. Please complete the Contact Form to get a conversation going about earmarking specific dates for your groups larger than six people.

Can I bring children on a day hike?

Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. In 2024 we have removed previous age restrictions for day hikes since all excursions are private for your group. We generally recommend bringing children age 7 and up on Berkshire Camino hikes but we’ll leave it to you since you best know your children’s abilities. Children under age 7 are free. Rates for children are approximately 40% off the adult rate.

Can I bring a dog on a walk/hike?

If you’ve hiked with us in the past we’ve been limited in the ability to welcome dogs due to van transportation and the possibility of other guests on the hike that might not appreciate your furry friend as much as you do. However, in 2024 all of the day hikes are private and operate without reliance on Berkshire Camino’s shuttle van. That means we welcome your well behaved dogs! They must be on leash and/or under your control at all times. Please bring litter bags since we practice leaving no trace on the trails.

What makes Berkshire Camino unique?

Our value proposition is to make it EASY, SAFE, ENGAGING and CONVENIENT to explore the Berkshires on foot. There is no need to plan the route or worry about navigation. The curriculum our guides are trained in creates an experience emulating a pilgrimage; starting with setting an intention, walking with curiosity and wonder, and letting a burden go that has been adding mental and emotional weight.

Easy - Save yourself time and effort. Choose from a diverse menu of hiking route that we’ve curated with the casual hiker in mind.

Safe - Feel relaxed and at ease knowing that you have an expert hiking guide who knows the trails, terrain, is CPR certified and carries a first aid kit.

Engaging - Your guide is your hiking buddy who will facilitate a mindful woodland experience. And they can share lots information about the Berkshires.

Convenient - Choose the day and time that best fits your schedule. We offer guided hikes every day of the week with a choice of several start times.

What if I need to cancel or change my registration?

We realize that despite the best of intentions it may be necessary for you to cancel or change your registration. We have a generous cancellation policy that permits you to cancel your booking for a public hike for a full refund at least 72 hours prior to the start time of the tour. Click here to read Berkshire Camino’s cancellation policy.

Will I be asked to sign a waiver form?

Yes, Berkshire Camino administers a waiver form that can be viewed here. We ask that you advise Berkshire Camino personnel and contractors if you do not want to be photographed or to have video taken of you. In the event that your image is captured, it is used exclusively for Berkshire Camino’s promotional efforts.

Should I tip the guide?

Berkshire Camino guides are paid contractors and do not work for gratuities but will graciously accept it if offered. If you have had a great time or the guide has gone over and above to assist you and would like to show your gratitude in that way, we thank you. Feel free to tip the lead guide (cash is ideal) and they will share it with any other crew members who serve you. If you would like to send a gratuity via Venmo, please ask the guide for their account name.

We would be especially grateful to you for taking the time to post an online review on Google, Trip Advisor or the review site of your choice as a non-monetary gratuity. This helps our growing business to get the attention of other visitors as well as search engines.

What is the distance and terrain covered on Berkshire Camino hikes?

Guided day hikes range from about 2.5 miles to as much as 6 miles. Multi-day hiking journey distances range from 6-10 miles daily with a total distance of 25-30 miles. Note that the Berkshires is a hilly area. It’s not quite mountains; but there are certainly some ups and downs. We offer a choice of hikes based on distance, terrain, duration and features such as scenic overlooks. Visit the day hike menu to learn more.

The ground we walk on for multi-day hiking journeys is more varied than the woodland day hikes. Expect sidewalks, country roads without sidewalks, unpaved roads and woodland trails making up the bulk of the terrain. There may be a few short connectors that require us to walk in a busy area or to cross major roads. Bear in mind that some trails may be muddy depending on season and recent rainfall.

We advise wearing hiking boots, trail runners, or other athletic shoes with a sturdy tread for hikes that are on woodland trails. Please, no sandals or flip flops. The tour description will advise if special gear, such as hiking poles, is advised. We have some poles available for your convenience.

If traveling by car where should I park?

Your booking confirmation tells you exactly where to park. GPS coordinates and descriptions are included.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet your guide at the trailhead parking lot listed on your email confirmation. Please do not go to the location that you find when you Google Berkshire Camino LLC. We do not operate a brick and mortar office and operate remotely across the Berkshires.

How should I dress?

The level of challenge of the day hikes with Berkshire Camino do not require any kind of technical clothing. What’s most important is to check the forecast in advance and wear weather appropriate clothing. Sudden shifts in the weather are not unusual in the Berkshires. We will walk rain or shine unless if there is a serious threat of significant rain, thunder and lightning storms. You might want to bring a rain jacket, poncho, extra layer of clothing or an umbrella depending on your tolerance level with getting wet. An extra pair of socks is useful in the event we encounter runoff or muddy sections. This is particularly relevant in the Spring.

Sturdy footwear with a tread that you know supports you well for a walk of this distance is advised. It would be a big mistake to wear open-toe sandals or flip flops – don’t even try! Trail runners or sneakers may be ideal for some. Others prefer the support of hiking boots. It is better to be over prepared with foot ware than under prepared.

Guests who join us on Multi-Day Hiking Journeys are provided with a recommended packing list.

What should I bring on a Berkshire Camino hike?

Guests usually like to bring a small backpack or waist pack to carry odds and ends and a water bottle. Handy items to bring are hand sanitizer, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat. Dressing in layers and adjusting along the way to regulate your comfort level is a smart way to be prepared. Your guide will also have insect repellent, a first aid kit and a few snacks to share if you don’t have time to pack your own.

By all means remember to bring 1.5-2 liters of water per person as well as some light snacks. Good hiking snacks are granola bars, trail mix, nuts, dried or fresh fruit and veggies. Some guests like to bring a sandwich. We respect leaving no trace. It is helpful to have a plastic bag to hold your trash until we get to a place where it can be properly disposed of.

What about deer ticks? Bears?

Yes, we have deer ticks, bears and other wildlife in the Berkshires. Plus we have chipmunks, bunnies and turtles.

New England is in a deer tick zone. Good preparation and observation will minimize the chances of having ticks hitch a ride on you. Knee socks, light-weight long pants and long sleeves are the ultimate protection especially if you can tuck the pant legs into the socks. Ticks are easier to see on light clothing. With that said, dress for your personal comfort. Your guide carries a First Aid kit that includes insect and tick repellent and will offer it to you before and during the hike.

New England tends to have black bears that are not by nature aggressive. By walking with a group of people there is safety in numbers. Noise such as singing, clapping or tapping hiking poles together helps to shoo bears away. We respect that this is their land, aim to do no harm, back away and remove ourselves swiftly from areas where bears are spotted.

What are the COVID-19 protocols being followed by Berkshire Camino?

The safety and health of our staff and guests is of the utmost importance. While the threat of Covid-19 has passed, the virus continues to circulate. We will refund fees should you need to cancel due to anyone in your party coming down with Covid.

Click here to read the full details about the Berkshire Camino Covid-19 policy.

Does Berkshire Camino have recommendations for lodging and transportation to and around the Berkshires?

For your convenience visit our partner page to get information about lodging, local transportation attractions and visitor centers to help you plan around your Berkshire Camino experience.

We encourage you to bring or rent a car simply because ride-share and taxi service is not always available when you need it; especially to drop off anf pick up at trailheads, some of which are a bit remote. Buses will not get you anywhere near the trailheads that we utilize.

Amtrak operates a direct train from Penn Station in New York to Pittsfield called the Berkshire Flyer from Memorial Day in May through Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day in October. Learn more about it here.

What’s happening in the Berkshires?

Check out this calendar provided by our friends at BTW Berkshires for up-to-date, inside scoop! Another great resource is this calendar from Berkshires.org. Also, explore the Berkshires Outside website to learn about other outdoor recreation ideas in the region.

Who owns Berkshire Camino and are you hiring?

The business is female owned and operated. Mindy Miraglia is the sole owner and curator. She is supported by a team of hiking guides. The business employs women and men. Reach out to us by email if you are interested in learning more about what the qualifications are to be a member of the Crew.

What do you want? Send us an email at info@berkshirecamino.com. We are all ears!