Overview
New Ashford is a small town in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Brodie, a ski resort, was a major attraction, but this closed in 2002. Portions of Mount Greylock are within the town boundary. The town, settled by Europeans in 1762, is said to be named after a fort made of ash trees - "Ash Fort" - which was built in 1769. Alternatively, it is claimed to be named after Ashford, Connecticut.
2 sights · 3 things to do · 1 places to eat · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about New Ashford
1792 Schoolhouse
Built in 1792, the schoolhouse building was also the site where Phoebe Jordan became the first woman to vote in a United States national election after the passage of the 19th Amendment, casting her vote on Nov. 2, 1920.…
Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Beijing, China)
Sanlitun is one of Beijing's most vibrant and popular destinations for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is home to the open-air Taikoo Li shopping complex, numerous trendy boutiques, international restaurants, and a f…
Campground Trail
1.1 mile-long hiking trail on Mount Greylock. Can reach the summit in Adams by continuing on the Hopper Trail and joining up with the Appalachian Trail
CCC Dynamite Trail
An easy hike
Jones Nose Trailhead and Old Adams Rd. Trail
Located on Mount Greylock, almost all of the approximately 1 mile-length of Jones Nose Trail runs through Cheshire. However, the trailhead begins in New Ashford. Old Adams Rd. Trail begins here as well. The trailhead als…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Albany)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 30 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BDL Bradley International Airport, Hartford — 54 mi away (major hub). Directions
New Ashford is north of Lanesborough and south of Williamstown. Route 7 is the primary road through the town, and is the main entry point from Williamstown and Lanesborough. From Hancock, you can take Brodie Mountain Road north through Lanesborough to the junction with Rt. 7 near the New Ashford border. Access to the Mount Greylock portions of the town is from Lanesborough. From Rt. 7, turn onto either North Main Street or Scott Road, and then turn onto Greylock Road, which will turn into Rockwell Road. Travelling up this road will take you into New Ashford, and ultimately will take you to the summit of the mountain in Adams. This road is only available seasonally, however. Various trails accessible by foot which start in Williamstown or Cheshire can also take you into New Ashford.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $42–$345 a night (typical $74), from 6 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $62 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$230, comfortable ~$710.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning 1792 Schoolhouse, Jones Nose Trailhead and Old Adams Rd. Trail, Campground Trail
- Lunch The Mill on the Floss
- Afternoon CCC Dynamite Trail, Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Beijing, China)
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
New Ashford is north of Lanesborough and south of Williamstown. Route 7 is the primary road through the town, and is the main entry point from Williamstown and Lanesborough. From Hancock, you can take Brodie Mountain Road north through Lanesborough to the junction with Rt. 7 near the New Ashford border. Access to the Mount Greylock portions of the town is from Lanesborough. From Rt. 7, turn onto either North Main Street or Scott Road, and then turn onto Greylock Road, which will turn into Rockwell Road. Travelling up this road will take you into New Ashford, and ultimately will take you to the summit of the mountain in Adams. This road is only available seasonally, however. Various trails accessible by foot which start in Williamstown or Cheshire can also take you into New Ashford.
Get around
Route 7 is the only primary road through New Ashford, and most attractions are along the route. The drive is very scenic, cutting through the forested Taconic Range.
See
- Several nicely shaded rest stops are along Route 7. A short drive up to Greylock Regional School in Williamstown offers a spectacular view of Mt. Greylock. Also some beautiful scenery along Rockwell Road on Mount Greylock, which is accessible from Lanesborough.
See 1792 Schoolhouse (New Ashord Schoolhouse)
Built in 1792, the schoolhouse building was also the site where Phoebe Jordan became the first woman to vote in a United States national election after the passage of the 19th Amendment, casting her vote on Nov. 2, 1920.
See Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Beijing, China) (三里屯)
Sanlitun is one of Beijing's most vibrant and popular destinations for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is home to the open-air Taikoo Li shopping complex, numerous trendy boutiques, international restaurants, and a famous bar street. It is also adjacent to Beijing's largest embassy district, giving the area a strong international atmosphere.
Do
Trails
Note that access to trails on Mount Greylock by car is seasonal. On foot, and snowmobile if enough snowfall, offers broader accessibility.
- The Appalachian Trail runs through New Ashford, but is accessed either further up Mt. Greylock in Williamstown, or lower down in Cheshire.
Do Jones Nose Trailhead and Old Adams Rd. Trail
Located on Mount Greylock, almost all of the approximately 1 mile-length of Jones Nose Trail runs through Cheshire. However, the trailhead begins in New Ashford. Old Adams Rd. Trail begins here as well. The trailhead also has many wild blueberry and raspberry bushes in the vicinity. The summit of the mountain can be reached from this trail by joining the Appalachian Trail.
Eat
- Temporarily closed.
Eat The Mill on the Floss
French country cuisine served at an 18th century farmhouse.
Sleep
Stay New Ashford Inn & Motor Inn
Family owned and run. Free wifi. No pets. King, queen and double size beds.
Go next
- Williamstown is a short drive to the north, and offers many cultural attractions including the Clark Art Institute and the historic Williams College.
- Further north is Vermont state
- To the east of Williamstown is North Adams, which provides access to the northern side of Mt. Greylock.
- Ramblewild, in Lanesborough, and Jiminy Peak, in Hancock, are a short drive south, off Route 7 on Brodie Mt. Rd. Lanesborough is also south on Rt. 7, and from there Pittsfield.
Nearby
Cheshire
City / town · 37 listings · 5 mi away
Hancock
City / town · 25 listings · 6 mi away
Lanesborough
City / town · 30 listings · 6 mi away
Adams
City / town · 14 listings · 6 mi away
Williamstown
City / town · 40 listings · 8 mi away
North Adams
City / town · 12 listings · 9 mi away
Dalton
City / town · 51 listings · 10 mi away
Pittsfield
City / town · 39 listings · 11 mi away
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