The 19th Annual Housatonic Heritage Walks continues its series with its fifth and final weekend ( October 2-3) sponsored by the Upper Housatonic National Heritage Area (Housatonic Heritage).

Organizers have assembled an ambitious 86 events spread over the five weekends, involving more than 20 towns stretching from Hinsdale, MA in Berkshire County  to Salisbury, CT in Litchfield County.

There is a variety of adventures ranging from 1 mile hikes to bike and paddling tours. Many events are walks, and some are not walks at all, but more like visits to places of interest. Many of the events are guided by experts and some are self-guided. All events are free.

The fifth weekend, October 2-3 offers 15 tours including:

WHARTON’S WOODS, WETLANDS & MEADOWS: HUMAN HISTORY & ECOLOGY AT THE MOUNT

HIKE A SCENIC CIRCLE IN COOKSON STATE FOREST

COBBLE MOUNTAIN HIKE AT MACEDONIA BROOK STATE PARK

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY ON THE BIDWELL HOUSE MUSEUM GROUNDS

All of the events are meant to showcase the many natural, historic and cultural treasures to be found in the Berkshire and Litchfield County areas. They range from a tour of the historic Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield to the “Boulder Train” in Richmond to the Sharon (CT) Art Walk to the Stockbridge Community Bike Ride; farm tours, iron works, Housatonic River paddling trip and much, much more.

No pre- registration is necessary for most of the events, but there are a few that require it, so check before you go. Also check for weather-related cancellations.

The Housatonic Heritage website gives very comprehensive descriptions of all of the events. For details visit : https://housatonicheritage.org/events/heritage-walks/

The mission of the Housatonic Heritage, through Congressional act, is to  “heighten appreciation of the region, preserve its natural and historical resources and improve the quality of life and economy of the area” and this ambitious series of events certainly delivers on that.

All of the events are free, so the Heritage Walk series is not a fundraiser. Rather the 86 events are offered to make us aware of the rich cultural, historical and natural places and spaces that bless our part of the world.

To learn more about the Upper Housatonic Heritage Area visit housatonicheritage.org.