Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County occupies the westernmost part of Massachusetts and is a place where all four seasons bring something different.
Fall is especially stunning, with vibrant foliage covering the mountains in shades of red and gold. Winters can be harsh, but they turn the Berkshires into a snowy playground for skiing and sledding.
Summer brings a lively cultural scene, with Tanglewood attracting classical music fans from around the country. Then comes spring, offering peaceful country roads and farm stands filled with fresh local produce.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Berkshire County |
| County Seat | Pittsfield |
| Etymology | Named after Berkshire, England |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown, Windsor |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), U.S. Route 7, Massachusetts Route 2, Massachusetts Route 8 |
| FIPS Code | 25-003 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 946 square miles (927 square miles land, 19 square miles water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Bennington County, Vermont (North), Franklin County (Northeast), Hampshire County (East), Hampden County (Southeast), Litchfield County, Connecticut (South), Dutchess County, New York (Southwest), Columbia County, New York (West), Rensselaer County, New York (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42.3118° N, 73.1822° W |
| Major Landmarks | Norman Rockwell Museum, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), Mount Greylock State Reservation, Tanglewood |
| Population | Approximately 125,000 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Berkshire County Topographic Map
Berkshire County has rugged, elevated terrain, with mountains dominating much of the western half. Valleys wind between the ridges, giving the landscape a folded appearance. Explore the county’s higher elevations with our topo map below.
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Berkshire County Road Map
Roads in Berkshire County wind through mountains and small towns. Interstate 90 reaches the southern end, while major highways are otherwise limited. Route 7 runs north to south, following a winding path through the county. It’s more scenic than speedy. Despite being the largest county in Massachusetts, Berkshire County has relatively few expressways. Try our zoom tool below to explore the road network.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Berkshire County Satellite Map
Forests cover most of Berkshire County, particularly across the hills. Towns such as Pittsfield and North Adams stand out among the surrounding greenery. The satellite view reveals dense woods, winding rivers, and long mountain shadows. Open clearings appear throughout the county, but the natural landscape remains the dominant feature.
OUTLINE MAP
Berkshire County Blank Map
Berkshire County has a tall, narrow shape that stretches north to south along the western edge of Massachusetts. It borders New York to the west, Connecticut to the south, and Vermont to the north.
Massachusetts County Maps
Massachusetts County Map
Small state, big personality. Boston’s skyline is packed with history, while the Cape delivers beach days and lobster rolls. Massachusetts brings together history, culture, and coastline across its 14 counties.