Each October, Lee, Massachusetts comes alive for Founders Weekend, a blend of local history, outdoor adventure, and community spirit. This annual event invites visitors to stretch their legs on nearby trails, enjoy guided hikes that wind through Amherst State Forest, and engage with a town that honors its past while celebrating its natural surroundings. The weekend is an ideal mix of adventure and accessibility, designed for hikers of all levels eager to experience the Berkshires unfolding in early fall colors.

The hiking routes around Lee are practical yet rewarding. Trails range from a gentle 3-mile loop with minimal elevation gain—perfect for families or casual walkers—to a more demanding 7-mile stretch on forested, rocky terrain rising about 800 feet. These paths move through swaying hardwoods, where crisp breezes dare you to pick up the pace, and along streams that push forward with steady currents, whispering the land’s long history.

For hikers, footwear with good traction is a must; the terrain can shift from soft earth to scattered rocks, requiring stability. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially on longer hikes, so packing at least two liters of water and layering appropriately for variable autumn weather will ensure comfort. The trails offer pockets of open views where the Berkshire hills stretch in gentle waves, punctuated by distant farms and the far-off silhouettes of the Taconic Range.

Founders Weekend also features historical tours and local arts fairs, giving adventurers a chance to pause from the physical journey and ground themselves in Lee’s cultural roots. The town’s downtown invites exploration, with artisan shops and seasonal foods that fuel your outdoor efforts.

This experience isn’t about conquest or rapid achievement; instead, it’s an invitation to engage with a landscape that remains fiercely itself. Approach it ready to respect its rhythms—whether that’s the crunch of leaves underfoot or the sudden quiet of a woodland clearing. This is adventure balanced with thoughtfulness, giving you more than a hike; it offers a full weekend of discovery and connection.