Heritage Walks

The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage AreaFor generations, the communities in the hilly terrain of western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut have been connected by their proximity to the meandering Housatonic River. These communities have a shared history of pioneering industries including iron, paper, and electrical generation, of welcoming writers and artists, and of commitment to the preservation of the scenic landscape.

This shared regional heritage has recently been recognized by the federal government with the designation of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, one of only 49 in the country.

The Upper Housatonic Valley ranges from Kent, Connecticut, to Lanesborough, Massachusetts, and encompasses 964 square miles of the upper Housatonic River watershed. The area is bordered by the Berkshire Plateau to the east and the Taconic range to the west.

Housatonic Heritage is the local management entity that partnered with the National Park Service to help this area acquire the National Heritage Area designation. It will continue to support projects that allow visitors and residents to learn about and appreciate the underlying history and culture that make this region a very special place to live and visit.