Cheshire Reservoir

Located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Cheshire Reservoir, also known as Hoosac Lake, is a 418-acre lake located in Berkshire County, seven miles north of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Albany, New York, is 47 miles northeast, and Springfield, Massachusetts, is 62 miles southeast.

The closest location for urgent care is the Berkshire Medical Center, 8 miles southeast in Pittsfield. The Albany International Airport is 47 miles northeast.

When heading into town, stop in Pittsfield and grab a bite to eat at restaurants like Methuselah Bar and Lounge, Tito's, Vong's Thai Cuisine, and La Fogata.

Life on the Water

The Cheshire Reservoir is comprised of three basins: North, Middle, and South. All suit the different wants and needs of lake goers.

Laidback activities like canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are enjoyed in all three, particularly the Middle and South basins. Make sure you explore the various islands that make this lake so popular!

If watersports, powerboating, and high-octane fun are your thing, then the North basin is where you'll want to be, as it is the deepest part that has a concrete launch.

Whether you do it from the shore, in a boat, or a kayak, fishing is a popular pastime here. Cheshire Reservoir allows anglers to hook largemouth bass, bullhead catfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel, northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, common carp, and pumpkinseed.

What's Nearby?

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, built on a former railroad corridor, runs parallel to Route 8 through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough, and Adams, Massachusetts. It is a popular destination for biking, walking, roller-blading, and jogging.

Are you looking to set up a tee time? Berkshire Hills Country Club and Wahconah Country Club are within 10 miles of Cheshire Reservoir. These 18 hole courses are sure to impress and challenge golfers of all skill levels.

Explore Nearby Albany, New York

New York State's capital is less than an hour and a half away from Laurel Lake!

First, check out Washington Park; this city oasis was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of modern American landscaping. Take a stroll around the lake and over the beautiful Victorian bridge, or see the thousands of gorgeous tulips that surround Moses Fountain in the spring.

The Albany Institute of History and Art is another must on your list of stops in the city. This cultural landmark was opened in 1791, making it one of the oldest museums in the country! It features paintings, prints, watercolors, textiles, and other objects that illustrate a narrative of history in the Hudson Valley and its importance to U.S. history as a whole.

Schedule a tour on the USS Slater DE-766, a Destroyer Escort from WWII! During the war, these ships were in charge of guarding naval task forces against Japanese kamikaze attacks or German U-Boats. In modern times, it gives visitors a chance to learn about the day-to-day lives and conditions the men that worked aboard these ships lived through.

After a day of exploring this historic city, finish by dining at one of the highly-rated restaurants available to visitors. Examples include The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar, The City Beer Hall, and the Iron Gate Cafe.

Premiere Lake Living

Those seeking a quiet, small-town lake lifestyle with access to metropolitan attractions will love calling Cheshire Reservoir home!