Laura's Tower
Ascend to Laura's Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Berkshires, with a rewarding hike through wooded trails and the enchanting Ice Glen.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Laura's Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to Laura's Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Berkshires, with a rewarding hike through wooded trails and the enchanting Ice Glen.
"The views from Laura's Tower are absolutely stunning, making the hike well worth the effort!"
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The Laura's Tower trail can be steep and rocky. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are no water sources along the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laura's Tower Summit
Summit of the trail
Reach the iconic stone tower for panoramic views of the surrounding Berkshire landscape. A rewarding climb!
Ice Glen Trail
Connected to Laura's Tower trail
Explore the unique microclimate of the Ice Glen, with its moss-covered boulders and cool, shaded paths.
Sedgwick Family Boulder
Along the trail
Discover a massive, ancient boulder with historical significance, a testament to the area's natural history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Laura's Tower
Trail Etiquette and Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The Laura's Tower trail can be steep and rocky. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are no water sources along the trail.
🚗 Consider alternative parking
For easier parking and a slightly longer hike, start at the town hall lot and walk through the ceremonial area.
📸 Capture the views
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for photography. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The Laura's Tower trail can be steep and rocky. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are no water sources along the trail.
🚗 Consider alternative parking
For easier parking and a slightly longer hike, start at the town hall lot and walk through the ceremonial area.
📸 Capture the views
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for photography. Don't forget your camera!
🗺️ Explore connected trails
Combine the Laura's Tower trail with the Ice Glen for a more extensive hiking experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Laura's Tower for its stunning panoramic views and the rewarding hiking experience. The challenging yet manageable trail, especially when combined with the unique Ice Glen, makes for a memorable outdoor adventure. Some note that parking can be limited during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laura's Tower is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The most common access point is via the Laura's Tower Trailhead. You can also access it by parking at the town hall lot and walking through the Laurel Hill Association ceremonial area for a slightly longer but potentially easier parking option.
Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. The town hall lot offers an alternative with more space.
Yes, Laura's Tower is part of a network of trails. It can be combined with the Ice Glen Trail for a longer hike.
Using a trail map or a hiking app is recommended, especially if you plan to explore multiple trails like the Ice Glen.
Public transport options to Stockbridge are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to access Laura's Tower and its surrounding trails. It's a publicly accessible natural area.
Laura's Tower and the associated trails are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's an outdoor natural attraction, so there are no set operating hours.
Parking at the main trailhead is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signage regarding parking regulations.
Yes, Laura's Tower is accessible year-round. However, winter conditions may make the trails more challenging and potentially icy.
Visitors are expected to stay on marked trails and pack out all trash to preserve the natural environment. Dogs are generally allowed but should be leashed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Laura's Tower is considered a moderate climb and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep and rocky sections. It's a good workout, often described as a 'burner' by hikers.
From the top of Laura's Tower, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the picturesque Berkshire landscape, especially stunning during autumn.
Restroom facilities are generally not available directly at the trailhead or along the trail. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive.
The trail can be challenging for very young children due to its steepness and rocky terrain. Older children who are comfortable with hiking may enjoy it.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Laura's Tower offers the most iconic photo opportunities with its sweeping views. The unique rock formations and mossy areas in the Ice Glen also make for great shots. 
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, providing softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Autumn offers vibrant colors for stunning fall foliage shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the tower. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural areas to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Absolutely! The Sedgwick Family Boulder is a unique natural feature and a great subject for photography along the trail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider making it a shorter outing by focusing on just the ascent to the tower. The unique rock formations and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit can be exciting for kids. Exploring the Ice Glen can also be an adventure with its cool, shaded environment.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Tips for solo hikers: Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. The trail is generally safe, but it's always wise to be prepared. The summit views offer a perfect reward for your efforts, and the connected Ice Glen Trail provides an opportunity for extended exploration.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Don't forget to capture the unique textures of the moss-covered boulders and ancient trees in the Ice Glen.
The stone tower itself also makes for a striking foreground element in landscape shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Laura's Tower Trail Experience
As you ascend, you'll encounter rocky sections and uneven ground, making sturdy hiking boots essential. The trail is part of a larger network, often combined with the Ice Glen Trail, which offers a contrasting experience with its cool, shaded microclimate and moss-covered boulders. This combination allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the natural beauty of the area.
Reaching the summit of Laura's Tower is the highlight for most visitors. The stone tower itself is a historic landmark, and from its top, you are greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding Berkshire landscape. This vista is particularly breathtaking during the autumn months when the foliage transforms the hillsides into a vibrant tapestry of colors.
Exploring the Ice Glen
Hikers often describe the Ice Glen as a place of natural wonder, with its cool air and the quiet solitude of the dense forest. The presence of massive rocks, including the notable Sedgwick Family Boulder, adds to the geological interest of the area. The trail can be somewhat rugged, with uneven terrain and roots, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Combining the Ice Glen with the ascent to Laura's Tower provides a diverse hiking experience. You can start at the town hall lot, explore the ceremonial area, and then connect to the trails leading to both the Ice Glen and Laura's Tower, adding mileage and variety to your outing.
Best Times and Tips for Visiting
Autumn is a particularly popular season due to the stunning fall foliage that blankets the Berkshire hills, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. However, this beauty also attracts more visitors, so a weekday visit during this time is still advisable for a less crowded experience.
Essential tips for your hike include wearing sturdy hiking shoes due to the trail's steep and rocky nature, and bringing plenty of water, as there are no water sources along the path.
Consider starting your hike from the town hall lot for potentially easier parking and to add a bit more mileage to your adventure. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit