Explore the Bowl
The Lake
About Our Lake
Stockbridge Bowl is a Great Pond owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While the lake itself is state property, the Town of Stockbridge is responsible for its maintenance. The Stockbridge Bowl Association works closely with the Town to support the health and safety of the lake.
The Town owns approximately 2,875 feet of shoreline, including the boat ramp, Gould Meadows, the Town Beach, and the area between the dam and the outlet.
Originally known as Lake Mahkeenac — a name given by the local Mahican (Mohican) people meaning “home of the Mahekanus” — the lake was briefly called “Mountain Mirror” before becoming known as Stockbridge Bowl.
Today, Stockbridge Bowl spans 372 acres, stretching about 1.7 miles long and 0.6 miles wide, with roughly 6 miles of shoreline. The lake reaches a maximum depth of about 48 feet, with an average depth of 27 feet.
The lake supports a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, perch, and salmon, making it a popular destination for both seasonal and year-round fishing.
Public access is available at the boat ramp off Route 183, as well as at Gould Meadows, the Town Beach, and Bullard Woods. These areas offer walking trails, lake access, and recreational space for the community.
More than 400 homes surround the lake, ranging from waterfront properties to homes set into the surrounding hills.
Kwuniikwat Island
Quick Facts
This three-acre island, near the south end of Stockbridge Bowl, is owned and maintained by the SBA, which has provided picnic tables and a dock for public use.
Kwuniikwat Island was formerly referred to simply as “The Island.” The SBA wanted to honor the tribal history of this area, originally part of the Mohican homeland, and in 2018 offered naming rights to the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe.
Kwuniikwat Island attracts blue herons, green herons, osprey, loons, cormorants, Canada geese, bald eagles and ducks. If you visit Kwuniikwat, please remove any trash, build no fires, and leave the island as you found it.
Bullard Woods
Overview
Bullard Woods is a 52-acre property located along Stockbridge Bowl at the intersection of Hawthorne Road and Hawthorne Street, across from the Linde Center. Originally part of the Highwood estate, the land was deeded to the Stockbridge Bowl Association in 1954 by Mrs. William Norton Bullard, one of the Association’s original members.
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The property includes approximately 1.25 miles of maintained hiking trails beginning at the Hawthorne Road parking area and leading to the shoreline. A bridge crosses a stream within the woods, and trail connections allow visitors to continue on to Gould Meadows via the Tanglewood connector, exiting on Route 183.
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Bullard Woods is open to the public and includes picnic tables near the water and scenic areas for recreation. Visitors are asked to respect the property by leaving no trash behind and not building fires.
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The SBA continues to enhance the property with thoughtful additions. A well-loved tree swing was replaced with benches after the original tree branch was compromised. Additional seating has been added near the lake, including a bench honoring former SBA presidents.
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The Association hosts seasonal Heritage Walks through Bullard Woods, typically held over several weekends in September and October, to highlight the history, ecology, and significance of the property.
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Visitors are asked to be respectful of others and the environment. Dog owners should keep pets under control and clean up after them. Not all visitors are comfortable with unleashed dogs, and shared use of the space should remain considerate and safe for everyone.
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Ticks are common in the Berkshires, and visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and avoid high grass or brush. Taking precautions, including the use of repellents for both people and pets, is recommended.
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Bullard Woods is home to a diverse collection of mature trees, including notable old-growth species. These forests are rare in Massachusetts and contribute to the ecological and historical significance of the property. Natural changes, including the loss and regrowth of trees over time, are part of the landscape’s ongoing evolution.
Get Involved!
The work of the Stockbridge Bowl Association is made possible through the involvement and support of the community.
Whether you choose to become a member, make a donation, or stay engaged with ongoing initiatives, your participation helps strengthen efforts to protect the lake, maintain its ecological health, and preserve its role as a valued part of the Berkshires.
Continued support allows us to carry this work forward in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
