The Most Remote Small Town in Massachusetts Is the Perfect Place to Get Away From It All

These past few months have been quite busy for my family and me, and we never seem to have a chance to slow down. We have spent many weekends participating in exciting activities within the cities of Boston and Salem, standing in lines, walking many urban blocks, and spending lots of time among excited tourists. This hectic season has been so much fun, but now I am ready for a peaceful getaway to enjoy a bit of solitude and reconnect with nature. Fortunately, the remote small town of Mount Washington, Massachusetts, is on my travel radar, as it's the perfect spot for a slow travel getaway.

You can’t get much more remote than Mount Washington. This 22.4-square-mile town is located in the southwestern corner of Massachusetts in the Berkshires, bordering the states of New York and Connecticut. Mount Washington is situated on a plateau and is surrounded by majestic mountains; it is often referred to as “the town among the clouds." Mount Washington has only one commercial business and no post office. Only four roads lead out of town. There is also a pretty church and a quaint town hall.

Fewer than 200 people live here year-round, and although Mount Washington doesn't have many residents, the town is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state and 6,000 acres of forests. One beautiful place to visit is the Mount Washington State Forest, which has over 30 miles of gorgeous trails to explore and is home to Mount Frissell. Trails range in elevation from 439 to 3,382 feet; many are rugged, so be prepared for a challenging hike through magnificent wilderness.

Mount Washington is also home to Bash Bish Falls State Park, one of the state’s prime locations to view waterfalls. This stunning spot is beautiful year-round, but is especially breathtaking when the leaves change color in the autumn months as the waterfall cascades into a natural pool below. I am definitely adding this amazing hike to my fall bucket list!

And there are even more scenic trails at Mount Everett State Reservation. From the 2,624-foot summit, you can see panoramic views of three New England states—Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. The reservation is also part of the Appalachian Trail.

The North Schoolhouse, a historic one-room building operated as a school from 1868 to 1942, is another point of interest in Mount Washington. While this now-vacant building has seen better days, the local historical society advocates for saving it from further deterioration. This historic schoolhouse just adds to the charm of this remote Massachusetts town.

Have you taken a trip to Mount Washington? If so, please tell us all about it. If you are searching for more local small towns to visit, I suggest you check out the nearby town of Sheffield. A stay at the town's Race Brook Lodge is a great place to rest your feet after all that hiking in Mount Washington!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own remote getaway in Massachusetts using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.