Dalton is a town in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. Next to the city of Pittsfield, it is perhaps best known for Crane Currency, formerly Crane & Company, which produces the paper used in United States national currency. In addition to the architectural heritage of the Crane Currency mill buildings and associated housing, Dalton offers many outdoor activities.
Understand
[edit]
Dalton was incorporated in 1784. It is bordered by Pittsfield and Lanesborough to the west, Cheshire to the north, Windsor to the northeast, Hinsdale to the east, and Washington to the south. Since its incorporation, Dalton has been a mill town. Crane Currency, established in 1801, is still the largest employer in the town and has had the contract to produce federal banknotes for the United States government. Dalton lends its name to the Dalton Plan educational concept and the Dalton School in New York City. Most of the built portions of the town are near and along the Housatonic River, with most of the rest of Dalton being park and preserve land.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]If coming from the west, take MA Route 9 from Pittsfield. This route starts in the center of the town at the junction of US Route 7 with East St. If on US Route 20, turn north onto South St, then go east on East St and this will become MA Route 9. If coming from the northwest, take either US Route 7 south to East St in Pittsfield to turn onto MA Route 9, or take Route 8 south and then turn left at the junction of Dalton Ave and Merrill Rd. Route 8 then runs concurrent with Route 9 into the center of Dalton. If coming from the northeast, take MA Route 9 west. In Windsor, Route 9 will then merge with MA Route 8A; continue west into Dalton. If coming from the south, take either US Route 20 north into Pittsfield and then turn east onto East St to join MA Route 9, or take MA Route 8 into Dalton.
On foot
[edit]The Appalachian Trail runs north-south through the center of Dalton and can be entered and exited from the town. The BRTA Route 4 bus line makes a stop at the Park Ave / High St trailhead.
By bus
[edit]Route 4 of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority runs from Pittsfield to Hinsdale and makes two stops in Dalton on both the inbound and outbound routes. See the website for the schedule: https://berkshirerta.gov/plan-your-trip/route-4-schedule-2/
Get around
[edit]
Map of Dalton (Massachusetts)
The best way to get around Dalton is by car. The town center and much of the residential area is also fairly traversable on foot.
See
[edit]
- 1 Crane & Company (Crane Currency), Pioneer St, [email protected]. One of the oldest papermaking businesses in Berkshire County, founded in 1801. It has the contract for producing United States currency paper. Many of the buildings of the complex are historic. Unfortunately, these buildings are closed to the public. The associated museum now only does pop-up workshops. See the website if interested.
- 2 Cranesville Historic District, Main St, west of Park Ave. A complex of historic buildings associated with Crane & Company and listed on the National Register of historic places. The industrial buildings south of Main Street are generally near the Housatonic River and screened from public view. More prominent on Main St is the 1816 home of Zenas Crane, the company's founder. Continuing east along Main St are some late 19th century houses. Most of these were built for company executives. Southwest along South Street, and then along Crane and Porter Aves south of the river, is old company-built worker housing. Most of these were built in the 1910s and 1920s. More worker housing is northeast of the Crane family estates off of Park Avenue; in this area the Cranes in the 1950s built some Capes for World War II veterans.
- 3 Crane and Company Old Stone Mill Rag Room, Pioneer St. Built in 1844, it is one of the oldest buildings of the company still extent. Listed individually as a National Register of Historic Places building.
- 2 Cranesville Historic District, Main St, west of Park Ave. A complex of historic buildings associated with Crane & Company and listed on the National Register of historic places. The industrial buildings south of Main Street are generally near the Housatonic River and screened from public view. More prominent on Main St is the 1816 home of Zenas Crane, the company's founder. Continuing east along Main St are some late 19th century houses. Most of these were built for company executives. Southwest along South Street, and then along Crane and Porter Aves south of the river, is old company-built worker housing. Most of these were built in the 1910s and 1920s. More worker housing is northeast of the Crane family estates off of Park Avenue; in this area the Cranes in the 1950s built some Capes for World War II veterans.
- 4 East Main Street Cemetery, 462 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-6115, [email protected]. M-Th: 6AM-4PM. One of the oldest cemeteries in the town, dating back to the 1780s. The last burial in this cemetery was in 1895. It is a National Register of Historic Place.
- 5 Main Street Cemetery, 321 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-6115, [email protected]. M-Th: 6AM-4PM. One of the oldest cemeteries in the town, with the earliest burials in 1788. Most of the cemetery was laid out in the 19th century. The most prominent burials are of the Crane and Weston families, owners of Crane & Company. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 6 Fairview Cemetery, Curtis Ave (take Curtis Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9)), toll-free: +1 413-684-6115, [email protected]. M-Th: 6AM-4PM. Established in 1885, Fairview Cemetery was a major burial ground for Irish Catholic Americans working in the town. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 7 Fitch–Hoose House (Hoose House), 6 Gulf Rd (take Park Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9). The house is at the intersection of Park Ave with Gulf Rd, High St, and Bridle Rd), ☏ +1 413-684-6110, [email protected]. A wood-frame house built in 1846 that is representative of African American housing in Dalton in the 19th century. A National Register of Historic Places site.
Do
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Indoor recreation and fitness
[edit]- 1 Community Recreation Association (CRA), 400 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-0260. M-F 5 AM–8 PM, Sa 7 AM–3 PM, Su 9 AM–1 PM. Community recreation center. Offers swimming, a fitness room and classes, and pickleball. Day passes are available.
- 2 Flow on Main, 399 1/2 Main St Unit 2D3 (on the second floor of the Union Block building), ☏ +1 717-422-7423, [email protected]. M 9AM–10AM, 5PM–7:30 PM; Tu 6AM–7AM, 9AM–7:30 PM; W 9AM–10:30AM, 5:30PM–7 PM; Th 9AM–8 PM; F 9AM–noon; Sa 7:30–10:30AM; Su 9AM–noon. Yoga studio
Golf
[edit]- 3 Wahconah Country Club, 20 Orchard Rd (Take Main St (MA Rt 8). Turn left onto Orchard Rd at the junction with Main St, East St, and Old Windsor Rd.), ☏ +1 413-684-2864, [email protected]. Daily 9AM-5PM. An 18-hole golf course open to the public as well as offering memberships. Includes a restaurant and bar that is also open to the public.
- 4 Downswing's Indoor Golf Center, 813 Dalton Division Rd (if coming from the west, take Elm St in Pittsfield eastbound to Williams St. Continue east to the junction with Dalton Division Rd; Downswing's is at the junction. Alternatively, take East St in Pittsfield eastbound to the junction with Hubbard Ave/Dalton Division Rd, turn right to go southbound on Dalton Division Rd to the destination. If coming westbound from Dalton, take South St off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9); turn left at the junction with Hubbard Ave/Dalton Division Rd and continue south to the destination.), ☏ +1 413-212-2768, [email protected]. Daily 9AM-9PM. Indoor golf center
Trail and wilderness
[edit]- 5 Wahconah Falls State Park, 68 Wahconah Falls Rd (take North St (MA Rt 8A/9) northeast toward Windsor; turn onto Wahconah Falls Rd. This might show up in navigation as Back Dalton Rd.), ☏ +1 413-442-8992, [email protected]. Sunrise to dusk. Hiking trails along the falls. Open for hiking and snowmobiling. Fishing is also allowed. Dogs allowed. No swimming!
- 6 Chalet Wildlife Management Area (to access from Dalton, take the Appalachian Trailhead at the parking area on Gulf Rd. 71 Gulf Rd.), ☏ +1 413-684-1646, [email protected]. Nearly 7,800 acres of mostly forest, sprawling across Dalton, Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Windsor. Plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and trapping. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area. Hunting is not allowed on the AT; while on the trail or crossing it firearms must be unloaded.
- 7 Gulf Road Parking, 71 Gulf Rd (take either High St or Park Ave to the junction with Gulf Rd, then enter Gulf Rd. Be advised that this is a dirt road that is open seasonally.). access point to both the Appalachian Trail Corridor and the surrounding area that is Chalet Wildlife Management Area
- 7 Gulf Road Parking, 71 Gulf Rd (take either High St or Park Ave to the junction with Gulf Rd, then enter Gulf Rd. Be advised that this is a dirt road that is open seasonally.). access point to both the Appalachian Trail Corridor and the surrounding area that is Chalet Wildlife Management Area
- 8 The Boulders Reserve (Gulf Road Trailhead), 71 Gulf Rd (take Gulf Rd from the intersection of High St and Park Ave. Be advised that this is a dirt road with seasonal availability.). Forested wilderness and hiking trails sprawling across Dalton as well as Pittsfield and Lanesborough. The Dalton access point is on Gulf Rd, across the street from the Appalachian Trail access point and parking lot.
- 9 Day Mountain Wildlife Management Area, East Rd (take East Rd off of Main St; continue straight on East St at the fork with Hinsdale Rd), ☏ +1 413-684-1646, [email protected]. 382 acres of mostly hardwood forest. Open for hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, trapping, and fishing. As a wildlife area, there are few maintained trails. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area; no hunting is allowed on the trail and when on or crossing the trail all firearms must be unloaded.
- 10 Housatonic River East Branch Wildlife Management Area, 88 Old Windsor Rd (take Main St MA Rt 8 to the junction with East St, Orchard St, and Old Windsor Rd; keep straight onto Old Windsor Rd. The parking lot for the Western District Office of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife also serves as the parking lot for the Housatonic River East Branch WMA.), ☏ +1 413-684-1646, [email protected]. 28 acres of wildlife preserve around the Western District Headquarters. The property includes the East Branch of the Housatonic River as well as fields mowed for access to the river. The old canal, used for a mill in the early 20th century, is now a wildlife corridor. The WMA also contains old apple trees and some vernal pools. Hunting is not allowed due to the proximity of the area to surrounding houses and the nearby school. It is a good fishing site, as the East Housatonic is regularly stocked throughout every spring.
- 11 Duncan Brook Reservoir, 90 Chalet Rd (take Chalet Rd off of North St (MA Rt 8A/9); continue to the end of the street). A beautiful hiking area around one of the town reservoirs.
- 12 The Pines Trail, High St (take High St to trailhead across the street from the junction with Field St Ext). Wooded hiking trail
Appalachian Trail
[edit]
Appalachian Trail
- 13 Appalachian Trail. The trail runs through Chalet Wildlife Management area and then the population center of the town. The BRTA Route 4 bus stops at the intersection of High St and Park Ave, which is concurrent with the trail. Helpful for resupplying in Pittsfield if needed. Trailheads and the trail campsites are as follows:
- 1 Crystal Mountain Campsite Minimal site; has tenting space for about 8 tents. A group site. Has a privy and bear box. A water source crosses the main trail just north of the side trail to campsite; this may dry up in late summer.
- 1 Appalachian Trail NB at Gulf Road Parking, 71 Gulf Rd. Trail head at a parking lot. From here, take Gulf Rd east into town.
- 2 Appalachian Trail at Housatonic St, 470-494 W Housatonic St (head to Main St (MA Rt 8/9) from High St. Then, take Depot St to W Housatonic St; the trail head is at the junction with W Housatonic St) The trail crosses MA Rt 8 here
- 3 Kay Wood Shelter Trailhead Parking Grange Hall Rd, Grange Hall Rd The trail crosses Grange Hall Rd here
- 2 Kay Wood Shelter, .45211,-.16148, 42 GA-73 Large shelter with a max capacity of 12; additional 6 tent pads. Moldering privy and a bear box. The water source is Barton Brook: go right of the shelter, past the tent pads down to a small stream on a blue-blazed trail.
Eat
[edit]- 1 813 Dalton Division Rd, 813 Dalton Division Rd (if coming from the west, take Elm St in Pittsfield eastbound to Williams St. Continue east to the junction with Dalton Division Rd; Downswing's is at the junction. Alternatively, take East St in Pittsfield eastbound to the junction with Hubbard Ave/Dalton Division Rd, turn right to go southbound on Dalton Division Rd to the destination. If coming westbound from Dalton, take South St off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9); turn left at the junction with Hubbard Ave/Dalton Division Rd and continue south to the destination.). Has two bakeries in it, see sub-listings below; shaded outdoor bench seating available.
- Shire Donuts, ☏ +1 413-344-4013, [email protected]. F 7AM-11:00AM, Sa, Su 8AM-noon. Made to order donuts; accepts preorder. $1-$10.
- Stacie's Cookie World. W 6AM-5PM, F 8AM-5:30PM, Sa 7AM-6PM, Su 6AM-7PM. Bakery cafe and customized cookies $10-$20.
- 2 Dalton Restaurant, 401 Main St #1603 Floor 1 - Berkshire Area Health Education, ☏ +1 413-684-0414. Tu-F 5:30AM-7PM, Sa 6AM-7PM, Su 6:30AM-noon. Homestyle comfort food $10-$20.
- 3 Dalton HD Pizza, 1088 South St (take South St off Dalton Ave/Main St (MA Rt 8/9). In Greenridge Variety & Liquor), ☏ +1 413-842-5310. M-Th 11AM–10PM, Sa 1 AM–10PM, Su noon–9PM. Pizza shop with dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Menu link: https://allhungry.com/ma/dalton/restaurants/dalton-hd-pizza/menu/pizzas $10-$20.
- 4 Hot Harry's Burritos, 403 Main St, ☏ +1 413-300-0028. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-7PM. Dalton location of local burrito restaurant chain. Menu link: https://places.singleplatform.com/hot-harrys-fresh-burritos-10/menu $10-$20.
- 5 Angelina's Submarine Shops, 657 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-1178. Daily 9AM-9PM. Dalton location of a local sub shop chain. The chain is credited with popularizing the sub sandwich in the Berkshires. $10-$20.
- 6 Juice N' Java, 661 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-5080. Daily 7AM-3PM. Coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch $10-$20.
- 7 portaVia, 645 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-9777. W-Su 4PM-9PM. Italian-American restaurant $20-$30.
- 8 Sweet Peas Ice Cream and Catering, 6 Depot St, ☏ +1 413-842-5192, [email protected]. Seasonally M-Th 3PM-8PM, F-Su 2pm-8pm. Ice cream shop open during the summer season
- 9 Manny's Pizza, 302 North St (MA Rt 8A/9), ☏ +1 413-553-1323. Su, Tu-Th 11AM-8:30PM; F-Sa 11AM-8:45PM. Pizza restaurant. Menu link: https://places.singleplatform.com/mannys-pizza-22/ $10-$20.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Berkshirecat Records, 63 Flansburg Ave (in the Stationary Factory. Take Flansburg Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9).), ☏ +1 413-212-3874, [email protected]. M, Th, F: noon- 5 PM; Sa-Su: noon-4PM. Vinyl record store.
- 2 Best Impressions Tees, 850 Main St, ☏ +1 413-344-5572. Tu-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-4PM. T-shirts, sweatshirts/hoodies, and accessories. Woman owned
- 3 The Arch Tattoo, 395 Main St, [email protected]. W-F 10AM-4PM, by appointment only. Woman-owned fine line tattoo and permanent cosmetics shop. Must have an appointment.
- 4 Green Gargoyle, 514 Main St (at the First Congregationalist Church), ☏ +1 413-684-1715, [email protected]. F 10AM-2PM, Sa 10AM-1PM. A thrift, gift, and bookstore run by the First Congregationalist Church.
- 5 Holiday Brook Farm, 100 Holiday Cottage Rd (take Holiday Cottage Rd off of MA Rt 9/8A), ☏ +1 413-441-4597. Daily 9AM-5PM. Farm store with locally grown products.
- 6 Union Block Bakery, 399 Main St #1603, ☏ +1 413-684-4600. Tu–F 6:30AM–5PM, Sa–Su 6:30 AM–12:30 afternoon. Bake shop
- 7 SAP Arms, 401 South St (take South St off Dalton Ave/Main St (MA Rt 8/9). In Ashuelot Park), ☏ +1 413-752-2767, [email protected]. Gun shop and accessories M-F 8AM-6PM.
Drink
[edit]- 1 The Stationary Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave (take Flansburg Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9)), ☏ +1 413-659-6299. M-F 8 AM–4 PM, Sa 9 AM–5 PM. Live concert venue with attached businesses. Has a full bar except for a few events. A converted industrial building which most recently housed the Crane & Co stationary division.
- 2 Silver Bear Distillery, 63 Flansburg Ave (in the Stationary Factory. Take Flansburg Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9)), ☏ +1 413-684-8242. Sa 1PM-5PM. Brewery that offers tasting and tours every Saturday. Weekdays by chance or appointment. $5 per person.
- 3 Shire Tavern (Shire Breu-Hous), 63 Flansburge Ave (in the Stationary Factory. Take Flansburg Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9)), ☏ +1 413-423-8018. Tu-Th 4:30–9:30PM, F-Sa 4:30 PM–midnight. Formerly Shire Breu-Hous. Operated by the catering company Berkshire Culinary Group. Food can be ordered online Tu-Sa 4:30PM-9:30PM. See the online ordering menu: https://shire.hrpos.heartland.us/menu. $20-$30.
- 2 Silver Bear Distillery, 63 Flansburg Ave (in the Stationary Factory. Take Flansburg Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9)), ☏ +1 413-684-8242. Sa 1PM-5PM. Brewery that offers tasting and tours every Saturday. Weekdays by chance or appointment. $5 per person.
- 4 Zinky's Pub, 51 Daly Ave (Take Daly Ave off of Main St (MA Rt 8/9)), ☏ +1 413-684-9766, [email protected]. M 11:30AM–10PM and W 11:30AM–11PM, Th-F 11:30AM–midnight, Sa noon–midnight, Su noon–11PM. $10-$20.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Shamrock Village Inn, 633 Main St (MA Rt 8/9), ☏ + 1413-684-0860.
- 2 The Cottage at Holiday Brook Farm, 150 Holiday Cottage Rd (take Holiday Cottage Rd off of MA Rt 9/8A), ☏ +1 413-441-4597. 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, kitchen, dining, living room, family room, laundry room; sleeps 12. Lots of outdoor space. Well-behaved dogs allowed. Two-night minimum. Discounts offered for monthly rentals. On a working farm. $350 per night + $250 cleaning fee.
Cope
[edit]- 1 Dalton Free Public Library, 462 Main St #1, ☏ +1 413-684-6112, [email protected]. Monday noon–5PM, Tu 10AM–5PM, W noon–8PM Th-F noon–5PM, Sa 10AM–2PM. Public library. Mainly of interest to historians and genealogists.
- 2 United States Postal Service Dalton, 609 Main St, ☏ +1 413-684-0364, toll-free: +1 800-275-8777. M-F 8:30-4:30, Sa 9AM-noon. Post office. Helpful for posting ahead supplies if taking the Appalachian Trail.
Go next
[edit]| Routes through Dalton |
Ends at  ← Pittsfield ←
|
W  E
|
→ Cummington → Boston |
| Pittsfield ← | N  S
|
→ Hinsdale → Becket |
| End ← | S  N
|
→ Savoy → Charlemont |
| Adams ← Cheshire ← | N  S
|
→ Washington / October Mountain State Forest → Lee |