The Berkshire Hills, a beautiful region spanning parts of New England, are often locally known as “hills” or “highlands.” This contrasts with the popular image of a towering mountain range, leading many to question their formal geographic classification. Travelers frequently ask if this landscape fits into the larger Appalachian Mountain system. The answer lies in understanding the immense scope of this major continental mountain chain.
Defining the Appalachian Mountain System
The Appalachian Mountains form an extensive range that stretches for approximately 2,050 miles along the eastern side of North America. This system begins near Newfoundland in Canada and extends southwestward to central Alabama in the United States. Geologically, the Appalachians are among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, with some rocks dating back over a billion years. The mountains were formed through a series of ancient continental collisions, known as orogenies, over hundreds of millions of years. The entire system is broken down into several major physiographic provinces, including the Blue Ridge, the Valley and Ridge, and the New England Province.
The Classification of the Berkshire Hills
The Berkshire Hills are geologically considered a segment of the greater Appalachian Mountain system. They represent a continuation of the ancient mountain chain that begins further north with the Green Mountains of Vermont. Specifically, the Berkshires are classified as part of the Crystalline Appalachians, which is included within the larger New England Province. The bedrock composing the Berkshires was largely formed during the Taconic Orogeny, one of the first mountain-building events in the Appalachian chain. This geological continuity confirms their place as a subrange of the vast mountain system.
Unique Characteristics of the Berkshire Landscape
Despite their geological connection, the Berkshires possess a distinct appearance that explains their separate naming convention. Their topography is characterized by broader, more rounded hills and generally gentler slopes, differentiating them from the higher, more rugged peaks of ranges like the White Mountains. The region is essentially a dissected plateau, where the average elevation ranges from 700 to 1,200 feet, though the highest peak, Mount Greylock, reaches 3,491 feet. The current landscape was significantly shaped by glacial activity that occurred after the primary mountain-building events. These periods of glaciation helped to smooth the terrain, creating the U-shaped valleys and glacial lakes characteristic of the region.