The Finest Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

The bike trails of Western Massachusetts are a hidden gem for cyclists of all talents. Unbelievable rail trails and mountain bike trails are tucked in and across the Berkshires, the Holyoke Vary, and the Connecticut River Valley. I’ve had many superb bike journeys on these trails, so can attest that they’re top-notch. Whether or not you need to tottle alongside together with your children on bikes or check out a gnarly black diamond mountain bike path, Western Massachusetts is a vacation spot for nice biking. Take pleasure in a few of my favorites right here.

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Ashuwillticook Rail Path

One of the best rail path within the Berkshires of Western Mass is the Ashuwillticook Rail Path. It runs from the city of Lanesborough for 12.7 miles to Adams. The title of the bike path comes from the Native American phrase Ashuwillticook that means “the nice river in between the hills”. Certainly it’s, because the Hoosac River wanders by the valley by the path. Moreover, you’ll see glimpses of the Berkshires, together with Massachusetts’ highest peak, Mt. Greylock, alongside the rail path.

The paved rail path is vast and clean because it passes pure areas of the Hoosac Valley and historic cities. Vestiges of the path’s former railroad line previous present up in historic buildings lining the trail.

Parking in Adams for the path is on the Uncover the Berkshires Customer Middle on Hoosac Avenue. Lanesborough parking is on the outdated Berkshire Mall on Route 8.

Make a weekend of your go to to the Ashuwillticook Rail Path and go to the fabulous Mass MoCA, a tremendous trendy artwork museum in North Adams. Or hike in Mount Greylock State Reservation. You’ll be able to keep in the one B&B on the rail path, the charming Topia Inn. This eco-friendly inn has spa bogs and bikes to hire so that you received’t have to shlep yours out to the Berkshires.

Massachusetts Central Rail Path

The Mass Central Rail Path is a part of a dream to attach Boston to Northampton on a steady 104-mile cross-state journey on the previous railway line destroyed by the good hurricane of 1938. At the moment, 51 miles of rail path are open. Vital parts of it are in Western Mass.

Norwottuck Department

Even after tons of of rides on the Norwottuck Rail Path, I by no means tire of the immense great thing about the path. The rail path runs 11 miles from Warren Wright Street in Belchertown to downtown Northampton. Main trailheads embrace the Connecticut River Greenway Park on Damon Street in Northampton, Hadley Depot on Railroad Avenue in Hadley, Mountain Farms Mall in Hadley, Fort River on Mill Lane in Amherst, Lawrence Station on Station Street in Amherst, and the jap terminus on Warren Wright Street in Belchertown.

The jap a part of the rail path in Belchertown and Amherst abounds with pure areas. Touring west, simply previous the Station Street trailhead is an excellent swamp with beaver lodges and wildflowers in season. This space is a fowl watchers’ paradise. Due to this fact, you’ll typically see somebody with a recognizing scope admiring the birds. Remember to cease to seek for wildlife right here.

Fowl life on the Norwottuck Department

The path continues on a bridge over the Fort River. The rollicking steam flashes under you. There are a variety of facet trails alongside the part earlier than you get to Amherst. Some you’ll be able to discover by bike, and others are simply nice mountain climbing trails. My favourite facet trails are the Brickyard Path and the Sanctuary Trails within the woodlands behind Amherst Faculty.

As you close to Amherst, you’ll discover the charming Bluebird Path to your left. Stroll round this path lined with bluebird nesting containers for glimpses of bluebirds or different meadow birds. The Holyoke Vary might be seen within the distance. Within the fall, this view is jaw-dropping with autumn colours.

Persevering with the Experience into Northampton

When you cross by a tunnel in Amherst, your experience will take you previous the farm fields and malls of Hadley. The Holyoke Vary seems once more in your proper. Proceed into the picturesque village of Hadley with its vast inexperienced frequent.

In an effort to get to Northampton, the rail path crosses the Connecticut River on the outdated railway bridge. Look down and see Elwell Island and the slow-moving Connecticut River. Boat visitors is attention-grabbing to observe from the bridge, particularly if you happen to see the collegiate rowing sculls as the scholars apply for races. Within the spring you’ll find fiddleheads and different wild edibles across the bridge.

The path crosses Damon Street and winds its approach into Northampton to attach up with different rail trails on the Northampton Rail Path community.

You’ll be able to learn extra about my adventures on the Norwottuck Department of the Massachusetts Central Rail Path right here.

Belchertown Part

The Belchertown part of the Mass Central Rail Path is a hall ready for enchancment however continues to be used closely by the locals. This difficult-packed dust path is an adventurous experience beginning close to downtown Belchertown. Beaver marshes, hardwood forests blended with pines. It’s a shared path so you’re liable to see runners, horseback riders, and canine walkers on any a part of the trail.

Associated Submit -> 18 Finest Bike Trails in the US

Manhan Rail Path

The Manhan Rail Path is a candy little 6-mile bike path beginning at a parking zone on Route 5 south of Northampton. This one is a favourite of mine as a result of there may be a lot to see and do on the trail. It begins with fantastic views of the Oxbow of the Connecticut River. You’ll cross some conservation land and a trailhead to Mount Tom.

Once you get to the primary street crossing( Fort Hill Rd.), you’ll have a large choice between two off-trail visits. For nature lovers, proceed down the street after which to the left on Combs Street to go to the Mass Aububon Acadia Wildlife Sanctuary. There are trails to discover this stunning property that abuts the Mill River.

Or, if you’re a craft beer lover, Fort Hill Brewery has you lined. A big out of doors patio is splendid on a sunny day.

Me, I don’t make the selection. I simply go to each locations. Birds and beer do go collectively.

Historic Easthampton

As you proceed on the Manhan Rail Path you’ll start to see the outdated historic buildings of Easthampton. Many of those buildings are slated to be preserved and became profitable retail and workplace areas just like the mill buildings additional alongside the path.

At this level, you will notice the rail path fork. The sharp proper fork results in Northampton the place it connects with the Mass Central Rail Path system at King Avenue. Proceed left on the fork and cross Millside park on the Decrease Mill Pond. There may be parking right here for the path.

You’ll proceed into Easthampton until you make a cease on the New Metropolis Brewery or the Deserted Constructing Brewery, extra nice craft beer locations with charming settings.

The path crosses Union Avenue within the city of Easthampton. There’s a wonderful trailside park, a free lending library field, and an awesome bagel store. Look over and admire the magnificent mural depicting residents concerned on this vibrant metropolis.

Mural in Easthampton
Gentle bike studying

Previous Easthampton, the bike path runs one other mile or so till it ends on Coleman Street.

Canal Aspect Rail Path

What the Canal Aspect Rail Path in Turners Falls lacks in size, it makes up for in a scenic and historic experience. Begin on the McClelland Farm Street trailhead in Deerfield. Quickly the three.7-mile paved bike path will take you throughout the Connecticut River on a bridge excessive over the water. You’ll be able to see the place the Deerfield River enters the Connecticut River in a swirling upriver pool.

After crossing a number of roads, a wonderful experience alongside the Turners Falls Canal paralleling the Connecticut River is subsequent. The canal was inbuilt 1798 to help freight visitors by boat. Now, it helps aquatic birds together with swans, geese, and geese.

Child Geese on the Rail Path
Swans within the canal

Beside the canal, you’ll be able to see the outdated buildings of the Keith Paper Firm courting from 1877. Subsequent, you’ll experience previous the Nice Falls Discovery Middle, an attention-grabbing reclaimed mill constructing with free reveals exhibiting the pure, cultural, and industrial historical past of the Connecticut River watershed. I go to typically right here and study one thing new every time.

Actions on the Trailhead in Turners Falls

The rail path ends at Unity Park on Barton Cove. The park has spectacular leisure services. If you’re biking with children, they’ll love the playground and splash pad. There’s additionally a sway glider that accommodates people with mobility points.

As well as, the entire household will marvel at fish touring by the fish ladder of the Turners Falls Fishway. The realm by the falls was a conventional fishing floor shared by the Pocumtuks, the Narragansetts, the Nipmucs, the Wampanoag, and the Wabanaki tribes due to the abundance of salmon, herring, and shad there. After the Turners Falls dam was constructed, a fish ladder was wanted to help the fish in returning to their native spawning grounds. The fish ladder is open for public viewing in the course of the peak of the spawning season from mid-Might to mid-June.

Unity Park has trailhead parking for the Canal Aspect path. There’s a bike store in Turners if you happen to want something.

Columbia Greenway/Southwick Rail Path

This mixed rail path maintained by the Massachusetts border communities of Westfield and Southwick presently runs for about 8.5 miles to the Connecticut state line from Westfield. The ultimate part of the Columbia Greenway, terminating in downtown Westfield, shall be completed quickly.

The paved path travels by woodlands and beside rivers and lakes. The rail path has an attention-grabbing historical past because the early transportation hall from Lengthy Island Sound to Northampton. Initially, the Farmington Canal and the Hampshire and Hampden Canal, constructed within the early 1800s, carried items on canal boats pulled by horses.

When the canal enterprise proved too pricey, the Northampton and New Haven Railroad took over. They completed constructing a railroad by 1855 which helped trade and agriculture prosper in these small communities. A large ice-cutting operated within the Conamond Ponds. Sixty to ninety rail automobiles stuffed with ice blocks had been shipped every day within the peak summer time season. By the Nineteen Seventies, different transportation methods had been extra viable. Due to this fact, the railroad line was deserted. The present rail path marks the following era of journey on this linear path.

Tobacco fields and drying barns line the bike path. Rising leaves for cigars was and continues to be an vital a part of agriculture in Western Massachusetts. One other historic trade in Westfield was the manufacturing of Columbia bicycles. The Columbia bikes had been the unique high-wheeler bicycles. Finally, the bicycles advanced to the safer ones of at the moment. The rail path takes its title from the Columbia bike trade.

There are a lot of entry factors to each trails. Obtain maps at Buddies of Southwick Rail Path and Columbia Greenway.

The place to Keep to Benefit from the Finest Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

Probably the most logical place to remain to get pleasure from lots of the greatest bike trails in Western Massachusetts is the colourful metropolis of Northampton. House to Smith Faculty, an thrilling arts scene, and lots of glorious eating decisions, Northampton is the terminus that hyperlinks the rail trails within the Pioneer Valley.

The Resort Northampton is a wonderful lodging within the coronary heart of Northampton. You’ll be able to entry the Northampton rail path community throughout the road from the inn.

If you’re searching for a spot that caters particularly to bikers, strive the Sugar Maple Trailside Inn. This superbly restored B&B is instantly on the Norwottuck bike path in Florence, a brief experience from Northampton.

If you’re biking the Ashuwillticook Rail Path, undoubtedly try the one B&B on the rail path, the charming Topia Inn. This eco-friendly inn has spa bogs and bikes to hire. There isn’t a have to carry your bike on a weekend getaway.

Finest Mountain Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out a number of of the mountain bike trails in Western Massachusetts as a result of there are some nice areas to experience on scenic tracks.

Holyoke Vary Mountain Bike Trails

Holyoke Vary State Park close to Amherst has miles of well-packed (besides mud season) single observe for all talents. Riders searching for some problem will get pleasure from climbing to the ridge after which using the flowy trails down.

There are two essential sections of trails. Earl’s Trails are on the north facet of the vary to the west of Route 116. Trailheads are on the finish of Army Rd. Park on the Notch Customer’s Middle, cross Rt. 116 and head proper on the first path junction. One other trailhead is on the finish of Chumura Street off Route 43.

The Batchelor Avenue trails are on the south facet of the ridge on the east facet of the park. There are a number of simple trails, however this space is thought for its technical black diamonds. Attempt Serpent God for a problem. The trailhead is off Batchelor Avenue in Granby.

Wendell State Forest

Wendell State Forest has a really perfect mixture of single and double-track trails to experience. A hybrid bike is ok for the outdated roads that snake by the forest. However if you wish to get onto among the single-track trails, carry your mountain bike. The 29 trails protecting 31 miles are primarily intermediate blue trails and gravel roads. It’s an awesome space to cruise round and benefit from the surroundings.

And, the truth is, the surroundings in Wendell is great. Experience previous beaver lodges within the park’s ponds. Rock outcrops line the dust roads. Within the spring you will notice wildflowers and the mountain laurel in bloom. Within the fall, the riotous colours of purple, orange, and yellow foliage is jaw-dropping.

Parking charges at Wendell State Forest are $5 for Mass residents and a steep $20 for non-residents. Nonetheless, parking charges are solely charged in the primary entrance lot on Montague/Wendell street. You’ll be able to drive the backroads and park at a number of parking heaps within the forest without spending a dime.

Associated Submit -> 10 Superior Out of doors Pocket Adventures in Western Massachusetts

Bike Gear for Having fun with the Finest Bike Trails in Massachusetts

Comfy and practical biking gear will make your rides on these nice bike paths extra satisfying. Check out the gear I exploit on biking journeys.

Bike Attire

Bike gloves – Cushioning your palms from bike vibrations makes for a extra comfy experience. Search for gloves with gel cushions and leather-based palms for good grip.
Bike shorts – Padded bike shorts is perhaps my favourite bike gear merchandise. They forestall chafing and cushion your tush sufficient to get pleasure from a pleasant lengthy experience. Search for high-quality chamois cloth. Gentle-reflection parts are nice for security.
Bike helmet – Bike helmets don’t final perpetually. For security, change your helmet each 5 years. So if you happen to nonetheless have your 20-year-old mind bucket, it’s time to get a brand new one. A protected experience will depend on an up to date helmet. Search for a well-vented helmet to maintain you cool.

Bike Gear

Handlebar bag– Tuck a snack, a map, your cellphone, and different go-to gadgets in your handlebar bag for immediate entry. I like a handlebar bag with a clear sleeve for a smartphone or map. And a strap that turns it right into a smart-looking shoulder bag for exploring off the bike is vital.
Biking pc – It’s enjoyable to understand how quick you’re going and the way lengthy your experience is. A easy bike pc will inform you this and extra. There are additionally computer systems with a GPS and different bells and whistles. Nonetheless, you’ll pay much more for them. They’re nice for elite rides however could also be overkill for a motorbike path.
Bike lights – There may be nothing like a sundown bike experience on a motorbike path. Nonetheless, after the solar goes down, you’ll want lights to search out your approach again. I exploit quick-release lights that I solely placed on if I’m going to journey at night time. Rechargeable lights make sense too.
Bike Instruments – A motorbike multi-tool slipped into your handlebar bag saves complications out on the path. Many small bike repairs or changes are a breeze with this multi-tool. You’ll be stunned what number of bike issues you’ll be able to repair on the path with the appropriate instruments.
Bike Pump – It all the time appears that somebody in a biking group must blow up a tire. Come to the rescue with this tremendous light-weight pump that attaches simply to your bike.
Water bottle – An insulated bike water bottle supplies refreshing chilled liquid all through the experience. I put iced tea and ice cubes in mine for a frosty drink on a scorching day. It actually retains it chilly.

Wrap Up of the Finest Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

Biking is extraordinarily widespread in Western Massachusetts. There are many scenic bike trails to discover. Many of the bigger cities in Western Massachusetts have a superb bike store if you happen to want a fast repair or a bit of drugs.

Moreover bike trails in Western Massachusetts, try the Finest Bike Trails in Vermont and 18 Finest Bike Trails in the US. Pleased pedaling!