The Mohawk Trail is one of the oldest paths in the country, and New England’s first official “Scenic Tourist Route.” This east-west roadway winds across northern Massachusetts following parts of Massachusetts Routes 2 and 2A from Westminster to Williamstown, Massachusetts. Along the way, you’ll visit quaint New England towns, enjoy incredible scenic views, and experience some of the most spectacular foliage in the country.
So impactful is this route that it’s become part of America’s legacy; Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about the path in 1838 as did Henry David Thoreau in 1844. Today, the Mohawk Trail has been recognized by both the American Automobile Association and National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the top scenic routes in the country.
The origins of the route can be traced to footpaths along area rivers carved by Native Americans, particularly the Mohawks, who used them hunting, trade, and migration. Eventually, European settlers used those same pathways to travel among the English and Dutch settlements that would become parts of the colonies of New York, and Massachusetts. It was heavily used during the French and Indian War. During the Revolution, Colonial troops under the command of Benedict Arnold traveled the Mohawk Trail from Boston, eventually capturing British-held Fort Ticonderoga in New York, the first American victory of the Revolutionary War.
Today’s scenic route began to take shape in 1912 during the early automobile era. It formally opened in October of 1914 as the state’s first officially designated “scenic auto touring road.” From the 1920s to the 1950s, the route became a travel destination unto itself. Restaurants, gift shops, motor courts, and campgrounds began popping up to serve auto travelers. Many of those souvenir shops, restaurants, and motels are still open today. In the Mohawk Trail State Forest, “There are cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s available for rent” the park ranger notes.
Almost every mile of the Mohawk Trail offers something to enjoy. But, there are certain must-see spots along the way.
While the historic Mohawk Trail has many unofficial starting and ending points, the 69-mile portion of State Route 2 from Williamstown to Athol is designated the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway. Along the way, drivers can drive the Trail's famous hairpin turn then, if they wish, detour onto the Mt. Greylock Scenic Byway to wind the highest Peak in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock, and descend back down to the Trail.
A five-arch concrete bridge crosses the Deerfield River in Shelburne Falls called the Bridge of Flowers. This one-time trolley bridge is now planted with an array of flowers and plants which have been tended by the Shelburne Falls Woman’s Club since the early days of the Route.
Downstream from the Bridge of Flowers is Salmon Falls, where the river bottom is pocked with the nation’s largest collection of glacial potholes. These ancient geologic formations were created by small stones eroding the granite river bed by swirling pools of water. The formations can be viewed from an overlook at the end of Deerfield Avenue in Shelburne Falls.
Road warriors will love the Mohawk Trail’s unique Hairpin Turn and overlook near North Adams. The switchback is exciting to drive and provides a breathtaking view of the Hoosac Valley and surrounding Berkshire Hills.
Note - the hairpin turn is sharp. If you have a fifth-wheel, large motorhome, or are towing a car, you may want to avoid the turn and find an alternative way to see it.
Swimming at Shelburne Falls [Photo/Mohawk Trail Association]
The Hoosac Tunnel is an active railroad tunnel passing through the Hoosac Range between the towns of Florida and North Adams. The process of tunneling through miles of solid rock was considered an engineering marvel in the middle of the 19th-century and involved experimental use of a new explosive called Nitroglycerin.
When completed in 1875, the 4.74-mile tunnel was the longest in the world, with a price tag of $15 million and nearly 200 lives. Even today, it’s the longest railroad tunnel in North America east of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the best parts of traveling the Mohawk Trail is visiting the quaint New England towns along the way. From east to west, here are some to visit:
This small town is near the beginning of the trail for the westward-bound traveler. It is also in the center of Johnny Appleseed country.
The town of Montague is comprised of five villages set along the Connecticut River that offer the chance to experience small-town life and learn about everything from Native American to industrial history.
Yankee Magazine calls Greenfield a “scrappy combination of old-time New England and forward thinking.” It’s the first designated “green community” in the state. Historic Deerfield, just south of Greenfield is an authentic New England experience with eleven historic houses and both guided and self-guided tours showcasing early American life.
Shelburne Falls is a former mill town with a growing reputation as an arts community. Be sure to visit Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley, one of the nation’s oldest bowling alleys and one of the few places where you can still enjoy candlepin bowling.
North Adams is best known for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked MCLA in its Top Ten List of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
Nearby Adams is the home of Susan B. Anthony’s birthplace. The small downtown is full of shops and specialty stores. Nearby, enjoy the Victorian architecture of the Summer Street National Register Historic District.
The town of Williamstown marks the end of the trail for the westbound traveler. It’s home to Williams College, another school ranking high in U.S. News and World Report’s Best College list.
Along the journey, there are over a dozen other scenic towns on or near the Trail to experience, including Charlemont, Florida, Pittsfield, Rowe, and Savoy. Many are former mill towns that relied on the area’s numerous rivers to provide power.
The beautiful Berkshire Hills offer four seasons of recreation. In fall and spring, the foliage is amazing. Rangers at Mohawk Trail State Forest said, “The best time to come is around foliage season.” In winter, some of the best downhill and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the state can be found in the Berkshire Hills.
Lisa Belanger, co-owner of the Country Aire Campground says, “There are plenty of outdoor activities around the river, including rafting, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing.” She also notes, “There are zip lines, mountain biking, and even a mountain roller coaster.”
Some of the best fishing in New England can be found along the Trail. “Fishing in the Deerfield River is wonderful,” Belanger says, adding, “It’s mostly trout and it’s stocked.”
Mohawk Trail State Forest - this 6,400-acre state forest is known for its rustic camping. Many of the original Indian foot trails are located on the grounds. There are 53 back-in campsites that will accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet. There are no water or electric hookups. Park is handicap accessible. Park rangers state, “There are ramps to the bathrooms but the campsites are mostly gravel and not super level.”
Country Aire Campground - has 47 shaded or open pull-through sites that will accommodate up to 40’ rigs. 32 have water/electric. Others site have water/sewer/electric. Onsite is a snack bar and camp store with RV parts. Outdoors, visitors will find a swimming pool and outdoor sports like volleyball. Pet-friendly with Wi-Fi and TV available.
Mohawk Park Restaurant and Campground - has seven back-in sites, five with water and electric and two with water/sewer/electric. Co-owner Deb Fantucchio said, “We’ve been in business for 32 years,” and added, “We’re the only campground on the Deerfield River, and you can canoe, kayak, or tube right up to your campsite!” The onsite restaurant has been open since 1920.
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