Recreation Guide

The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

This incredibly long 98 mile trail stretches from the southern border of Massachusetts all the way to the northern border. The trail cuts through the pioneer valley and over places such as Mt. Tom towards the southernmost part, then runs into the Holyoke range, and then north along hills in the Connecticut river valley. The northern part of the trail will eventually reach the summit of Mt. Grace in Warwick then crosses into New Hampshire eventually finishing at the summit of Mt. Monadnock. Many trails cross over the path of the “M-M” trail and are probably kept alive by it’s presence allowing infinite exploring throughout the pioneer valley. The best way to make sure that you stay on this great trail is to look for white rectangular blazes on tree or signs. If you see double white blazes this means your about to take a sharp change in direction so pay attention. The trail also has white plastic triangles placed at junctions to help keep you on track. The trail was conceived by a UMass professor and is maintained by local groups and by the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Trail guides are available from the club at the AMC office in Boston located on 5 Joy Street. You can also write them for information at – BCAMC Trails Committee, PO BOX 369, Amherst , MA 01004. 

The Norwottuck Rail Trail

If you’ve ever been driving down route 9 on your way through Hadley you’ve probably noticed people biking, walking, and roller blading on a small paved path alongside the road. That paved path that seems to disappear into the woods is the famous Rail trail. This 8.5 mile long road stretches from route 5 in Northampton all the way to a parking lot on station rd. in Amherst where there is an active railroad line. The views along this paved road are said to be magnificent as you pass over farmlands, cross the Hadley common, pass old barns and brooks, and go through part of the Lawrence swamp. The trail also crosses the Connecticut river on a large bridge at it’s beginning in Northampton.

Mt Sugarloaf State Reservation

This reservation located off of route 116 in south Deerfield is a 532 acre park offering hiking, picnicking, and a observation tower at the top of the mountain which offers an incredible view of the Connecticut River, the pioneer valley, and the Pelham and Berkshire hills. There are two ways to get to the top of this great mountain- drive or climb on foot. We recommend the latter from personal experience as you get the opportunity to explore the mountain on some challenging trails that occasionally open up to beautiful views of the ground hundreds of feet below. Some people choose to make their own paths and head straight up the mountain, while others use heavily traveled paths that wind around the mountain which we’ve heard are a little over a mile long. The mountain gets it’s name from the prominent sandstone rock from which it is composed-Sugarloaf Arkose and is a great example of the geological history of the valley.

Directions- mass pike to exit 4, RT. 91 north to exit 24, rte 116 east. One mile on your left.

Mt. Toby

One of the best places in the pioneer valley for a good climb is Mt. Toby located in Sunderland. The trail is a loop of roughly 4.3 miles that starts at the parking lot and onto woods road. Paths are well marked and there are forestry information plaques along the way. Cranberry pond can be found on side trails that lead east. If you stay on the main trail which begins a consistent climb upwards and then follows Roaring Brook(so named because it roars in the springtime from runoff) you will head towards the summit. There is a point along the trail where it starts to get less steep for the last ¾ mile to the top. There is a fire tower at the summit which can be climbed offering a 360 degree view which includes Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, Mt. Greylock in the west, and Mt. Wachusett towards the east. To get on the return trail of the loop follow the trail northeast  under the telephone lines and stay with the telephone line trail until you see the orange marking of the famous Robert Frost Trail on the left which will return you to the parking lot. This is just one possibility of exploring Mt. Toby and there are a few other trails available for exploring and are longer in length. If you enjoy Mountain biking this should be considered one of your future destinations as there is a mix of fire roads, single track, and everything else you can think of both smooth and rocky. You can also get on the 33 mile long Robert Frost Trail from here if your feeling up to a big adventure. We’ve heard it can take 17 hours to walk the entire trail from start to beginning so be sure you have the time and stamina to take it on before you start. Good luck and have fun!

Directions: From I-91 take exit for route 116 south, take route 116 south about two miles to route 47, take a left and head north on rt.47 for about 3.5 miles to reservation rd. turn right onto this road and follow it a half mile to the parking area which is on your right, the trail begins at the parking lot.

The Robert Frost Trail

This popular and huge trail reaches from Holyoke range state park all the way to Mt. Toby Forest in Sunderland. The trail goes through the 1000 acre Lawrence swamp and a few other Amherst area conservation lands. This is a great trail for both Mountain bikers and hikers who need a challenge or long for a whole day of peace and quiet in the beautiful woods this trail runs through. The southern section of this trail is 14.5 miles long and can take up to 7 hours to walk. The northern section is 18.6 miles long and can take up to 10 hours to walk so bring along something to drink if you plan on taking it real slow. To find the start of the southern trail take route 116 to the Notch Visitor Center, near the Granby-Amherst line. The trail starts behind behind the visitor center along with the Metacomet-Monadnock trail for the first half a mile before it splits onto it’s own. The two trails will eventually meet again on the climb up Long Mountain, then break apart once again as the Robert frost trail heads into the Lawrence swamp, a wetland with lots of forest land. The trail will eventually enter into Amherst and it’s back roads until it reaches the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area on Pelham Road in Amherst. Amethyst Brook by the way is a mecca for mountain bikers of Amherst and includes countless trails to explore of all variety. Most members of the UMass Mountain bike club train in these woods for their races, and this is usually the first place local bike shops will recommend to riders looking for a good spot.  The Northern section of the Robert frost trail goes north from Amethyst brook to the summits of Mt. Orient and Mt. Boreas, and heads through the Eastman Brook Conservation Area, eventually you climb Mt. Toby before descending to Reservation Road. in Sunderland where the northern end of trail ends.

The Connecticut River

This massive river stretches all the way from the top of Massachusetts to the bottom and heads through the pioneer valley on it’s way to the Atlantic. Geologists believe it was formed 10,000 years ago when a gigantic northern lake, Lake Hitchcock, broke loose and headed towards the ocean. Many mill towns grew up in the past along the Connecticut river powered by it’s massive size and strength and canals can still be found from last century's shipping routes. Around Northfield and Turners fall the river is slowed and still harnessed today allowing people who wish to paddle around and explore an opportunity to do so. As you head south down the great river you find yourself coming into an area near Northampton that is used by both UMass Amherst, Smith, and Amherst College rowing clubs and teams. As you continue to head southward you will notice that the amount of Marinas increases and that there is more powerboat and jet ski activity. As you get to Springfield the river is large enough for many large ships to travel in and large powerboats that would otherwise run a ground in the northern part of the river. Today thousands of people enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports on the Connecticut river. While most of the land that borders the river is private everyone will be relieved to know that it is still a public waterway and it is open to all of those who wish to travel it. If you are interested in places to launch a boat, jet ski or Kayak check our section in recreation.

Puffers Pond

This pond is famous with students at UMass Amherst and is a great place to hang out with family or friends on a warm sunny day. The pond is clean enough to swim in and it’s possible to find 30 people in the pond at once sometimes when the weather is right. The pond is kept fresh due to a large stream that constantly feeds into one side of it and exits in the form of a large waterfall on the other side. Parking is a matter of finding a good place along the street that borders the pond. Many trails including the infamous Robert Frost Trail can be found near puffers pond so be sure to do some exploring after you leave the pond. Fisherman should pay puffers pond a visit as it’s home to Bass and trout and we’ve read that the state stocks trout in the pond.

Whitewater Rafting

Many people are unaware that some of the best whitewater action in New England is on rivers west of the Connecticut river. There is said to be lots of class IV rapids to be ridden during the right times of the year. In the north, the Deerfield river is an easy going river in the summer, but gets real hair raising in the spring. There are places along the Deerfield where it calms down to class I and II action and then picks up to class III and IV where some serious accidents have occurred. If you're looking to try some whitewater rafting you should try giving Zoar outdoor, a whitewater guide service, a ring. They are located on the Deerfield river in Charlemont on the north side of route 2 and can be reached at 1-800-532-7483.  Also located in Charlemont is Crab Apple Whitewater, another whitewater guide service located on the south side of route 2, and can be reached at 1-800-553-7238.

Where can I launch my Boat or Jet ski?

Regulations vary at each body of water listed below so it’s very important you check on local rules regarding what type of craft can be launched. Some ponds and lakes do not allow jet skis, while others place limits on the horsepower of your powerboat, so do some research before you show up. If you know of a good place to launch a boat in your town let us know and we’ll be glad to post it. Happy boating and Jet skiing!

Agawam-Connecticut River, Riverdale St, paved ramp

Belchertown-Swift River, Cold Springs road, concrete ramp

Brimfield- East Brimfield Reservoir, 2 concrete ramps off Brimfield Rd.

Chicopee- end of Melina St., paved ramp

Easthampton- Connecticut River, off north st. paved ramp

Gill-Connecticut river, near Barton Cove, off route 2

Goshen-Highland lake, paved ramp

Hatfield-Connecticut River, gravel ramp

Monterey- Benedict pond, Beartown Rd., gravel ramp

Monterey- Lake Buel, off Mass rt. 57, paved ramp

New Marlboro- Thousand Acre Swamp, off Hotchkiss rd, concrete ramp

Northfield- Connecticut River, off Wannamaker Rd, paved ramp

Otis- Otis reservoir, paved ramp

Otis- Shaw pond, off Dimmock road, paved ramp

Quabbin Reservoir- Gates 8 and 43 two concrete ramps

Richmond-Richmond pond, Beach road, paved road

Sandisfield- Upper spectacle pond, Cold Webb road, gravel ramp

Southwick- Congamond lakes, Berkshire Avenue, concrete ramp

Springfield- Five mile pond, off Boston road, concrete ramp

Stockbridge- Stockbridge bowl, off Lenox road, 2 concrete ramps

Westfield- Pequot pond, off middle long pond road, concrete ramps

Windsor-Windsor pond, paved ramp