Travel here to see forested wilderness and historic towns, beautiful hiking trails, the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, and enjoy the region’s rich arts scene with local and famous actors, and a museum of contemporary art.
The Mohawk Trail, from central Massachusetts to the Berkshires on the western part of the state, was at one time a simple footpath used by Native Americans for socializing, trading, and hunting. Over the years, the route was gradually paved and widened. What is now designated Massachusetts Route Two will take you through forested wilderness and historic towns, and along the way introduce you to the region’s wealthy arts scene. The trip begins in the town of Greenfield, originally part of nearby Deerfield. Deerfield lies just to the south on U.S. Route five. Historic Deerfield is a community of fourteen beautifully preserved and restored homes from the 18th and 19th Centuries and is well worth a visit.
Heading west on Route Two, you’ll come to the town of Shelburne, famous for the Bridge of Flowers, an abandoned trolley bridge that some local gardeners transformed into a flowering span back in the 1920s. The bridge is swathed in some 500 various species of blooms from early spring into fall. Detour next to Route 112 north from Shelburne to the award-winning North River Winery for a tour and a tasting (moderation, please!). Back on the Mohawk Trail you’ll arrive to the town of Charlemont. In the summertime, drop by at the Charlemont Federated Church for a free concert.
Travel west to the Mohawk Trail State Forest and the Savoy State Forest with their woderful hiking trails–including parts of the original Mohawk Trail footpath. Take the half-mile hike in the Savoy Forest to Tannery Falls, a magnificent 80-foot waterfall. Pitch a tent at the 45-unit campground if you feel like taking additional time to discover these heavily wooded forests.
Not far from the 2,240-foot Whitcomb Summit, the highest summit along the Mohawk Trail, is the town of Florida, at the mouth of the Hoosac Tunnel. Tragically, roughly 200 men were killed while building this 4.7-mile railway tunnel, known as “the Bloody Pit.” The passage was considered important to the development of North Adams, a factory town to the west, which highlights many well-preserved 19th Century industrial buildings. The Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams is on located at an old freight yard and its many exhibits explain the region’s industrial history. Before leaving North Adams, be sure to drop in on the converted 27-building historic mill complex, which houses MASS Moca, the museum of contemporary art that has been credited with reviving North Adams’ depressed economy. Nearby is the Natural Bridge State Park, which is constructed on an enormous marble quarry and the only natural bridge in New England.
Keep going west to the town of Adams,the birthplace of the great feminist, Susan B. Anthony and another factory town with many 19th Century textile mills. The drive ends in picturesque Williamstown, home of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute with its collection of American paintings, including works by Winslow Homer, Sargent, and Cassatt. Here also is the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Williams College. The 11-week summer festival regularly presents new and classic plays performed by local actors as well as such stars as Richard Dreyfuss, Colleen Dewhurst, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Starting Point:
Greenfield, MA
Distance of Drive:
52 miles
Must Eat:
Brickford’s Family Restaurant
258 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: 413-774-3173
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Home style cooking
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Fall is best when the color of the leaves is at its peak.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Tannery Falls
Bridge of Flowers
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Tagged with: best time:Fall • Massachusetts • museum
Filed under: Best Road Trips