Ashuwillticook Rail Trail:
Massachusetts
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Description:
Nestled in the Hoosic River Valley between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountains in Berkshire County, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail takes its name from a Native American word meaning 'the pleasant river between the hills."" Gorgeous views of the mountains, lakes, and river, plus ample rest areas, make for a perfect day trip and contribute to this trail's popularity with locals and visitors to the scenic Berkshires.
Beginning at the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough, the 11.2-mile route parallels State Route 8 through Cheshire on into Adams. Following the railroad corridor developed by the Pittsfield & North Adams Railroad in 1845, you'll pass lovely forested areas interspersed with lakes and small ponds.
At mile 2.7, the trail reaches some wetlands and the 418-acre Cheshire Reservoir, where you'll find no shortage of diversions. Pack a picnic, bring your binoculars for quality bird-watching, or cast a line from the side of the trail to reel in largemouth and rock bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.
As you approach Adams, the area's manufacturing history unfolds. You'll see mill buildings on the far shore of the Hoosic River, reflective of the area's manufacturing history. The trail parallels the town's delightfully restored main street, with interesting, quaint stores and eateries. Archways and banners throughout Adams sport a black bear riding a bicycle, a nod to both the trail and the resident black bear population.
The trail's northern endpoint is in Adams at the Discover the Berkshires Visitor Center. If you're not up for the return trip by trail, you can catch a Berkshire Regional Transit Authority bus back to Berkshire Mall; each bus will transport two bikes. As an alternative, stop by the old railroad station building-now a charming pub-to refuel before starting back.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Berkshire Mall trailhead, take the Massachusetts Turnpike/Interstate 90, to Exit 2 in Lee, then follow US Hwy. 20 west to US Hwy. 7 north for 11 miles to downtown Pittsfield. From the Park Square rotary, follow East Street/Merrill Road for 3.25 miles to the intersection of state routes 9 and 8. Continue straight through the intersection on Route 8 north for 1.5 miles to the Lanesborough-Pittsfield line. Turn left at the light for rail-trail parking at the Berkshire Mall.
To reach the northern trailhead from North Adams, take State Route 2 to Route 8 south for 5.5 miles to Adams. Follow the brown Ashuwillticook Rail Trail signs. Take a left on Hoosac Street, then an immediate right on Depot Street. Park at the Discover the Berkshires Visitor Center on the left. The trailhead is behind the visitor center.
Additional parking is available at Farnams Road and Church Street in Cheshire, and at Russell Field off Harmony Street in Adams.
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Reviews: [5 trail ratings]
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Beautiful Trail!
By mmbutts in October, 2011
Scenery was just beautiful. Alot of walkers at the start near Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough - looked like they were enjoying themselves. I biked with my daughter to Adams - just wonderful! No debris on the trail other than leaves(fall) - well maintained. Alot of places to sit and enjoy the scenery or even eat at one of the picnic tables - which I thought was just great. Not alot of busy streets to cross. Would come back to enjoy it again!!
gorgeous trail
By lisamnevin in September, 2011
we loved this - rolling hills in the distance - lake along much of the trail -we want to go back and rent a place on the lake! We started on the southern point -nice they had a bathroom! The northern point is a lovely town with an information center and another bathroom. my Greylock is nearby. well worth the trip.
Perfect little Trail
By laddoms in August, 2011
This one is another gem of a trail in a scenic part of the state. Partly shaded. Partly open. Alongside the Hoosic river part way. And part way alongside Cheshire Lake. You wont find a trail in better condition. Well marked. Easy to find. Good parking along the way. Beautiful. Even the drive up through the Berkshires was nice. Places for chow in Adams and Pittsfield. Good places for water stops and breaks. Highly worth the drive to get there. Few road crossings and safe.
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