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: [3 trail ratings]
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Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
By youker on August 26, 2010
The only problem with this trail is how to pronounce its name. I agree with all the reviews after a one way ride 8/26/2010. Other trails should study this trail on how to put up access signs and mark the miles on the trail surface with paint and print a brochure and map. Most importantly it shows how much of an economic development role a well implemented rail trail can be for a community. On a Thursday afternoon the trail was very busy with bikers, walkers, skate boards and in line skaters. Youker
One of the best rail trails we've used
By bobabrams on August 20, 2010
What a fantastic bike trail! The paved path is wide. We were impressed by the care given to the trail, and the number of the benches and picnic tables, all in excellent shape. Where the water borders the lake, the benches are turned toward the water - an inviting way to take a break. There weren't too many street crossings, and only 2-3 were really busy. The visitor's center in Adams at the end of the trail offered modern restroom facilities and vending machines, as well as information about the area. The friendly woman staffing the information desk mentioned that the town/state is planning to extend the rail trail north of the Visitor's center, maybe next year!

There was plenty of parking at the trailhead as well as at several other locations along the trail. We parked at the Lanesborough end of the trail, near the Berkshire Mall. The restroom facility at the parking lot was clean.

We traveled about 2 hours to Pittsfield to use this rail trail, as we were getting tired of the local rail trails. It's a trip that we'll definitely do again in the future!
This trail rates a 10 in our book!
By tandemania on August 02, 2010
My family is getting back into biking and this has quickly become our primary riding destination. It's too bad that we have to pack up the bikes and drive 40 minutes to get there. That kind of defeats the purpose of riding, but with two young children, it's necessary. We have ridden the trail three times so far this season and it is wonderful. The scenery is great and the facilities are ideal. There is even a bike shop near the northern trail head where the guys are knowledgeable and friendly and will make that emergency repair quickly.

Every town should be so lucky to have a trail like this. I am told that plans are being evaluated to extend the trail north to North Adams and then possibly to Williamstown. That would make a great trail even better!
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