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: [2 trail ratings]
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A Gem
By rscarce on June 17, 2010
I've ridden the trail up and back twice in the last month, now, and it's a fantastic path. As others have noted, the views are wonderful, whether of the small and large ponds, the trailside streams, the wildlife, or, farther north, of Greylock and lesser hills looming over the Adams area. Folks using the trail are generally courteous, though sometimes they forget that they're sharing the space when they stop--no biggie, but it can be a safety concern, especially at the crossings.

In Adams there's a nice bar in the old train depot that welcomes cyclists and serves cold beer and hot food--standard bar fare, but fun and tasty nonetheless!--about a quarter mile south of the Berkshire Visitors' Center. They even have a bike rack just off the trail. The Visitors' Center houses clean bathrooms and knowledgable staff.

Word is that more restaurants will be opening just off the trail--a Mexican place, in particular--and there's serious talk about extending the trail a short distance in the near future and to North Adams not too long from now. Doing so will make a special trail even better.

If you're in the area, don't miss this trail!
Great trail
By buchholz on September 05, 2009
Rode this rail-trail in its entirety with loaded touring bike as part of a longer tour from Connecticut up to Vermont and around Lake Champlain. The 11 miles of trail is beautifully maintain with excellent pavement quality (not root-rutted like many paved trails) and wonderful scenery. Access to water and restrooms was readily available along with benches for resting that I noticed. There were walkers, runners, skaters and bike riders, all friendly and interactive, but not overly crowded. A great way to by-pass Rt 8 if going from Pittsfield to Adams.
a remarkable trail, a remarkable day
By erika0310 on June 17, 2009
I rode this trail on june 14, 2009 - what a terrific day and a terrific trail. I'll try and be more specific. The trail is clean, well kept paving, and wide enough to accomodate all users. If you come to a rode crossing-of course, stop; but the traffic in the area seemed conditioned to stop. There are benches all along the route if you want to stretch out for a moment; and picnic benches by the water. Out in the water there are kayaks, boats, jetskis and paddle boats, it was fun to ride along and wave to people out in the kayaks.

The views! Oh, the views! just made for a magical day along with all the variety of wildlife, birds and bunnies. Just a clean, beautiful path - perfect.

I even had a Berkshire sun shower to ride through: it rained, it stopped raining - the sun came out and dried everything! I'll be back soon and often.
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