Find the top rated birding trails in Northampton, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This section (8/2024) is about 5 miles long. It goes through woodland and past leafy backyards, but it runs alongside the towers for a high-tension power line. Trees have been clear-cut about 25 feet on both sides of the trail, so there's no shade along this section. But the trail is wide, very straight, and smoothly paved. It has a few small ups and downs and crosses four or five quiet roads before it comes to a traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 126 and 27. Just beyond, the trail turns to crushed stone with a few sandy patches. There's a large supermarket and shopping center adjacent to the trail at that point.
We started going north on Copper Hill Rd East Granby Ct parking area and finished the trail in Westfield MA. Trail was all asphalt and in good shape. Most of the trail was scenic farmland but toward the north end going toward Westfield was some residential and city though still was plesent to the eye. Next time we plan to take the trail south at the Copper Hill Parking and take the trail to where it hopefully meets the Farmington River Trail
Unfinished trail. Did not feel safe on portions of the trail.
Beautiful smooth ride. Recommend for anyone seeking a pleasurable experience.
Lots of wildlife along this pristine trail with plenty for bathroom facilities and benches to take a break. Trail is maybe 70% shaded which kept the temperatures down but still glad we had our suntan lotion. The trail passes a large lake and goes through plenty of wetlands giving lots of interesting views. Road crossings were well marked and safe. Our stay at the Williams Inn in Williamstown was definitely a cut above the norm and from there was maybe a 15 minute drive to the trailhead.
Southern end of the trail has had about .3-.5 miles of paved section added.
Along the river to Quandock Brook.
Wassaic to Orphan farm and back will take you through farmlands, marshes a bird sanctuary and a long bridge over the marsh that you must just stop and absorb the place.
A great place to train because you draw strength from the scenery and there is lots of shade and lots of benches along the way.
Have respect for others that are smaller (tricycles or training wheels) and older folk sharing the trail and you will have an outstanding ride / walk / run.
Wassaic to Orphan farm and back will take you through farmlands, marshes a bird sanctuary and a long bridge over the marsh that you must just stop and absorb the place.
A great place to train because you draw strength from the scenery and there is lots of shade and lots of benches along the way.
Have respect for others that are smaller (tricycles or training wheels) and older folk sharing the trail and you will have an outstanding ride / walk / run.
We hit this little trail on a warm afternoon when we had two hours unscheduled. The Leominster end was fine and the Fitchburg end was rather a rough neighborhood. We were riding tandem, so the many stops were slightly vexing. We spent most of the ride shifting down to dismount or shifting up from dismounting. There were plenty of dining options all along the route, and ice cream at the parking spot. Room for 6 cars, but plenty more right at the municipal Carter Park. At 0.2 miles, we smelled something really good. Ate lunch at Taqueria El Amigo 2. It was a very nice little Mexican restaurant with pineapple, mandarin, and other interesting sodas. The food was very good.
First off. . . Glad that they finally did something with that stretch of track. I use to ride my mountain bike along them. The trail itself is very nice, clean and wide. To echo, what others have stated, why too many stops and stoplights. Definitely a great walking path. Also, it just ends. . . You get to the end at Fourth St - Fitchburg and the signage tells you to take a left, then a right, onto Middle St. then a right onto First St and it just ends?! I hope the complete more.
Manchester towards Hartford is great for a few miles. Then it gets a little dicey and unpleasant. You’re forced onto sidewalks through busy neighborhoods and alongside a highway with only a jersey barrier between you and reckless drivers.
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