The Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

The Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

The bike trails of Western Massachusetts are a hidden gem for cyclists of all abilities. Incredible rail trails and mountain bike trails are tucked in and around the Berkshires, the Holyoke Range, and the Connecticut River Valley. I’ve had many glorious bike trips on these trails, so can attest that they are top-notch. Whether you want to tottle along with your kids on bikes or try out a gnarly black diamond mountain bike trail, Western Massachusetts is a destination for great biking. Enjoy some of my favorites here.

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Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

The best rail trail in the Berkshires of Western Mass is the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. It runs from the town of Lanesborough for 12.7 miles to Adams. The name of the bike path comes from the Native American word Ashuwillticook meaning “the pleasant river in between the hills”. Indeed it is, as the Hoosac River wanders through the valley by the trail. Additionally, you’ll see glimpses of the Berkshires, including Massachusetts’ highest peak, Mt. Greylock, along the rail trail.

The paved rail trail is wide and smooth as it passes natural areas of the Hoosac Valley and historic towns. Vestiges of the trail’s former railroad line past show up in historic buildings lining the path.

Parking in Adams for the trail is at the Discover the Berkshires Visitor Center on Hoosac Street. Lanesborough parking is at the old Berkshire Mall on Route 8.

Make a weekend of your visit to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and visit the fabulous Mass MoCA, an amazing modern art museum in North Adams. Or hike in Mount Greylock State Reservation. You can stay in the only B&B on the rail trail, the charming Topia Inn. This eco-friendly inn has spa bathrooms and bikes to rent so you won’t need to shlep yours out to the Berkshires.

Massachusetts Central Rail Trail

The Mass Central Rail Trail is part of a dream to connect Boston to Northampton on a continuous 104-mile cross-state journey on the former railway line destroyed by the great hurricane of 1938. Currently, 51 miles of rail trail are open. Significant portions of it are in Western Mass.

Norwottuck Branch

Even after hundreds of rides on the Norwottuck Rail Trail, I never tire of the immense beauty of the trail. The rail trail runs 11 miles from Warren Wright Road in Belchertown to downtown Northampton. Primary trailheads include the Connecticut River Greenway Park on Damon Road in Northampton, Hadley Depot on Railroad Street in Hadley, Mountain Farms Mall in Hadley, Fort River on Mill Lane in Amherst, Lawrence Station on Station Road in Amherst, and the eastern terminus on Warren Wright Road in Belchertown.

The eastern part of the rail trail in Belchertown and Amherst abounds with natural areas. Traveling west, just past the Station Road trailhead is a wonderful swamp with beaver lodges and wildflowers in season. This area is a bird watchers’ paradise. Therefore, you’ll often see someone with a spotting scope admiring the birds. Be sure to stop to search for wildlife here.

The trail continues on a bridge over the Fort River. The rollicking steam flashes below you. There are a number of side trails along the section before you get to Amherst. Some you can explore by bike, and others are just great hiking trails. My favorite side trails are the Brickyard Trail and the Sanctuary Trails in the woodlands behind Amherst College.

As you near Amherst, you’ll find the charming Bluebird Trail to your left. Stroll around this trail covered with bluebird nesting boxes for glimpses of bluebirds or other meadow birds. The Holyoke Range can be seen in the distance. In the fall, this view is jaw-dropping with autumn colors.

Continuing the Ride into Northampton

Once you pass through a tunnel in Amherst, your ride will take you past the farm fields and malls of Hadley. The Holyoke Range appears again on your right. Continue into the picturesque village of Hadley with its wide green common.

In order to get to Northampton, the rail trail crosses the Connecticut River on the old railway bridge. Look down and see Elwell Island and the slow-moving Connecticut River. Boat traffic is interesting to watch from the bridge, especially if you see the collegiate rowing sculls as the students practice for races. In the spring you can find fiddleheads and other wild edibles around the bridge.

The trail crosses Damon Road and winds its way into Northampton to connect up with other rail trails on the Northampton Rail Trail network.

You can read more about my adventures on the Norwottuck Branch of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail here.

Belchertown Section

The Belchertown section of the Mass Central Rail Trail is a corridor waiting for improvement but is still used heavily by the locals. This hard-packed dirt trail is an adventurous ride starting near downtown Belchertown. Beaver marshes, hardwood forests mixed with pines. It’s a shared path so you are liable to see runners, horseback riders, and dog walkers on any part of the path.

Related Post -> 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States

Manhan Rail Trail

The Manhan Rail Trail is a sweet little 6-mile bike path starting at a parking lot on Route 5 south of Northampton. This one is a favorite of mine because there is so much to see and do on the path. It starts with wonderful views of the Oxbow of the Connecticut River. You’ll pass some conservation land and a trailhead to Mount Tom.

When you get to the first road crossing( Fort Hill Rd.), you’ll have a big choice between two off-trail visits. For nature lovers, continue down the road and then to the left on Combs Road to visit the Mass Aububon Acadia Wildlife Sanctuary. There are trails to explore this beautiful property that abuts the Mill River.

Or, if you are a craft beer lover, Fort Hill Brewery has you covered. A large outdoor patio is splendid on a sunny day.

Me, I don’t make the choice. I just visit both places. Birds and beer do go together.

Historic Easthampton

As you continue on the Manhan Rail Trail you will begin to see the old historic buildings of Easthampton. Many of these buildings are slated to be preserved and turned into successful retail and office spaces similar to the mill buildings further along the trail.

At this point, you will see the rail trail fork. The sharp right fork leads to Northampton where it connects with the Mass Central Rail Trail system at King Street. Continue left at the fork and pass Millside park on the Lower Mill Pond. There is parking here for the trail.

You will continue into Easthampton unless you make a stop at the New City Brewery or the Abandoned Building Brewery, more great craft beer destinations with charming settings.

The trail crosses Union Street in the town of Easthampton. There’s a beautiful trailside park, a free lending library box, and a great bagel shop. Look over and admire the magnificent mural depicting citizens involved in this vibrant city.

Past Easthampton, the bike trail runs another mile or so until it ends on Coleman Road.

Canal Side Rail Trail

What the Canal Side Rail Trail in Turners Falls lacks in length, it makes up for in a scenic and historic ride. Start on the McClelland Farm Road trailhead in Deerfield. Soon the 3.7-mile paved bike path will take you across the Connecticut River on a bridge high over the water. You can see where the Deerfield River enters the Connecticut River in a swirling upriver pool.

After crossing a few roads, a beautiful ride along the Turners Falls Canal paralleling the Connecticut River is next. The canal was built in 1798 to support freight traffic by boat. Now, it supports aquatic birds including swans, ducks, and geese.

Beside the canal, you can see the old buildings of the Keith Paper Company dating from 1877. Next, you will ride past the Great Falls Discovery Center, an interesting reclaimed mill building with free exhibits showing the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed. I visit often here and learn something new each time.

Activities at the Trailhead in Turners Falls

The rail trail ends at Unity Park on Barton Cove. The park has impressive recreational facilities. If you are biking with kids, they will love the playground and splash pad. There’s also a sway glider that accommodates individuals with mobility issues.

In addition, the whole family will marvel at fish traveling through the fish ladder of the Turners Falls Fishway. The area by the falls was a traditional fishing ground shared by the Pocumtuks, the Narragansetts, the Nipmucs, the Wampanoag, and the Wabanaki tribes because of the abundance of salmon, herring, and shad there. After the Turners Falls dam was built, a fish ladder was needed to assist the fish in returning to their native spawning grounds. The fish ladder is open for public viewing during the height of the spawning season from mid-May to mid-June.

Unity Park has trailhead parking for the Canal Side trail. There is a bike shop in Turners if you need anything.

Columbia Greenway/Southwick Rail Trail

This combined rail trail maintained by the Massachusetts border communities of Westfield and Southwick currently runs for about 8.5 miles to the Connecticut state line from Westfield. The final section of the Columbia Greenway, terminating in downtown Westfield, will be finished soon.

The paved path travels through woodlands and beside rivers and lakes. The rail trail has an interesting history as the early transportation corridor from Long Island Sound to Northampton. Originally, the Farmington Canal and the Hampshire and Hampden Canal, built in the early 1800s, carried goods on canal boats pulled by horses.

When the canal enterprise proved too costly, the Northampton and New Haven Railroad took over. They finished building a railroad by 1855 which helped industry and agriculture prosper in these small communities. A massive ice-cutting operated in the Conamond Ponds. Sixty to ninety rail cars full of ice blocks were shipped each day in the peak summer season. By the 1970s, other transportation systems were more viable. Therefore, the railroad line was abandoned. The current rail trail marks the next generation of travel on this linear path.

Tobacco fields and drying barns line the bike path. Growing leaves for cigars was and continues to be an important part of agriculture in Western Massachusetts. Another historical industry in Westfield was the manufacturing of Columbia bicycles. The Columbia bikes were the original high-wheeler bicycles. Eventually, the bicycles evolved to the safer ones of today. The rail trail takes its name from the Columbia bike industry.

There are many access points to both trails. Download maps at Friends of Southwick Rail Trail and Columbia Greenway.

Where to Stay to Enjoy the Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

The most logical place to stay to enjoy many of the best bike trails in Western Massachusetts is the vibrant city of Northampton. Home to Smith College, an exciting arts scene, and many excellent dining choices, Northampton is the terminus that links the rail trails in the Pioneer Valley.

The Hotel Northampton is a beautiful accommodation in the heart of Northampton. You can access the Northampton rail trail network across the street from the inn.

If you are looking for a place that caters specifically to bikers, try the Sugar Maple Trailside Inn. This beautifully restored B&B is directly on the Norwottuck bike trail in Florence, a short ride from Northampton.

If you are cycling the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, definitely check out the only B&B on the rail trail, the charming Topia Inn. This eco-friendly inn has spa bathrooms and bikes to rent. There is no need to bring your bike on a weekend getaway.

Best Mountain Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few of the mountain bike trails in Western Massachusetts because there are some great areas to ride on scenic tracks.

Holyoke Range Mountain Bike Trails

Holyoke Range State Park near Amherst has miles of well-packed (except mud season) single track for all abilities. Riders looking for some challenge will enjoy climbing to the ridge and then riding the flowy trails down.

There are two main sections of trails. Earl’s Trails are on the north side of the range to the west of Route 116. Trailheads are at the end of Military Rd. Park at the Notch Visitor’s Center, cross Rt. 116 and head right at the first trail junction. Another trailhead is at the end of Chumura Road off Route 43.

The Batchelor Street trails are on the south side of the ridge on the east side of the park. There are a few easy trails, but this area is known for its technical black diamonds. Try Serpent God for a challenge. The trailhead is off Batchelor Street in Granby.

Wendell State Forest

Wendell State Forest has an ideal mix of single and double-track trails to ride. A hybrid bike is fine for the old roads that snake through the forest. But if you want to get onto some of the single-track trails, bring your mountain bike. The 29 trails covering 31 miles are mainly intermediate blue trails and gravel roads. It’s a great area to cruise around and enjoy the scenery.

And, in fact, the scenery in Wendell is superb. Ride past beaver lodges in the park’s ponds. Rock outcrops line the dirt roads. In the spring you will see wildflowers and the mountain laurel in bloom. In the fall, the riotous colors of red, orange, and yellow foliage is jaw-dropping.

Parking fees at Wendell State Forest are $5 for Mass residents and a steep $20 for non-residents. However, parking fees are only charged in the main entrance lot on Montague/Wendell road. You can drive the backroads and park at several parking lots in the forest for free.

Related Post -> 10 Awesome Outdoor Pocket Adventures in Western Massachusetts

Bike Gear for Enjoying the Best Bike Trails in Massachusetts

Comfortable and functional biking gear will make your rides on these great bike paths more enjoyable. Take a look at the gear I use on biking trips.

Bike Apparel

• Bike gloves – Cushioning your hands from bike vibrations makes for a more comfortable ride. Look for gloves with gel cushions and leather palms for good grip.
• Bike shorts – Padded bike shorts might be my favorite bike gear item. They prevent chafing and cushion your tush enough to enjoy a nice long ride. Look for high-quality chamois fabric. Light-reflection elements are great for safety.
• Bike helmet – Bike helmets don’t last forever. For safety, replace your helmet every five years. So if you still have your 20-year-old brain bucket, it’s time to get a new one. A safe ride depends on an updated helmet. Look for a well-vented helmet to keep you cool.

Bike Gear

• Handlebar bag– Tuck a snack, a map, your phone, and other go-to items in your handlebar bag for instant access. I like a handlebar bag with a transparent sleeve for a smartphone or map. And a strap that turns it into a smart-looking shoulder bag for exploring off the bike is key.
• Cycling computer – It’s fun to know how fast you are going and how long your ride is. A simple bike computer will tell you this and more. There are also computers with a GPS and other bells and whistles. However, you will pay a lot more for them. They are great for elite rides but may be overkill for a bike path.
• Bike lights – There is nothing like a sunset bike ride on a bike trail. However, after the sun goes down, you’ll need lights to find your way back. I use quick-release lights that I only put on if I’m going to travel at night. Rechargeable lights make sense too.
• Bike Tools – A bike multi-tool slipped into your handlebar bag saves headaches out on the trail. Many small bike repairs or adjustments are a breeze with this multi-tool. You will be surprised how many bike problems you can fix on the trail with the right tools.
• Bike Pump – It always seems that someone in a biking group needs to blow up a tire. Come to the rescue with this super lightweight pump that attaches easily to your bike.
• Water bottle – An insulated bike water bottle provides refreshing chilled liquid throughout the ride. I put iced tea and ice cubes in mine for a frosty drink on a hot day. It really keeps it cold.

Wrap Up of the Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

Biking is extremely popular in Western Massachusetts. There are plenty of scenic bike trails to explore. Most of the larger towns in Western Massachusetts have a good bike shop if you need a quick fix or a piece of gear.

Besides bike trails in Western Massachusetts, check out the Best Bike Trails in Vermont and 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States. Happy pedaling!

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