1. Visit the Village of Shelburne Falls
Within the town of Shelburne, directly off the Mohawk Trail, there is a small village known as Shelburne Falls where your family can spend a day of fun. Here you will find a handful of restaurants which should satisfy cravings. There are famous viewing spots that are great for pictures and fun. The Bridge of Flowers is an old trolley bridge that is now full in bloom throughout the summer months. Another stop to make is The Glacial Pot Holes, natural pools of water that are left from the last glacial age, thousands of years ago. You can see the holes from a viewing platform at the bottom of Deerfield Avenue, however they are no longer open for public swimming. While in the village, you also have the option of participating in fun activities, such as bowling, or the visiting the Trolley Museum.
Shelburne Falls Bridge of Flowers
Yankee Magazine Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley
2. Go on an Adventure at Berkshire East
The popular Western Massachusetts ski mountain is just as exciting in the summer. If your family is willing to spend some money in order to have a fun-filled day, you can travel west on the Mohawk Trail to Charlemont. Route 2 cuts straight through this small town, so you cannot miss the large mountain. At Berkshire East, you can zip line through the trees, raft on the Deerfield River, ride the Thunderbolt Mountain coaster, climb amongst the Aerial Adventure Park, or ride along the Thunder Mountain Bike Park trails. Each activity has options for all ages and abilities. Visit their website to plan your outing.
Image found here.
3. Hidden Hikes
The Western Massachusetts area is well known for its multitude of hiking spots. Just miles off the Mohawk Trail, a hidden gem can be found: The High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a short, easy hike with expansive views of the village. Other trails branch off, and there is easily accessible parking. There is an option to reach one of those trails directly off of the Mohawk Trail, however parking is not clearly indicated here. This is a steep hike that will lead you to the Shelburne Fire Tower, which you must climb up inside in order to gain any views. Spend a day exploring the wilderness of the area.
4. Try Tubing on the Deerfield River
Spend a hot and sunny day floating down the Deerfield River! It flows along the Mohawk Trail in Charlemont, meaning easy on and off access. You can bring your own tubes and jump on and off the river wherever you want. However, there are plenty of options for companies that will provide tubes, life jackets, parking, transportation to drop-off site, and an area for eating. Be aware that if you decide to venture out on your own, it may be beneficial to do further research to understand where the best and safest areas are.
5. Catch a Movie in Greenfield
Following the Mohawk Trail east leads you directly into Greenfield, where you can find the closest movie theater to the area. Greenfield Garden Cinemas is Native to the town of Greenfield for many years now. It is old, but it will be sure to have a movie option for you to enjoy for a night out, or for kids to watch during a summer vacation day. The ticket prices are slightly cheaper than other theaters, so you will not be breaking the bank. This is the perfect option for a rainy day activity.
Working as a contributing editor on this blog, my name is Leigh Shippee. I am going into my senior year at Babson College, and I have an interest in real estate. I am from Buckland, MA, where I have grown to love the area. Living near the Mohawk Trail gives me the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful attractions that it has to offer, my favorites being the village of Shelburne Falls and the abundance of hiking trails.
In order to decide if this is an industry that I would like to pursue, I am interning with Coldwell Banker Upton Massamont Realtors for the summer. For the first part of the summer, I am spending each week with a different department to learn about what they do. This week I am working with marketing and assisted in writing this blog. Hopefully by the end of the summer I will have a new found passion that I can turn into a career!
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