Scenic Drives in Massachusetts - The Mohawk Trail

This is my favorite scenic drives in Massachusetts. The Mohawk Trail is stunning any season but especially during the summer and colorful fall foliage season.

Stretching for 63 miles from the Massachusetts-New York border to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River is a stretch of road known as The Mohawk Trail. It offers one of most beloved and popular scenic drives in Massachusetts.

Attractions in the region of the Mohawk Trail are Mount Greylock, The Bridge of Flowers, Glacial Potholes…

A natural marble bridge formed by erosion, state forests, old Indian hiking trails…

And a plethora of country inns, gift shops, and arts and craft attractions.
The trail more or less follows the footpath trade and travel route used by the peoples in this part of the northeast since postglacial age. The path was well trodden and used to move between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys.

This scenic drive article covers most of the major attractions and allows plenty of time for stopping and admiring the view… or picking up an antique or two.

The drive is approximately 65 miles but you should allow all day for viewing in an unhurried and gentle manner.

Exploring Mount Greylock...

Start on Route 7 in Lanesborough, just south of Route 2. Follow Lanesborough one mile north to Rockwell Road on the right. This road leads to the summit of Mount Greylock.

The trip to the summit offers splendid view of the valleys and other peaks in the area. A few miles on Rockwell Road is the Mount Greylock Visitor Center. Here you can get trail maps and general information about the area.

At the summit is the War Memorial Tower. The climb to the top of a 92-foot-tall tower at the summit provides magnificent views of five states.

Once your summit viewing is complete take the Notch Road down to meet the Mohawk Trail on Route 2 in North Adams.

North Adams and Beyond...

In North Adams is the Western Gateway Heritage State Park, which features an exhibit on the building of the Hoosac Tunnel. Close by east of North Adams off Route 2 and 8 is Natural Bridge State Park.

Follow Route 2 east out of North Adams ascending the Hoosac Mountain Range until Hairpin Turn and then onto the Western Summit. Here you can stop and admire the vistas of Mount Greylock, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the valley below.

How fast or slow you take the next part of the journey depends on time.

Continuing on Route 2 east takes you though Charlemont where the famous “Hail to the Sunrise” statue stands in Memorial Park.

Don't Miss These Attractions...

The eastern end of this scenic drive on the Mohawk Trail takes you out to Shelburne Falls where you can view The Bridge of Flowers – a transformed trolley bridge – and the Glacial Potholes below Salmon Falls, where time has produced interesting geological pools.

Scattered throughout these scenic drives in Massachusetts are state parks, hikes along ancient trails, spectacular views, and of course specialty shopping and dinning opportunities.

So as you wind your way around on this tour take time to enjoy this area of a window into the area’s heritage.