Mohawk Trail Loop
Here’s a mid-range loop over the peaks of the northern Berkshires, and through the valleys of the Cold and Deerfield rivers. The loop continues through rural Massachusetts villages and brings you back through quaint towns full of shops and restaurants. The first part of the trip is the well-known Mohawk Trail along state route 2 heading east out of North Adams, MA. You’ll soon encounter the famous “hairpin” turn. Hopefully you will have a passenger to enjoy the view, because you really need to pay attention around this turn! I suggest stopping at the Golden Eagle for a quick stretch, and a few pics. The journey continues over the Whitcomb Summit and Eastern Summit, then past the Hoosac Tunnel and along the Deerfield River. You may encounter a bit of traffic on MA 2, and going through North Adams, but once you get to the more rural MA 112, 116 and 8A, you will find long stretches of quiet roads with little or no traffic. The final leg follows US 7 north into Williamstown. You’ll encounter long-range views of the Berkshires, and Greens to the north, which go on for miles. Complete the loop heading east back into North Adams, or extend the trip with one of the connections below.
Gallery
Directions: Out of North Adams, MA head east on MA 2 (Mohawk Trail). West of Shelburne Falls, MA turn right on MA 112 heading south. South of Ashfield, MA turn right on MA 116 heading west. In Savoy, MA turn left on MA 8A, heading west. In Windsor, MA turn right to stay on MA 8A heading west. In Dalton, MA, turn right on MA 8, heading west. East of Pittsfield, MA turn right to stay on MA 8 heading north back into North Adams, MA to complete the loop.
Tips: Wahconah Falls State Park is four miles west of Windsor, MA off of MA 8A. The view of the falls is beautiful, but the road back to the park is very treacherous, and is not recommended unless you’re on an adventure or dirt/trail bike. Wahconah Falls Road is marked Old Rte 9 at the turn from route 8A — look for it on your left heading west from Windsor. It’s about a quarter of a mile back to the park, but use extreme caution!
Shorthand: MA2[E]-> Shelburne Falls, MA – R-MA112[S]-> Ashfield, MA – R-MA116[W]-> Savoy, MA – L-MA8A[S]-> Windsor, MA – R-MA8[W]-> Dalton, MA – R-MA8[W]-> R-MA8[N]
Ride Details
- Ride Type: Circular
- Time: 2:20
- Distance: 100 mi.
- Average Speed: 43 mph
- Road Type: State Routes
- Road Condition: 7- A few rough sections
- Date Ridden: 5/21/2019
- Maximum Elevation: 2,150 ft
- Traffic Lights: 14
- Stop Signs: 3
Gas:
Cumberland Farms – North Adams
Shell – Cheshire
Citgo – Windsor
Food:
Freightyard Pub
Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza
Golden Eagle Restaurant
Mohawk Park
The Ashfield Lakehouse
Brookhouse Restaurant
Bass Water Grill
Lodging:
Wigwam Summit Cabins
Whitcomb Summit Retreat
Zoar Outdoor
Harbour House Inn B&B
Camping:
Clarksburg State Park
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Mohawk Park
Zoar Outdoor
Mount Greylock State Reservation
Repair Shops:
Ronnie’s Cycle Sales and Service
Manage Auto (Auto repair)
Brown’s Garage (Auto repair)
Attractions:
Wahconah Falls State Park
Clarksburg State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Zoar Outdoor Adventures
Crabapple Whitewater
Mount Greylock State Reservation
Western Gateway Heritage State Park
Connections:
Hogback Mountain Loop
Troy-Williamstown Loop