Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
Last weekend we decided to drive to Pittsfield and try out a new bike path. From Northampton, it took us a little under an hour to get there. It was a beautiful ride through the countryside and the bike path turned out to be one of the most spectacular rail trails we’ve ever been on!
So what made the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail so amazing, especially given the other beautiful bike paths we have right here in Western MA?
It is the most well-maintained path I have ever been on (and I’ve been on many). There are literally NO cracks or crevices in the 10-foot wide path and the landscape is maintained beautifully.
The views are spectacular, especially going through Lanesboro and Cheshire by the massive reservoir. You’re looking at water, mountains and forest all at the same time. You also have a view of Mount Greylock from the path (the tallest mountain in MA).
There are clean, composite benches and picnic tables alongside the water in multiple sections of the trail. They’re perfect for taking a break to snack or rest and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
It’s a relatively flat path for 12+ miles (one way). There is a slight decline from Cheshire to Adams that obviously becomes a long, slow incline on the return trip. It wasn’t that bad, but if you’d prefer to avoid any hills, then skip the Adams section, which was the least remarkable section in my opinion.
There’s a visitor’s center and restrooms (seasonally).
Interesting tidbit, the town of Cheshire presented Thomas Jefferson with a mammoth cheese weighing in at over 1200 pounds. There’s also a little ice cream shack and store on the right side of this path (not in the picture).
The trail is super quiet and wooded until going through Adams. There’s a cute train station with history provided and an old restored train that I didn’t include a picture of because I didn’t want to be a spoiler and show you everything!
Below is the Adams end of the trail. The Hoosic River runs alongside the trail through Adams and much of Cheshire so you still get to enjoy water views after you’ve passed by the reservoir.
This picture is the start of the trail from the Lanesboro side, which is just outside of Pittsfield and right next to the Lanesboro malls for some convenient shopping if you’re so inclined. You’re also close to many restaurants in Pittsfield to treat yourself if you haven’t packed your own picnic.
So as you can see, I’m a huge advocate of this trail and we’ll definitely be going back. It’s a wonderful path for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, sitting by the water and/or picnicking.
If you’re interested in checking it out, click on the links below.
Download a trail map.
Get Directions.
Action Step:
Get outside this week on a rail trail or anywhere else that gives you pleasure. Our bodies are designed to move and our souls thrive when we are exposed to nature and beauty.
