Mohawk Trail

Guess what? The world still exists beyond 3 inch by 1 ½ inch devices. Or maybe you’ve yet to be properly introduced to it. Give the panoramic views of Earth a chance. That is planet Earth, I refer to – not Google Earth.
A fabulous way to start this revolutionary way of seeing the world around you would be to take a drive on the Mohawk Trail. Stretching for 53 scenic lateral miles across the western half of Massachusetts, this is a must-​drive for all automobile wanderers.
If you’re coming from Boston, just take Rt. 2 all the way to the regrettably-​named Athol, where you’ll pick up 2A. Beginning in the next town over — Orange — the Mohawk Trail commences on its merry way through quintessential New England scenery, now and again providing an interesting town to stop for some street browsing or a fine, local-​sourced bite to eat.
The route becomes very scenic almost immediately as 2A drops down to the level of the usually rushing Millers River. Visions of whitewater kayaking or rafting will certainly come to the fore if you have experience with either activity.
You’ll meet up with Rt. 2 again and brush by the industrial towns of Turners Falls and Greenfield. Greenfield in particular is a good stop for lunch if you’ve made the trek from Boston, with a downtown that merges a distinct local identity with some creative kitchens that appeal to more cosmopolitan travelers.
Remain on Rt. 2 and continue east, crossing under 91 for your last good look at the familiar and blasé for a good long while.
If you skipped lunch in Greenfield, you’ll want to throw the car into a spot somewhere in Shelburne Falls, which boasts opportunities for delectable nourishing as well as the unique natural feature called Glacial Potholes. The gradual flooding and receding of the Deerfield River over the eons has created a series of whirlpools that can swirl about for distances as long as 39 feet or as infinitesimal as 5 inches. They’re right in the middle of town, with a bridge spanning the river from a height which makes viewing very easy and which invites foot traffic.
OK! Enough civilization for one trip! From here The Mohawk Trail gets quite rugged, as it attacks the Berkshires for a good 30 miles. Steady climbs and big sweeping descents punctuated by rushing rivers and towering slopes alongside you mark much of the rest of this stunning ride, until you make one last stunning plunge, with sprawling views of New York state in the distance, that lands you in the town of North Adams.
And I bet you didn’t look at your phone once the entire time!

The Mohawk Trail is worth the ride especially on a nice autumn day. Went on the trail for the first time and traveled from east to west and back. To me the signage is not clear where the trail starts on rt 2 but the most most scenic section begins after leaving Greenfield and heading west. Although my trip ended at North Adams the trail goes on to Williamstown. New England has many wonderful fall foliage rides but riding up a large mountain while viewing large mountains on one side and a river on the other makes for an enjoyable time. Two pieces of advice: Fill your tank prior to going and start early so you can view a few towns and sites on the trail. Shelburn Falls with the bridge of Flowers is nice especially in the summer and early fall!

I remember as a kid, my parents took us on a LONNNGGGG lonnngggg «Dad! are we there yet??» ride to the Mohawk Trail in the fall. I waited and waited to see this famous trail and kept on asking when will we be on the trail!!! My Mom would say «honey! we ARE on the trail!» I didn’t see the big deal and never was interested to go back until my kids were born. For some reason I wanted them to see it. They acted just like me when I was their age but I finally realized how beautiful the Route 2 ride really is. Now, I take the Trail on a motorcycle instead and enjoy it even more!
There is nothing more on my mind in October than the Mohawk Trail run that I do every year on Columbus Day weekend. The time is perfect for leaf peeping and enjoying the scents and sounds of the trail. The river running alongside the road, the mountains loaded with color, the leaves falling around us as we ride past. Oh and of course the stops to enjoy the views at the Summit and the Hair Pin Turn.
It’s a MUST for anyone living in Massachusetts and New York so get out there and enjoy the ride. it’s well worth it. even in car.