Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drive 98
Mohawk Trail
Forested mountains, rich river-bottom farmlands, and riotous explosions of au-
tumn color—the splendors of this timeless corner of western Massachusetts have
inspired the raves of writers and travelers for generations.
Length:
About 60 miles, plus side trips
When to go:
Popular year-round, but best in fall for the foliage
Nearby attractions:
Historic Deerfield, featuring well-preserved 18th- and 19th-cen-
tury homes; Natural Bridge, a 550-million-year-old marble formation, North Adams;
The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Further information:
Mohawk Trail Association
1.
Northfield Mountain
From the summit of Northfield Mountain, found north of Rte. 2 in western Massachusetts,
theviewarcsoutacrossacrazyquiltofcornandtobaccofields,pondsandreservoirs,stands
of oaks and maples, and 19th-century factory towns, all linked by the majestic sweep of the
Connecticut River. On the mountain itself, Northeast Utilities maintains a 2,000-acre com-
plex of woodland hiking paths and ski trails—the Northfield Mountain Recreation and En-
vironmental Center. It's a fine spot to sample this corner of the state, whose character has
long been defined by three key ingredients—farmland, mill town, and forest primeval.
2.
Turners Falls
The life of the Atlantic salmon—a trout rather than a true salmon—is as fragile as it is as-
tonishing. Each spring, tiny alevins by the millions hatch from eggs in freshwater streams
throughout the Northeast. Most of them perish, but some survive and head downriver to
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