Mohawk Trail

The Mohawk Trail follows MA 2 from Greenfield across the Deerfield and Hoosac ranges to North Adams and Williamstown. It passes Shelburne Falls and its Bridge of Flowers, Mohawk Trail State Forest and a famous hairpin turn above North Adams. MASS MoCA and the Williams College museums give it a strong art finish. It suits a long day trip or a fall weekend.

The stops

1. Start

   Greenfield, MA

2. Town

   Greenfield

   Starting town; stock up here.

3. Town

   Shelburne Falls

   Walk the Bridge of Flowers and see the glacial potholes.

4. Town

   Charlemont

   River town with rafting on the Deerfield.

5. Camp · Overnight

   Mohawk Trail State Forest

   Forest with old growth, camping and a river swim.

6. Viewpoint

   Whitcomb Summit hairpin turn

   Famous bend with a view over North Adams (approx coordinates).

7. Art

   MASS MoCA

   Huge contemporary art museum in North Adams.

8. Viewpoint

   Mount Greylock

   Optional drive to the state's highest summit.

9. Town

   Williamstown

   Williams College and the Clark Art Institute.

10. Finish

    Williamstown, MA

Where to stay

• Night 1

  North Adams / Charlemont

  Mohawk Trail State Forest campground · North Adams inns

When to go

Late Sep–mid Oct for foliage; summer for swimming and camping

On the road

The hairpin turn and western descent are steep with trucks; take it slowly. Hurricane Irene (2011) damaged one section in the past; check MassDOT for work.