Berkshires and Pioneer Valley have great biking trails

The view is always better from a bike. At Adventure East, the outdoor adventure center in Western Massachusetts, they offer several cycling tours to give you the most scenic vistas possible. There’s a gentle loop over the Connecticut River; and a scenic ride through woodland forests, past a glacial kettle pond. The Hadley and Sunderland, MA Bike-to-Farm Tour, where bikes and helmets are provided for all skill levels, you’ll bike to small Pioneer River Valley farms and taste their cheese, cider and ice cream. For more experienced bikers, the guide-led Green River trip starts near the base of the Mount Snow ski area in East Dover, VT, descending into the Green River Valley past waterfalls and across two covered wooden bridges.

The Norwottock Rail Trail is an 11 mile path linking Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst along the former Boston & Main Railroad, built in 1887. The path's level terrain provides safe passage for bicyclists of all ages and abilities and both ends of the path offer free parking for trail users – Elwell State Park on Damon Road in Northampton and Station Road in South Amherst. Historians believe that the Native Americans who lived here before the European settlers were called the Norwottucks. Translated, norwottuck means “in the midst of the river.” Public restrooms are available at the parking area at Elwell Recreation Area. Trail Map

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a former railroad corridor converted into a 10-foot wide paved, universally accessible, passive recreation path. The trail runs parallel to Route 8 through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, with the southern end of the rail trail beginning at the entrance to the Berkshire Mall off MA Rte. 8. and ending 11.2 miles north at the center of Adams. Cheshire Reservoir, the Hoosic River, and associated wetlands flank much of the trail offering outstanding views of the scenery and abundant wildlife. Parking lots and restrooms are available at selected locations along the way. - Trail Map

Mountain biking is popular at Chesterfield Gorge, but it is limited only to the seven-mile River Road, which is accessible by a trail from the parking lot. See a full description on our Walking & Hiking page.