Mohawk Trail

The Mohawk Trail was a historical Native American migratory game path. Today it is Massachusetts Route 2, a 63-mile east-west highway that extends from the Massachusetts-New York line to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River. The Mohawk Trail features over 100 attractions and has been recognized as one of the best scenic routes in the United States.

Understand
Like many roads in New England, the trail got its start as a migratory game path originating somewhere west of the Taconic Mountains (in what's now New York state), and it wound eastward through what would become Massachusetts. Native Americans --primarily the Mohawks in the west and the Pocumtucks in the Connecticut River Valley to the east-- used the trail in their migrations, and they had long-established treaties regarding hunting and fishing rights along its length. Upon the settlement of the English in the Pocumtuck territory, and the Dutch, who were making inroads into Mohawk lands in the lower Hudson River Valley, political unrest began to develop amongst the two tribes. The Europeans hoped that political unrest between the tribes would further their own ends, and they began to manipulate one tribe against the other. Although the Europeans later attempted to arrange a peace conference to settle the differences of the two tribes, a full-scale war broke out, and the Mohawks gained the upper hand. The path became known as the "Mohawk Trail."

With the end of the Indian Wars and the beginning of the American Revolution, the old trail was gradually rerouted and widened to accommodate wagon traffic between the city of Boston and the interior towns, particularly North Adams.

By the early part of the 20th century people began to appreciate just how beautiful the region encompassing the trail was, so in October 1914 the Massachusetts State Legislature declared the "Mohawk Trail" a scenic tourist route. It was during this time that the mountainous, winding stretch of road --especially the section named "The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway"-- really began to explode with popularity. Previously, the fastest route from North Adams to Boston was by rail via the 4.5-mile Hoosac Tunnel, which traveled through the Hoosac Mountain --one of the largest mountains that the Mohawk Trail climbs and winds over. But as cars were becoming more affordable in 1914, the thrill and challenge of driving over the Hoosac Mountain, instead of through it, began to draw families from everywhere in the Northeast. Stretching from the 1920s through the 1950s, the road became a travel destination in itself and small shops, campgrounds, and trading posts began to pop up. Today, the excitement and fascination with this stretch of road seems to be surging like never before, and it has drawn enough attention as a vacation spot that the towns and surrounding areas are now referred to as "the Mohawk Trail Region". The trail has been recognized by the "National Geographic Traveler" magazine and the American Automobile Association as being one of the top scenic routes in the United States.

Whether you live close by and are looking for a slow relaxing ride by the scenery, or you are looking to spend days exploring the side roads, stopping in different villages and towns, hiking its open public lands, visiting the campgrounds, and exploring some of the numerous other sites and attractions, you should definitely consider experiencing the Mohawk Trail.

Prepare
If you plan on venturing out on the Mohawk Trail on a motorcycle, keep in mind that helmet laws vary from state to state. Depending on where you are traveling from, there may be no helmet law in your state. Even if you usually don't wear a helmet, it is a good idea to bring one with you and check with the state laws when crossing borders. Any passenger you carry must be wearing a helmet at all times. Only motorcyclists who have held their license for over 1 year may have a passenger on the back of their bike in the state of Massachusetts.

Western route to the middle of The Mohawk Trail

 * From Boston via Springfield, Massachusetts I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) take I-91 North
 * From I-91 North take Exit 26 in Greenfield, Massachusetts and Route 2 East or West.

Western route to the western section of The Mohawk Trail

 * From I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) take Exit 2, North on US 20/7 to Route 2

Northern route to the eastern section of The Mohawk Trail

 * From Boston. I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) take Exit 11A I-495 North
 * From I-495 North take Exit 40, Route 2 West.

To the western section of the Mohawk Trail

 * Take I-95 North to I-91 North
 * Get off on I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) to Exit 2, North on US 20/7 to Route 2

To the middle of the Mohawk Trail

 * Take I-95 North to I-91 North
 * From I-91 North take Exit 26 in Greenfield, Massachusetts and Route 2 East or West.

Northwestern scenic route to the western section of the Mohawk Trail

 * Take the Taconic Parkway North to Route 295 East.
 * From 295 East take Route 22 North to US Route 20 East.
 * Take Route 20 to US Route 7 North and follow to Route 2 East.

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Do

 * The Mohawk Trail Scenic Loop - The Mohawk Trail has drawn the attention of people who enjoy riding motorcycles. The scenic route has been described by riders in the area as one of the most enjoyable paths in the north east. Climb 3,491 feet to the top of the highest peak in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock. Then descend down the mountain to find a hairpin turn, winding you up the Hoosac Mountain. Your journey up the Hoosac Mountain will provide you with views over several mountain ranges, a look down upon four states, and the view right down into the Hoosac Valley. Coming down the backside of this mountain you will be winding along side the Deerfield River, through the Berkshire foothills, and across the Mohawk Trail State Forest. Then tail off onto Route 2A East, and hop on 112. Whether you are looking for a relaxing ride to take in the scenery, or you are seeking a thrill ride through winding roads and hills, the average 325-350 mile journey on The Mohawk Trail Scenic Loop is a must for motorcycle enthusiasts.







Sleep




Go next

 * American Industry Tour, a tour through Massachusetts and upstate New York.