While it might take you a bit more effort to get out of the warm and cozy house in the winter than in the summer, you’ll find that when you do it is totally worth it. In Franklin County, we are so fortunate to have a bunch of beautiful outdoor places to enjoy a scenic wintry landscape, while we stay active. Here are some local favorite places for you to spend some time this winter:
Berkshire East Mountain Resort has activities year round. But in the winter, it is the best local mountain, located right in Charlemont, MA! It is a great beginner mountain but has trails for those more advanced as well. They offer lessons for snowboarding and skiing and have high quality equipment rentals. You can also take a fun ride on a tube at their snow tubing park. Afterwards, warm up inside the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill for some good food and drinks.
If sometimes you prefer a slower pace through the snow, then head over to Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center, just up the road from Berkshire East in Hawley, MA. There you can cross country ski or snowshoe with beautiful expansive views of rural northwestern Massachusetts.
Northfield Mountain, Northfield
For more great cross country adventuring with different views, check out Northfield Mountain Cross Country Ski Area. Located on Route 63 in Northfield, they have 25 miles of trails groomed for classical and freestyle skiing. The trail system will be open for skiing Saturday and Sunday with some trails closed due to lack of snow. The fields and lower trails have very thin snow cover. There are no ski rentals so be sure to bring your own gear. Stay updated on the conditions by checking their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/northfieldmountain/
Grab your own sled or tube and visit these locations across Franklin County for a great day outside in the snow:
Ashfield Golf Course
For classic New England sledding and tubing, head over to the Ashfield Community Golf Course. Located on Norton Hill Road, just off of Route 116 in Ashfield, there are plenty of hills and open space to adventure in a winter wonderland.
GCC Greenfield Community College
The fields in front of Greenfield Community College have some desirable hills for sledding and tubing. Plus, it’s located centrally in Greenfield on College Dr near Downtown Greenfield, so it’s easy to get to if you live in Greenfield.
Beacon Field Greenfield
Another great spot in Greenfield is Beacon Field on Beacon Street. There you’ll find a great hill and an open field, perfect for a snowy day!
Hill behind Rowe Elementary School
For those who live further west in Franklin County, check out the hill behind Rowe Elementary School. Just to be sure to check with the school hours for parking and restrictions on entering the property.
Savoy Mountain State Forest
For scenic snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, head over to Savoy Mountain Forest. There you can immerse yourself in a natural winter wonderland, surrounded by a calm, wintry forest. Click here for directions and more information.
Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and active winter season!
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