Franklin County, located in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply exploring charming small towns, Franklin County has something for everyone.
The county is blessed with natural beauty, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the trails of Mohawk Trail State Forest or Mount Grace State Forest for hiking and birdwatching. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in areas like Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center.
With rivers like the Connecticut and Deerfield River flowing through the region, water-based activities abound. Kayak or canoe along the river, or try your hand at fishing for trout and bass. Local outfitters offer guided tours and rentals for water adventures.
No matter what time of year you visit, Franklin County promises an abundance of recreational opportunities that showcase the natural beauty and vibrant community spirit of this charming New England region.
Biking
- Thunder Mountain, downhill mountain bike park located at Berkshire East Mountain Resort.
- Western MA Bike Trails -for the bike enthusiast from the Berkshires to the Cape.
- Franklin County Bikeway criss-crosses the region with roughly 240 miles of bicycle routes along streets and highways.
Explore State Forests
- Catamount State Forest - (413) 339-5504. Between Colrain and Charlemont, can be accessed by Four Mile Square Road in Colrain.
- Conway State Forest - (413) 268-7098. Southern Conway, it's reached from West Whately Road off Route 116 just east of the Village.
- H.O. Cook State Forest - (413) 339-5504. Colrain, located 1 mile east of Route 8A on State Farm Road, south of the Vermont State line.
- Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest known as the DAR - (413) 268-7098. 1,000 acre forest in Ashfield and Goshen. Reached by taking Cape Street, about 1 mile from the Route 112/Spruce Corner intersection. Click Here For Trail Map
- Erving State Forest - (978) 544-3939. 4,479 acres reached by North Street from the center of town or from Route 2A on Wendell Depot Road where there is an administration building. Click Here for Trail Map Page 1, Page 2
- Kenneth Dubuque State Forest - (413) 339-5504. 7,822 acres in Hawley reached either from Route 8A off Route 2 in Charlemont or from Route 116 in Plainfield to Route 8A in Charlemont. Click Here Trail Map
- Leyden State Forest - (413) 545-5993. 61 acres between County and Beaver Meadow Roads in Leyden.
- Mohawk Trail State Forest - (413) 339-5504. 6,457 acres located in the towns of Charlemont, Savoy, Florida and Hawley on Route 2 in Charlemont. Click Here for Trail Map.
- Monroe State Forest - (413) 339-5504. A 4,321-acre forest that is in southern and central Monroe and extends into Florida. . It is reached off Route 2, east on Monroe Road. Click Here for Trail Map.
- Mount Grace State Forest - (978) 544-6536. In Warwick, encompassing 1,689 acres. An administration building is located on Route 78 near the New Hampshire border. Click Here for Trail Map.
- Mount Toby Reservation - (413) 545-5993. In Sunderland, on Reservation Rd off Rte 47 at the Montague town line.
- Northfield State Forest - (413) 545-5993. Hunting, fishing and hiking on 2,223 acres. This forest can be reached on Wendell Depot Road north, off Route 2.
- South River State Forest - (413) 339-5504. 500 acres in Conway. Accessed from Shelburne Falls and Bardswell Ferry Roads north of Route 116.
- Shutesbury State Forest - (413) 659-3797. 845-acre forest located off Cooleyville Road.
- Warwick State Forest - (413) 545-5993. Reached on Route 78 and Athol Road.
- Wendell State Forest - (413) 659-3797. 7,900 acres in Wendell. Reached by Wendell Depot Road off Route 2A or Cooleyville Road from Route 202.
Fishing
- Harrison Anglers - Premier Flying Fishing Guide
Golf
- Country Club of Greenfield - beautiful 18 hole golf course, upscale restaurant overlooking course, Greenfield MA
- Northfield Golf Club - 9 hole golf cocurse in scenic Northfield, MA
- Crumpin-fox - Premier 18 hole golf course, restaurant, lodging nearby, Bernardston, MA
- Goodnows-Chip-and-Putt - Short 3 par golf course, Shelburne MA
- Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club - Turners Falls, MA
Skating & Swimming
- Swimming Spots - Franklin County MA
- Collins Moylan-Skating Arena - Greenfield, MA
Skiing
- Berkshire East Mountain Resort - Charlemont MA
- Northfield Mountain Recreation - Northfield, MA
- Stumpsprouts Cross Country Skiing - Expansive Views, Groomed trails, Hawley, MA
White Water Rafting
- Crabapple White Water Rafting - Charlemont MA
- Zoar Outdoor Recreation - Charlemont, MA
Zip Lining
- Berkshire East Zip Line - Charlemont, MA
If you have any questions about the area or interested in buying real estate, contact Wanda at 413-768-9848 or email hello@wandamooney.com Click here for community happenings in each of the Franklin County Towns. Also explore recommended searches for details about properties that are for sale.
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