Connecticut River
Greenways State Park |
Damon Rd., Northampton
413 586-8706 ext. 12
The Connecticut River Greenway, is one of Massachusetts'
newest State Parks. It connects open spaces, parks, scenic vistas,
and archaeological and historic sites along the length of the Connecticut
River as it passes through the state. There are over 12 miles of
permanently protected shoreline, and numerous access points to the
river (listed below). Like jewels along a necklace, several larger
properties such as Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation
and the Norwottuck Rail Trail provide added
visitor amenities.
Park Map
Click here to view Park
Map
River Access Points
Pauchaug,Northfield: one mile north of Northfield Center
on Rte. 63. Paved parking area and ramp. The boat ramp can accommodate
canoes, fishing boats, recreational motorboats.
Barton Cove, Gill: 1.5 miles east of Turner’s Falls on
Rte 2. Paved parking and ramp. Recreational motorboats, canoes,
fishing boats.
Sunderland: canoe and fishing access managed by the town of
Sunderland. At the end of School Street on the north side of Sunderland
Bridge. Limited parking.
Hatfield: one mile north of Hatfield Center. Shallow draft lightweight
boats and canoes.
Elwell Recreation Area, Northampton: Damon Road at Route 9 and
I-91. Canoe and rowing access only. Paved access ramp to a wheelchair
accessible dock on the river. Limited parking.
Oxbow Ramp, Easthampton: take Rte. I-91 to exit 18 south on
Rte. 5 in Easthampton. Thirty-five parking spaces and a paved ramp.
Customary use by high powered recreational craft and larger fishing
boats.
South Hadley/Chicopee Boat Access: James Street at the South
Hadley/Chicopee town line downstream from the Holyoke Dam. Six to
eight parking spaces and gravel ramp. Shallow draft fishing boats.
Popular during shad fishing season.
Chicopee Boat Access, Chicopee: one half mile off Rte. 116 on
Melina Street. Thirty-two parking spaces and a surfaced ramp. Shallow,
moderate and deep draft recreational and fishing boats. Easy canoe
and rowing shell access.
Additional Visitor Destination Sites
French King Gorge, Erving and Gill
The French King Gorge is an ecological, scenic and agricultural
gem. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago by glacial melt
waters. Looking out from the Route 2 bridge that connects Gill to
Erving, you will experience one of the most distinctive views in
Massachusetts. Directions: to admire the views
from the bridge take Rte. I-91 to exit 27 (Greenfield). Follow Rte.
2 to the Gill/Erving property divide. There is some parking on both
sides of the road at the bridge.
Mt. Toby State Forest, Sunderland
At more than 1,200 feet in height, Mt. Toby looms over the middle
Connecticut River Valley offering outstanding panoramic views to
those who will make the trek on a moderate hiking trail of about
6 miles. There are shorter hiking trials as well. Related geologically
to Mt. Sugarloaf, Mt. Toby features cliffs, caves, waterfalls, wetlands
and open fields. Directions: from Rte. 47 in North Sunderland,
turn right on Reservation Rd. Parking is located approximately a
half mile east on Reservation Rd.
Recreational Opportunities
Accessible Boating, Accessible Restrooms, Nonmotorized Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Picnicking.
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