Ashuwillticook Rail Trail stretches through the heart of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, following a former railroad corridor that connects the towns of Adams, Cheshire, and Lanesborough. The paved, 12.7-mile path runs alongside the Hoosic River, Cheshire Reservoir, and the shores of Pontoosuc Lake, offering some of the most scenic and accessible recreation in western Massachusetts.

What makes the Ashuwillticook special is its gentle, flat grade — a gift of its railroad heritage. The smooth asphalt surface welcomes cyclists, joggers, walkers, and inline skaters of all ages and abilities. In winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers take over the trail. Wheelchair users and families with strollers will find the entire route comfortably navigable, a rarity for trails with this level of natural beauty.

Wildlife viewing is a quiet highlight. Great blue herons wade along the riverbanks, beavers work the wetlands, and migratory birds stop at the reservoir. Bring binoculars — the marshlands between Adams and Cheshire are particularly productive for birding.

The best time to visit is late September through mid-October, when the Berkshire foliage transforms the corridor into a tunnel of crimson and gold. Summer weekends draw crowds, so early morning visits reward you with cooler temperatures and calmer waters.

Several trailheads offer parking and restroom facilities, with the Berkshire Mall Road access point in Lanesborough and the Lime Street lot in Adams being the most popular. Local bike rental shops operate nearby for visitors arriving without gear.

Explore Nearby

• Bissell Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Burkeville Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Stuyvesant Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Coxsackie Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Green Mountain National Forest — National Forest in Vermont