Visit Skinner State Park for a Big Perspective

People stand on deck overlooking river valley.

        September is a great month to visit Skinner State Park. October will be even better for fall color. I have been twice in the last two weeks - weekdays offer far fewer visitors than weekends. The wheelchair accessible Summit House perched on Mt. Holyoke offers a chance to appreciate a historic structure and some 19th century history. What everyone comes for is the scenic view of the surrounding Connecticut River valley. The entire outdoor walkway around the old hotel is fully wheelchair accessible. You can also contemplate some big perspective from atop the Holyoke Range.

Adventuring Along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

   

Big puffy clouds over a smooth
expanse of water and distant mountains.

    The most beautiful rail trail in Massachusetts is in the Berkshires. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail travels 12.7 miles from the Berkshire Mall at its southern end, northward through the town of Adams and a mile beyond. Along the way mountains are visible on either side and wide expanses of water provide delightful scenery while passing through the town of Cheshire.

    Last week I rode the northern section from Cheshire through Adams for the first time. What a treat! Where else can you ride a bike along a gently rushing river for several miles? This year's heavy rain has given the Hoosac River a lively energy. You can follow it through wetlands and below mossy cliff faces as it races along through the woods, then out into bright sunny meadows north of Adams.