We bicycled on this trail in the fall of 2004 when we were 80 (Kay Knapschaefer) and 77 (Dale). It's an ideal round trip ride for people our age. The paved trail follows the Hoosic River for its 11 mile length. There is much variety because the southern part is along a marshy area, then around the middle it follows along a lake made by a dam. Going into Adams in the northern part, the Hoosic River is a fast moving river. There are three distinct types of scenery which are illustrated by informative signs. Another great thing about the trail are the distant views of the Berkshire Mountains especially across the lake.
Adams is a good place to explore by bike and if you do the trip from the south, it is a good place for lunch before starting back. The Berkshire Vistor Center in Adams is at the northern end of the trail. The visitor center is full of information about the Berkshire area and is a good place to visit for people like us who are not from the area.
It's an easy trail to reach, following close to route 8. The southern end is in Lanesboro, near Pittsfield, MA and a short distance off Rt. 8 at Berkshire Mall Road.The northern end is the Berskshire Visitors' Center in Adams just off Rt. 8. There are restrooms and parking at both places. The Massachusetts Department of Parks page for the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (NRRT) gives direction to the trail and location of parking areas and restrooms. There is a link to a map or click here to go directly to the map. WE picked up a brochure with much information and a good map at the Berkshire Visitor Center in Adams. It may be possible to get one by writing to: