Mohawk Trail

North Adams to Erving

Western Massachusetts · Massachusetts · United States

Key measurements

Distance

45.9 miles

Elevation gain

3,171 ft

Elevation loss

3,586 ft

High point

2,182 ft

Low point

146 ft

Net change

-424 ft (710 ft to 286 ft)

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This 46-mile point-to-point traverse crosses the rugged terrain of northwestern Massachusetts, following the historic Mohawk Trail corridor from the Northern Berkshires to the Pioneer Valley. Starting in the former industrial river town of North Adams at the foot of Mount Greylock, the route executes a steep, immediate climb over the crest of the Hoosac Range, peaking at nearly 2,200 feet before plunging down along the Deerfield River.

As the terrain transitions eastward, the steep, dense hardwood slopes and narrow river gorges give way to rolling agricultural hills through Shelburne and eventually flatten out into the low floor of the Connecticut River Valley near Greenfield. The final stretch spans the Connecticut River and tracks the forested banks of the Millers River into Erving. It is a classic New England cross-country ride defined by stark elevational shifts, mountain vistas, and changing river systems.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Hoosac Range Pass & Western Descent — Miles 0.2–17.0

Leaving North Adams, Route 2 immediately begins an aggressive ascent up the western face of Hoosac Mountain. The road sweeps through severe elevation gains, yielding wide views backward over the Hoosac Valley before cresting at Whitcomb Summit—the route’s high point at 2,181 feet (Mile 7.1). From the summit, the pavement descends steeply through dense woodland into the narrow notch carved by the Deerfield River, transitioning from high mountain ridge to deep valley bottom as you cross into Charlemont.

Deerfield River Canyon to Shelburne Hills — Miles 18.9–35.9

Continuing east, MA-2 tracks the winding course of the Deerfield River. The canyon walls gradually soften into rolling, forested foothills and dairy pastures. The road alternates between sweeping river curves and open hill country through Shelburne, maintaining a steady downward grade toward the Connecticut River watershed.

Greenfield Center & Valley Floor Transition — Miles 35.9–39.9

Diverging briefly onto MA-2A, the route drops into the urban valley floor of Greenfield. Elevation reaches its lowest point here along the flat plain (146 feet at Mile 40.5). This short urban segment shifts the ride from open highway to local surface streets with low speed limits, commercial intersections, and local traffic before setting up the eastern river crossing.

Connecticut River Span & Millers River Run — Miles 40.0–45.4

Rejoining primary Route 2, the road crosses the broad expanse of the Connecticut River and turns east along the northern bluffs of the Millers River. The surrounding landscape tightens again into dense forest and exposed granite outcrops as you enter Franklin County’s eastern timber country.

Erving Village Finish — Miles 45.6–45.9

A quick turn off the main corridor onto Prospect Street completes the trip. This short 0.4-mile climb leaves the riverfront highway corridor behind, winding gently into the elevated residential hillside of Erving.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Elevation changes of more than 2,000 feet mean microclimates vary noticeably along the route. High points on the Hoosac Range can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the Connecticut River Valley floor in Greenfield.

Late spring through mid-autumn offers the cleanest pavement conditions. Mountain shadows in the Deerfield River gorge can keep northern exposure turns cold and damp long into the morning, particularly in early spring and late autumn. October brings heavy tourist traffic along the Mohawk Trail corridor for autumn foliage, significantly impacting traffic flow on the mountain ascents.

Logistics & Services

Fuel, food, and standard amenities are plentiful at both ends of the route in North Adams and Greenfield, with moderate roadside services available through Charlemont. Cell coverage is reliable across the eastern half of the trip but can drop intermittently in the deeper cuts of the Deerfield River gorge along MA-2 between Florida and West Charlemont.

Important Considerations

Foliage Season Congestion: September and October weekends bring high vehicle volumes, tour buses, and slow-moving traffic to the mountain segments of Route 2. * Wildlife Hazards: The forested, high-elevation stretches across the Hoosac Range are active wildlife corridors; deer and black bear crossings are common around dawn and dusk. * Pavement Surface: Winter freeze-thaw cycles routinely create frost heaves and gravel washouts on the steep mountain gradients of MA-2 west of Charlemont.