Monthly Archives: October 2014

Western Mass, Site 31: Mt. Grace

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 31 Map: Mt. Grace icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5.5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
View from the fire tower on top of Mt. Grace
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the M-M Trail on Little Mt. Grace
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Trail junction along the Round-the-Mountain Trail on the east side of Mt. Grace
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Southwest-facing vista from Little Mt. Grace
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Trail sign at Ohlson Memorial Field on the east side of Mt. Grace
the fire tower on top of Mt. Grace
Around the Mountain Trail at Mt. Grace
NET just south of the summit of Mt. Grace
Around the Mountain Trail at Mt. Grace

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 30: Northfield Mountain

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 30 Map: Northfield Mountain icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 6.2 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Lower portion of the doubletrack Tooleybush Turnpike trail at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The winding road of 10th Mountain Trail at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Spring along the powerline portion of 10th Mountain Trail at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Lots of trails to choose from at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Connector path to the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail from the Northfield Mountain trail system

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Stairs to Nowhere at Rose Ledge on Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
“The Chute” section of the Tooleybush Turnpike Trail at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Singletrack trail at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
(Temporary?) boardwalk planks along the powerline section of 10th Mountain Division Trail at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Snowshoe running on singletrack trails at Northfield Mountain

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Signpost at Northfield Mountain

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 29: Greenfield Ridge

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 29 Map: Greenfield Ridge icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Sachem Head near the southern end of Greenfield Ridge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
A pleasant section of trail along the northern part of Greenfield Ridge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Typical stretch of trail along the crest of Greenfield Ridge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Greenfield from the vista at Poets Seat

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Red Trail along Bears Den Road on the southeast side of Greenfield Ridge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Sachem Head stairs

photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
A section of the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail near Poet’s Seat

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 28: Colrain Ridge Trail

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 28 Map: Colrain Ridge icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 4 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Colrain Ridge Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
View from the powerline swath along the Colrain Ridge Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the Colrain Ridge Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Colrain Ridge Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Southern end of the Colrain Ridge Trail at Chandler Hill Cemetery

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 27: Mahican-Mohawk Trail

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 27 Map: Mahican-Mohawk Trail icon_pdf
(large file; may take a while to load)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The middle section of this site, from Conway Station Rd to Bardwells Ferry, is currently closed. The smaller of the two washouts along the old road bed (the one without a trail relocation yet) has apparently eroded just far enough that the trail there is considered unsafe. There is currently no re-route, but hopefully there will be soon! The eastern and western segments of this site are still open (however, the powerline crossings at the eastern end are somewhat overgrown and the trail needs some maintenance). 

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Scenic stretch of the Deerfield River as seen from the Mahican-Mohawk Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Railroad bridge over the Deerfield River as seen from the Mahican-Mohawk Trail north of Bardwell’s Ferry

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Mahican-Mohawk Trail passes through a rock cut in Deerfield

A singletrack section of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail above the Deerfield River

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Polly’s Crossing bridge over the South River in Conway

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
A rugged section of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail in Shelburne

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Log stairs along the western part of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail in Shelburne

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Mossy section of trail above the dam along the Deerfield River in Shelburne

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Deerfield River from the Mahican-Mohawk Trail

A singletrack section of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail above the Deerfield River

A singletrack section of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail above the Deerfield River

A singletrack section of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail above the Deerfield River

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Cascading forest stream (Sluice Brook) at the current northern end of this portion of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail in Shelburne

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 26: Bear Swamp Reservation

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 26 Map: Bear Swamp Reservation icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 3 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Open water and marsh as seen from the Beaver Brook Trail at Bear Swamp Reservation

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Rich forest wildflowers along the Lookout Trail at Bear Swamp

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Irises at the Orchard Outlook

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Berkshire vista at the end of the Orchard Outlook spur

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The Beaver Brook Trail at Bear Swamp

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Cascade and pool along Beaver Brook at Bear Swamp

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The Lookout Trail briefly pops out on a ledge with a partial view above Bear Swamp

copyright 2021 by Ben Kimball
Snowshoe running at Bear Swamp Reservation

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Trail signs at Bear Swamp Reservation

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bear Swamp Reservation trailhead

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 25: Two Bridges Trail

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 25 Map: Two Bridges Trail icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridge at the crossing of Chapel Brook along the Two Bridges Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Scenic seat along the Pebble Trail at the Bullitt Reservation

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Chapel Falls along Chapel Brook

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Wildflowers along the Pebble Trail at TTOR’s Bullitt Reservation

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Two Bridges Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
View from Chapel Ledge on Pony Mtn. just to the west of Chapel Brook Falls

Bonus Site profile:
Chapel Brook to D.A.R. Trail
Connects Site 24 and Site 25

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 24: DAR State Forest

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 24 Map: DAR State Forest icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 7.5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Fern-flanked section of the Moose Run trail at DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridges over a small forested swamp along the Moose Run Trail at DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) is responsible for many of the well-constructed trails and bridges at DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Sunset over Upper Highland Lake at DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The Long Trail traverses an exposed ledge at DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the Moose Run Trail at DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Fire tower at the top of Moore Hill in DAR State Forest

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
View from the fire tower at DAR State Forest

Bonus Site profile:
Chapel Brook to D.A.R. Trail
Connects Site 24 and Site 25

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 23: Chesterfield Gorge

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 23 Map: Chesterfield Gorge icon_pdf
(large file; may take a while to load)
(includes the Claude M. Hill Trail on the east side of the Westfield River)

Site 23 Map: Chesterfield Gorge inset (northern 3 miles) icon_pdf

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Near mile 2 of the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield Gorge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Near mile 6 of the East Branch Trail along the Westfield River at Chesterfield Gorge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Racers near mile 1 of the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield Gorge during the annual Gorge Apres Gorge 5K Trail Race the weekend after Thanksgiving

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
There are wooden mile marker posts for the northern six miles of the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield Gorge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Stream bridge along the East Branch Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
New blue trail markers along the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield Gorge

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Racers near mile 1 of the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield Gorge during the annual Gorge Apres Gorge 5K Trail Race

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Racers near mile 1 of the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield Gorge during the annual Gorge Apres Gorge 5K Trail Race

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Lower part of Chesterfield Gorge, near the dam (note: the riparian vegetation along this stretch is often much higher and denser by mid-summer)

(photo copyright Ben Kimball 2015)
View from The Pinnacle above the eastern side of Chesterfield Gorge (accessible via the Pinnacle Trail)

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 22: Keystone Arch Bridges Trail

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 22 Map: Keystone Arch Bridges Trail icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Pedestrian bridge along the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Double Keystone Arch Bridge over the Westfield River

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
dirt road portion of the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail along the Westfield River

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Singletrack section of the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Through the road cut on the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Near the western end of the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Waterfall along an unnamed brook near the start of the KAB Trail

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.