The best cycling routes in Mount Holyoke Range State Park
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Touring cycling in Mount Holyoke Range State Park offers routes through a landscape characterized by forested trap rock ridges, river valleys, and open grasslands. The park features varied terrain, including paved rail trails and paths with gentle ascents and descents. This region provides opportunities for cycling through natural areas with views of the surrounding Connecticut River Valley.
Best touring cycling routes in Mount Holyoke Range State Park
- The most popular touring cycling route is Aldrich Lake – Bachelor Brook Reservoir…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(1)
3
riders
33.0km
02:05
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
34
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(5)
21
riders
19.4km
01:07
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
20
riders
22.4km
01:21
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
great paved foot/cycle path.
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This park has a lot going on. Fun to ride through the light display in December, and a variety of events throughout the year, including cyclocross, archery competitions, Highland games; and through it all, walkers and picnickers
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This section of the rail trail, from the top of the hill in Amherst to the end of the trail in Belchertown, includes this crossing of the fort river and goes through a lot of beautiful wetlands
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This bridge along the Norwottuck Rail Trail crosses the Fort River and offers great views of the waterway.
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Lower Millpond makes a nice stopover if you're cycling the New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway. The actual mill itself is on the other side of the paved greenway, and has been transformed into a commercial development with art galleries, restaurants, shops and a brewery.
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The Norwottuck Rail Trail is a part of an extensive network of connecting multi-use paths connecting the towns of Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Florence, Hadley, Southampton, and Williamsburg. This section of Norwottuck Rail Trail is the southernmost section in South Amherst where it ends at Warren Wright Road. This is a great section of trail where you pass through pine and oak forests, wetlands, and can glimpse some of the local mountains through the trees. You might also catch a glance at a train that runs on an adjacent railroad.
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The Botanic Garden of Smith College is a beautiful place to visit when in Northampton. Located on the historic campus of Smith College, a private liberal arts women's college, the botanical gardens feature indoor and outdoor exhibits that are open to the public. The outdoor sections of the garden features the Systematics Garden and Perennial Border gardens where beds are arranged according to evolutionary relationships, which facilitate learning for the students. There is also a Rock Garden which features 2,000 alpine, dwarf, and woodland plants. Adjacent to these outdoor gardens is the Lyman Plant House, a magnificent greenhouse that was built in 1895 and houses rare plants in several sub-houses and sections.
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If you cycle along the Manhan Rail Trail, you'll cross the Old Pascommuck Conservation Area in this section. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful floodplain forest where you can observe native plants, with the shrub bladdernut being prominent in the western part of the area. This area represents the final stretch of the Manhan River just before it empties its waters into the Connecticut River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Mount Holyoke Range State Park?
Mount Holyoke Range State Park offers over 90 touring cycling routes. These routes traverse forested trap rock ridges, river valleys, and open grasslands, providing a diverse cycling experience.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, approximately 38 of the routes in Mount Holyoke Range State Park are rated as easy. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Norwottuck Rail Trail Bridge loop from Fort River Grasslands Division, which follows a paved rail trail and is 6.9 miles (11.1 km) long.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Mount Holyoke Range State Park?
The terrain in Mount Holyoke Range State Park is varied, featuring forested trap rock ridges, river valleys, and open grasslands. You'll find a mix of paved rail trails offering flat sections, as well as paths with gentle ascents and descents through natural areas.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For those seeking a longer, moderate challenge, the Norwottuck Rail Trail Bridge – Bridge over the Fort River loop from Northampton is a good choice. This route spans 48.19 km (29.9 miles) and involves more varied terrain, typically taking around 2 hours 54 minutes to complete.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions along the cycling routes?
While cycling, you can enjoy views of the surrounding Connecticut River Valley. Notable natural attractions in the park include Mount Hitchcock and Lithia Springs Reservoir. The park itself, Mount Holyoke Range State Park, is a significant forested area to explore.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the park?
Yes, many routes in the park are designed as loops. An example is the Aldrich Lake – Bachelor Brook Reservoir loop from Batchelor Brook Area, a moderate 20.5-mile (33.0 km) trail that explores a mix of natural and reservoir areas.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Mount Holyoke Range State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from accessible rail trails to paths through forested ridges, and the scenic views of the Connecticut River Valley.
Are there any facilities or visitor centers available along the routes?
You can find facilities at the Notch Visitor's Center, which can be a convenient stop during your ride.
What is a good route for a shorter, easy ride near Amherst College?
The Fort River Bridge loop from Amherst College is an excellent choice. It's an easy 6.3-mile (10.1 km) trail that leads through riverine landscapes and can typically be completed in about 36 minutes.
Is there a moderate-difficulty route that starts from Northampton?
Yes, the Main Street – Norwottuck Rail Trail Bridge loop from Northampton offers a moderate experience. This 24.2 km (15.0 miles) route provides a good balance of distance and varied scenery.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Mount Holyoke Range State Park?
While cycling is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, both summer and fall offer distinct experiences. Summer provides lush greenery, while fall is renowned for its vibrant foliage, making it a particularly scenic time to explore the park's routes.
Most popular routes in Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Most popular attractions in Mount Holyoke Range State Park
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