Hoosac Tunnel East Portal

This challenging touring cycling route near Rowe offers a deep dive into New England's history and natural beauty, combining significant climbs with rewarding views. You'll cycle along the scenic Deerfield River, passing through classic landscapes of broad fields and wooded hillsides, before reaching the historic Hoosac Tunnel East Portal. The route covers 20.3 miles (32.6 km) with a substantial 1876 feet (572 metres) of elevation gain, making it a difficult ride that typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Planning your visit means being ready for varied terrain; expect a mix of paved roads and potentially unpaved sections, including packed dirt or gravel, as you explore the area. The roads leading to the East Portal can involve inclines, so come prepared for a workout. Autumn is a particularly popular time to experience the vibrant foliage, but any clear day offers stunning Deerfield River viewpoints cycling.

What makes this route truly notable is the blend of natural beauty with the engineering marvel of the Hoosac Tunnel. Often called the "Great Bore," this 4.75-mile active freight railroad tunnel was an incredible feat of 19th-century engineering. Observing the East Portal offers a unique historical perspective, making this a ride for those who appreciate both a physical challenge and a journey through history.

The Hoosac Tunnel East Portal loop from North Adams is a challenging 37.3-mile (60.0 km) touring cycling route that winds through the scenic Berkshire landscapes. You'll experience lush greenery and stunning vistas, with the route often paralleling the Deerfield River and offering views of the Hoosac Range and Mount Greylock. This difficult ride, typically completed in about 4 hours and 3 minutes, includes 3124 feet (952 metres) of elevation gain, making it a rewarding experience for fit cyclists.

Planning your ride requires acknowledging the route's demanding nature; it's classified as a "Hard bike ride" requiring "very good fitness." While mostly paved, expect unpaved and difficult segments where you might need to dismount and push your bike, so a versatile touring bicycle is recommended. The historic Hoosac Tunnel East Portal is a key landmark, accessible for viewing, though the active freight tunnel itself is not open to cyclists.

This route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, centered around the Hoosac Tunnel, a monumental 19th-century engineering marvel known as "The Great Bore." Its construction involved immense effort and sacrifice, and it remains an active railway tunnel today. The loop provides a chance to explore this piece of history while enjoying the dramatic scenery of the Berkshires, connecting you to the broader Mohican Mohawk Trail region.