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Nestled in the heart of the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, Easthampton’s Manhan Rail Trail offers unique recreational opportunities to people of all ages and interests. Bike, jog, roller blade, cross country ski or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll on what was once a viable rail corridor. The 4.2 mile (off-road) paved trail was completed in 2003 after 10 years of planning and fundraising. It is proposed that eventually, the trail will connect all the way from New Haven, Connecticut to Northampton, Massachusetts and beyond.

Please Note: The giant sinkhole near the Route 5 trail head has been filled and the trail is re-opened! Following a torrential rainfall in Sept. of 2008, a washed out culvert resulted in a house-sized sinkhole and  major damage to the trail.  Work to repair the damage began in September, 2009 and was completed by mid-October, 2009.  For photos, please see the Photo Page.

Trail Highlights:

The north end of the trail begins at the Route 5 Trailhead (there is some “unofficial” parking here.) This area is commonly called “Mt. Tom Junction“.  Back when the path was used as a railroad, a train engine fondly called “Tommy” ran back and forth along this route.

Heading south you will come upon a spectacular overlook of the Connecticut River Oxbow to your right.  This loop of the river was cut off by land and now teems with wildlife.  Look for osprey, ravens and great blue herons.  It’s also a popular boating and water skiing area.

Further south, you’ll come to a sign marking the Pascommuck Trust Conservation Area.  Take the stairs up the bank to find a nice picnic spot and a boulder marking the site of the 1704 Indian and settler conflict.

Continuing along the trail you might consider a side trip to the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.  Take a right off the trail at Fort Hill Road and follow the road to Arcadia where you’ll find walking trails and a nature center.

Back on the trail you’ll notice the Mt. Tom Range which evolved through volcanic action, creating basalt columns visible from Easthampton.  Its also prime hawk-watching territory – each fall thousands of hawks and other birds migrate past the mountain.

Next up, you’ll pass the Northeast Center for Youth and Families (formerly Tri-County School) at 203 East Street which allows parking for trail users.

After crossing Gosselin Drive, Arthur Street and finally Ferry Street, you will come upon the newly developed Millside Park, which provides parking, rest rooms, an exercise course, basketball courts, picnic tables and a band shell.

Further along, you will travel behind Hampton Mills.  Built in the late 1800’s, this extensive mill complex processed textiles for many years.  Be sure to visit Eastworks, a mill building which houses shops, galleries, restaurants, artists studios and loft apartments.

Next you will cross Union Street in the center of Easthampton’s business district.  Stop for a bite to eat, or peruse the many shops and galleries.

Just beyond Union Street, you will come upon the Manhan Rail Trail Millenium Mural.  This mural was painted by community volunteers under the direction of artist Nora Valdez.  It was completed in 2002.  Directly opposite the mural, you will see the old train depot, now privately owned.

Next you will cross Payson Avenue.  Taking a left down Payson will bring you to the picturesque Nashawannuck Pond.  This landmark was created in 1847 by the damming of Broad Brook.  On a clear, still day, look for the reflection of Mt. Tom in the water.  This reflection is commonly known as “the bottle” and is featured on Easthampton’s municipal seal.   (As you go by the pond in 2009 & 2010, you’ll notice that the pond has been drained.  This has been done so that the pond can be dredged and deepened to prevent the re-growth of invasive plants.  This major project, many years in the making, should ensure the health of Nashawannuck Pond for future generations to enjoy.)

From the pond, you may take a side trip to Nonotuck Park by continuing up Williston Avenue.  This city park has a swimming pool and sprinkler park, ball fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, trails and public rest rooms. (retrace your steps to get back to the Manhan Rail Trail)

Back on the trail just south of Payson Avenue, you will see the Williston Northampton School. This prestigious day and boarding school was founded in 1841 as the Williston Seminary.

The trail currently ends at South Street, but plans call for the path to extend to Coleman Road in Southampton as early as 2010.  (there is currently no parking at the southern trailhead)

Also coming soon is a spur that will connect the Manhan Rail Trail to trails in Northampton.  Construction on this project, funded by federal stimulus dollars, began this past fall (2009).  The spur will begin at Ferry Street in Easthampton and connect to the Northampton trail at Earle Street (near the Smith College Equestrian Center)