January 11, 2020 – Canalside Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Canalside Rail Trail in Turner Falls, Massachusetts.  The Canalside Rail Trail is a Connecticut River Greenway State Park, part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.  The Trail is an approximate 3.7 miles beginning in Deerfield and ending in Montague.  The Trail provides views of the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers.  It is a popular Trail for biking, walking, and rollerblading.

We had an icy Adventure to the Canalside Rail Trail.  We parked at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turner Falls, and then followed the signs directing us to the Rail Trail.  I was quite disheartened to see the ice rink the Trail had become and even more disappointed that I had neglected to pack my ice cleats.  However, we carried on slipping and sliding in our attempt to begin our Adventure.  After some time I decided that we could succeed on a walk, so we shuffled along slowly but surely toward the Trail.

Our walk began at the merging of the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers. We traversed a pedestrian bridge, the water rushing below, appearing almost dangerously close. We appreciated the views above the Rivers before carefully heading back to the Trail. The gate in the direction of the Connecticut River was closed so we headed the opposite direction toward the town of Deerfield. Along the way we saw many trestle bridges, pedestrian bridges, old rail tracks, and mill-like buildings.  The Trail was peaceful, with few others battling the ice.  We walked and exploring enjoying the unique views of the River and diverse scenery.  I was eager to round each turn locating numerous bridges and continued variety.  The Trail was lined with various fencing which I definitely was thankful for with the treacherous conditions. It was fun to locate a new Trail with distinct features. We definitely will be back for a walk on the Canalside Rail Trail(Rating:  4).