Charlemont, Massachusettss: A Hidden Gem in the Berkshires

Over 6,000 acres, Mohawk Trail State Forest offers camping from May to October. For those interested, there are both campsites and cabins available for camping. Onsite restrooms and picnic areas can be found throughout the park. For those interested in a day trip, picnic tables, grills, and pavilions are available for use. When you’re ready to get active, consider one of the hiking trails found throughout the park. Rivers and streams in the area provide ample trout fishing, swimming, and canoeing opportunities. Be sure to enjoy the hikes while taking in the scenic surroundings and wildlife.

Cold River Road, Charlemont, MA 01339, Phone: 413-339-5504

When you’re looking for a quick – or lengthy – getaway, the Berkshire East Mountain Resort offers many awesome opportunities for outdoor activities in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. This full resort not only offers lodging but also activities no matter the weather. In the winter months, enjoy snow tubing, skiing, and racing. In the warmer months, you can go white water rafting on the Deerfield River, check out the Aerial ropes course, zip lining, or the mountain coaster. The mountain coaster allows you to select your speed with on-cart hand breaks. This is perfect for adults and older kids who want to take on the adventure with a little one over the age of three.

66 Thunder Mountain Road, Charlemont, MA 01339, Phone: 413-339-6617

Attractions for Couples

Perhaps the most famous river in Charlemont, Deerfield River is the location for many tourists and locals looking to get some water activities going. This river is 76 miles long from Vermont through Massachusetts. Because of the dams in the surrounding area, this is a slower moving river that has perfect spots for swimming and fishing. Many visitors enjoy tubbing on the river, and whitewater kayaking in rougher areas. A visit to Charlemont would not be complete without spending a little time at Deerfield River, enjoying a picnic or the wildlife.

Bissell Bridge is a covered bridge that runs over Mill Brook. The slow-moving water beneath the bridge comes from a nearby waterfall. Though the bridge has been closed down for rehabilitation, this is not the original covered bridge that stood here. AS the first covered bridge in America during the 20th Century, this bridge is now part of the National Registry of Historic Places. Visitors to the area will want to see the former glory of the era of covered bridges. Walk through the bridge and gaze down into the waters through one of the open windows. While you’re here, consider the short trip to the Henry W. Bissell house.

39 N Heath Road, Charlemont, MA 01339

No visit is complete to a town without seeing all of the sites and monuments of the area. The Hail to the Sunrise monument in Mohawk Park is one of these sites. This monument is dedicated to the Mohawk tribes of Massachusetts and New York as a reminder of the beautiful heritage and aid they provided during settlement. Visitors are greeted by an Indian chief with his arms raised high to the sky welcoming the sunrise. A reflecting pool that sits by is circled by stones from over 100 Native American tribes. Visitors can purchase a mini-monument to take home.

Hail to the Sunrise/ Mohawk Park, 512 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont, MA 01339

Unique Adventures

With locations across three states, Crab Apple Whitewater provides excellent training and experiences for whitewater rafting. Three generations have owned Crab Apple and have expanded their business from Maine through Vermont and into Massachusetts. The MA-branch is located on Deerfield River and offers three rafting options: Bridge Section Rafting, Funyaks, and Family Raft Trip. At eight miles long, the half-day family raft trip is best for those with children or who are less experienced. No matter your experience level, there is no need to worry, Crab Apple provides all equipment and training.

2056 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont, MA 01339, Phone: 800-553-7238

A trip to the Berkshires is truly about enjoying the outdoors, no matter the season. With Zoar Outdoor/Deerfield Valley Canopy Tours, guests have the chance to try their hand at several activities they may not get to at home. While lodging is available on site, it’s the activities that will really get your blood pumping. Consider whitewater rafting on Deerfield River or try a slower paced water sport, like paddle boarding. If you want to stay dry, try your hand at the Canopy Tour, which is a 3-hour treetop adventure that includes 11 zip lines and three rappels.

7 Main Street, Charlemont, MA 01339, Phone: 800-532-7483