Williamstown, the college town at the western end of the Mohawk Trail — home to Williams College and the Clark Art Institute, in the shadow of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts.
Welcome to the Mohawk Trail, and welcome aboard. I'm Ranger Quinn, riding with you the whole way to keep you oriented and tell you what you're seeing, and with us is Ranger Boone Merrick, who carries the tales — and this old road is full of them.
You're starting at the western end, in Williamstown, one of the prettiest college towns in New England — Williams College is right along the road, the Clark Art Institute is just south, and the whole town sits in the lap of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. From here we're driving east on Route 2, the Mohawk Trail, about fifty miles to the French King Bridge over the Connecticut River — up around the famous Hairpin Turn, over the high summits, and down through the river gorges on the far side.
So pick up Route 2 heading east out of Williamstown, toward North Adams — just follow the shields; it's one road nearly the whole way, and it starts climbing soon enough. When you stop and shut the engine off, the tour pauses; tap play to pick it back up. All right, Boone — say hello, and let's climb the Trail.
Photo: Daderot · Public domain
