Connecticut River Greenways State Park

136 Damon Rd.
Northampton
413 586-8706 ext. 12

The Connecticut River Greenway, is one of Massachusetts' newest State Parks. It connects open spaces, parks, scenic vistas, and archaeological and historic sites along the length of the Connecticut River as it passes through the state. There are over 12 miles of permanently protected shoreline, and numerous access points to the river (listed below). Like jewels along a necklace, several larger properties such as Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation, Norwottuck Rail Trail and the Great Falls Discovery Center (located in Turner's Falls) provide added visitor amenities.

Park Map
Click here to view Park Map

River Access Points
Pauchaug,Northfield: one mile north of Northfield Center on Rte. 63. Paved parking area and ramp. The boat ramp can accommodate canoes, fishing boats, recreational motorboats.
Barton Cove, Gill: 1.5 miles east of Turner’s Falls on Rte 2. Paved parking and ramp. Recreational motorboats, canoes, fishing boats.
Sunderland: canoe and fishing access managed by the town of Sunderland. At the end of School Street on the north side of Sunderland Bridge. Limited parking.
Hatfield: one mile north of Hatfield Center. Shallow draft lightweight boats and canoes.
Elwell Recreation Area, Northampton: Damon Road at Route 9 and I-91. Canoe and rowing access only. Paved access ramp to a wheelchair accessible dock on the river. Limited parking.
Oxbow Ramp, Easthampton: take Rte. I-91 to exit 18 south on Rte. 5 in Easthampton. Thirty-five parking spaces and a paved ramp. Customary use by high powered recreational craft and larger fishing boats.
South Hadley/Chicopee Boat Access: James Street at the South Hadley/Chicopee town line downstream from the Holyoke Dam. Six to eight parking spaces and gravel ramp. Shallow draft fishing boats. Popular during shad fishing season.
Chicopee Boat Access, Chicopee: one half mile off Rte. 116 on Melina Street. Thirty-two parking spaces and a surfaced ramp. Shallow, moderate and deep draft recreational and fishing boats. Easy canoe and rowing shell access.

Additional Visitor Destination Sites
French King Gorge, Erving and Gill
The French King Gorge is an ecological, scenic and agricultural gem. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago by glacial melt waters. Looking out from the Route 2 bridge that connects Gill to Erving, you will experience one of the most distinctive views in Massachusetts. Directions: to admire the views from the bridge take Rte. I-91 to exit 27 (Greenfield). Follow Rte. 2 to the Gill/Erving property divide. There is some parking on both sides of the road at the bridge.

Mt. Toby State Forest, Sunderland
At more than 1,200 feet in height, Mt. Toby looms over the middle Connecticut River Valley offering outstanding panoramic views to those who will make the trek on a moderate hiking trail of about 6 miles. There are shorter hiking trials as well. Related geologically to Mt. Sugarloaf, Mt. Toby features cliffs, caves, waterfalls, wetlands and open fields. Directions: from Rte. 47 in North Sunderland, turn right on Reservation Rd. Parking is located approximately a half mile east on Reservation Rd.

Connecticut River Greenway State Park Headquarters/District Field Office:

From the North and South:

From the North: Rte 91 south to exit # 20. At the bottom of the ramp-merge with traffic and enter Left lane.  Turn left at light-onto Damon Road.  Proceed 1/4 mile-Headquarters is on the left

From the South:  Route 91 North to exit #19.  At the end of ramp- go straight through light.  Proceed 1/4 mile-Headquarters is on the right.

From the East or West: Mass Pike (I-90) to exit 4, Rte 91 north to Rt 9 exit # 19. At the end of ramp- go straight through light.  Proceed 1/4 mile-Headquarters is on the right.