Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
A former rail line runs beside the Hoosic River and Cheshire Reservoir with long mountain views and easy grades.
Artwork inspired by Rockwell Kent
A former rail line runs beside the Hoosic River and Cheshire Reservoir with long mountain views and easy grades. The route reads the northern Berkshires as a working valley. Rail history, mill towns, wetlands, reservoir, farms, and Greylockâs mass stay present while the nearly level path makes distance approachable.
Start in Adams, Cheshire, or Lanesborough based on desired distance. Expect exposed sun and wind around the reservoir and active road crossings near towns. There is limited shade on northern sections and few services directly on the path. Announce passes and carry basic repair gear. The reservoir reach offers the most sustained relationship between water and mountain.
- Length
- About 14 miles
- Surface
- Paved
- Backdrop
- Mount Greylock
Quick guide
- Ride the reservoir
- Open water provides the clearest long view.
- Watch town crossings
- Rail alignment does not eliminate traffic.
Know before you go
- Ride the reservoir
- Open water provides the clearest long view.
- Watch town crossings
- Rail alignment does not eliminate traffic.
- Read mill traces
- The path follows an industrial corridor.
- Save for headwind
- The return can feel entirely different.
Good to know
There is limited shade on northern sections and few services directly on the path. Announce passes and carry basic repair gear.
Notice these
- Cheshire Reservoir
- Adams mill views
- Mount Greylock panorama