Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

On and around the Mohawk Trail

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As most of our readers are aware, we've been self-isolating - mostly in the office and the kitchen. In the office we're exploring new ways of marketing during this science fiction life, and in the kitchen we're discovering new recipes to brighten mealtimes. As to this latter pursuit, don't be surprised if we subtitle our next New Year's dinner "Pandemic All-Stars Issue".

But this month's story is about a different ritual. On Sundays for the past few weeks we've been going for weekly drives in the country after lunch, exploring back roads and small towns that we've never taken the time to know. Occasionally on these drives, we'll stop to enjoy a particularly appealing view and try to capture the beauty of what we see in a digital image.

This month we'd like to share a few pictures taken during a couple of weekends exploring the Mohawk Trail, the western end of MA Route 2, that hugs the New Hampshire and Vermont borders between Boston and the New York state line. There are many areas of great scenic beauty in western New England, and the Mohawk Trail is one of the area's most pleasing. We hope you'll enjoy this brief virtual visit.

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We begin with a few pictures of Old Greenfield Road in Shelburne, where several 18th century homes still stand.

A beautifully restored Georgian center chimney colonial

Another house of slightly later period, in less pristine shape

An early barn, in precarious shape

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Back on the Mohawk Trail, headed for Greenfield

The famous hairpin turn where the Mohawk Trail reverses direction to descend into North Adams. 

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The eastern shaft of the Hoosac Tunnel, the 4.75 mile dig through the Hoosac Range, the southern extension of the Green Mountains.

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Just outside of North Adams is the location of a former marble quarry, now a state park known as Natural Bridge State Park. The park offers narrow trails affording views of the former quarry and bridge.

Our best take from the day was this video of the white marble dam. Click the thumbnail to watch.

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Not far from the Mohawk Trail, but closer to home, these two views seem to make a fitting conclusion to our travel.



"Little Switzerland" - view from Bear Swamp Road in Ashfield



The Boyden Farm, less than a mile from home on Roaring Brook Road in Conway

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