The Best Places to Visit on a Road Trip from Amherst to Belchertown
Whether you're a local or just passing through, a drive from Amherst to Belchertown is a beautiful journey through Massachusetts. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque towns, stunning natural scenery, and plenty of attractions that are worth exploring. So buckle up and get ready for a scenic adventure! In this post, we’ll highlight the top places to visit on a road trip from Amherst to Belchertown.
Fall Foliage Views
If you’re taking this trip in the fall, you’re in for a treat. Massachusetts is famous for its fall foliage, and the drive from Amherst to Belchertown is one of the best places to see it. Here are some of the top foliage viewing spots along the way:
Mount Norwottuck
Mount Norwottuck in Hadley is a popular spot for fall foliage viewing. The mountain offers panoramic views of the Connecticut River and the surrounding hills. There are several hiking trails to the summit, including the 1.5-mile M&M trail, or you can take the road to the top if you prefer a scenic drive.
Quabbin Reservoir
The Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown is surrounded by lush forests and is one of the best places in the state for fall foliage viewing. Drive along Route 202 for scenic views of the reservoir as the leaves turn gold, orange, and red.
The Mohawk Trail
The Mohawk Trail is a scenic byway that runs through the heart of the Berkshires. It starts in Greenfield and ends in Williamstown, passing through towns like North Adams and Shelburne Falls along the way. This road trip is a great opportunity for fall foliage viewing in Massachusetts.
Historical and Cultural Sites
The Pioneer Valley is rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of places to explore on your drive from Amherst to Belchertown. Here are some historical and cultural sites you won't want to miss:
Emily Dickinson Museum
The Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst is the former home of the famous poet. You can tour the house and see the room where she wrote many of her poems, as well as exhibits on her life and work.
Historic Deerfield
Historic Deerfield is a living history museum that explores life in New England from the 1700s to the present day. The town features over 30 historic buildings, including houses, barns, and museums.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst celebrates the art of children's books. The museum features exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, as well as hands-on art activities for kids and adults.
Porter Phelps Huntington Museum
The Porter Phelps Huntington Museum in Hadley is a colonial-era house that is open for tours. The house is furnished in the style of the eighteenth century, and the museum features exhibits on the history of Hadley and the Connecticut River Valley.
Outdoor Activities
If you're looking for some outdoor fun, there are plenty of options on the drive from Amherst to Belchertown. Here are some of the top outdoor activities along the way:
Puffers Pond
Puffers Pond in Amherst is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking. The pond is surrounded by wooded hills, and there are several hiking trails in the area.
Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
The Amethyst Brook Conservation Area in Amherst is a great place for hiking and birdwatching. The area features several streams and wetlands, as well as wooded hills and meadows.
Quabbin Reservoir
The Quabbin Reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, or fish in the area, or take a scenic drive along Route 202.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Mount Holyoke Range State Park in Hadley is a great place for hiking and mountain biking. The park features several trails that offer panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley.
Conclusion
The drive from Amherst to Belchertown is a beautiful journey through Massachusetts. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone along the way. We hope this list of the top places to visit on a road trip from Amherst to Belchertown will inspire you to hit the road and explore this beautiful part of Massachusetts.