The Norwottock Rail Trail is an 11 mile path linking Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst along the former Boston & Main Railroad right-of-way. The path's level terrain provides safe passage for pedestrians, wheelchairs, joggers, skaters, bicyclists, and cross-country skier of all ages and abilities. Motorized vehicles and horses are prohibited. Both ends of the path offer free parking for trail users – Elwell State Park on Damon Road in Northampton and Station Road in South Amherst. Public restrooms are available at the parking area at Elwell Recreation Area.

We will meet at the elwell state park trail head in Northampton at 11am on Monday, January 2. we will walk/hike for approximately 4 hours total on Monday followed by beers at the Northampton Brewery.

the weather forecaste call for sunny skies with temps in the low 40's so please dress appropriately. As always, rain cancels this event.

Park Directions
The rail trail is located in the central Ct River valley.

 FROM THE WEST:

1. Head east on I-90 E

2. Take exit 4 for I-91 toward Holyoke/Springfield - 0.6 mi

3. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-91 and merge onto I-91 N - 13.8 mi

4. Take exit 19 toward Northampton - 0.2 mi

5. Go straight through traffic light -   Park will be on the right 358 ft

FROM THE EAST:

1. Head west on I-90 W 

2. Take exit 4 for I-91toward Springfield/Holyoke - 0.2 mi

3. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-91 and merge onto I-91 N - 13.8 mi

4. Take exit 19 toward Northampton - 0.2 mi

5. Go straight through traffic light - Park will be on the right - 358 ft

FROM THE NORTH:

1. Take I-91 S

2. Take exit 20 to merge onto N King St- 0.4 mi

3. Turn left at Damon Rd - Park will be on the left - 0.9 mi

FROM THE SOUTH:

1. Take I-91 N

2. Take exit 19 for MA-9 toward Northampton - 0.2 mi

3. Go straight through traffic light - Park will be on the right 358 ft