Outdoor Recreation

The paved, 3.3-mile Canalside Rail Trail begins at the end of First Street near Unity Park and hugs the Barton Cove shoreline, along the power canal to Deerfield. Yankee Magazine named it the “2010 Best Urban Bike Path in New England.”

‍Download the Canalside Rail Trail Map
‍‍Download a Central Franklin County Bike Map

BIKING ETIQUETTE

Along this rail trail, you will encounter trail users of all ages and abilities. For the safety and enjoyment of all, please adhere to the following:

• Be courteous of other path users.
• All users keep right, except to pass.
• Stop at all stop signs.
• Pets on a short leash welcome. Remove all waste.
• Give a clear signal before passing.
• Travel at a reasonable speed.
• Wear protective headgear.
• Carry in, carry out.

120 miles from the mouth of the Connecticut River, the Turners Falls ladders help migrating fish get past the Turners Falls dam. These stair-like ladders consist of a series of rising pools, each pool approximately one foot higher than the last. The fish climb these ladders by swimming from pool to pool. Underwater viewing windows offer visitors of all ages a chance to see migratory fish during their upriver journey to spawn. The Visitor Center is adjacent to the Canalside Railtrail on the shores of the Connecticut River. The Turners Falls Fish Ladder is open from early May through early June. Visit the FirstLight Power website for the exact dates.

Birding is a rewarding way to connect with nature, sharpen your observation skills, and enjoy peaceful moments outdoors. Accessible to everyone—whether in your backyard or along a riverside trail—it encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters a deep sense of wonder. Walking through parks and along waterfronts keeps you physically active while tuning your senses to the subtle rhythms of the seasons, from the first spring warblers to the autumn flocks of geese. Birding invites you to notice the birds around us and the ever-changing pulse of the natural world.

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For more information on Birding visit our Birding page.

Montague has thousands of acres of protected land for enjoyment by the public. The Montague Department of Planning and Conservation has produced a guide to 6 areas that cover over 20 miles of trails. Each area has its own rules and it always good to be aware of hunting seasons. Please keep dogs on leash, where required.

Popular Hiking and Walking Areas in Montague MA

The Dry Hill Trail System is located on over 1,000 acres of protected drinking water supply land owned by the Turners Falls Water Department, adjacent to the Montague State Forest. Two trailhead kiosks are located at Dry Hill Road and off East Chestnut Hill Road. Hannegan Brook Loop Trail (about 6 Miles or 2.5 hours) is now blazed. The Dry Hill Cemetery Trail is passable but not blazed. Dry Hill Trails Map

Twenty-six miles of trails offer excellent year-round activities including Cross County Skiing.

Rose Ledge Trail Map
Hiking Trail Map
Hidden Quarry Trail Guide

Barton Cove has 50 water craft including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for rent. Each rental comes with personal flotation devices and paddles. Visit the FirstLight Power website for details and to reserve a paddle craft for two hours or all day.

9am-5pmMonday-Friday. No rentals after 3pm
9am-6pm Saturday-Sunday no rentals after 4pm.

Reservations may be canceled due to high flows and/or bad weather.
Contact:

(413)863-9300
barton.cove@firstlight.energy

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Barton Cove specializes in rustic tent-only camping. (see map) The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Each campsite has a picnic table, grills, and campfire ring. There are two group sites available for larger parties interested in camping together. Reservations for Barton Cove can be made online beginning in early April or by phone in late May. Visit the FirstLight Power website for camping details and reservations.

Contact:
(413) 863-9300
barton.cove@firstlight.energy