ENJOY THE SCENIC SPLENDOR OF THE MOHAWK TRAIL

By Mary Emma Allen

Fall in the Bershires Photo Courtesy MOTT

A favorite drive for many travelers leads over the historic Mohawk Trail of northwestern Massachusetts. This route traverses sixty-three picturesque miles of Route 2 from the Mass-New York border to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River. Following the footpath of the Native Americans, this scenic highway takes one through some of the loveliest scenery in the state, particularly during the foliage season of autumn.

The Mohawk Trail has been our favorite way to travel from New York State across Massachusetts since the days of my childhood when my family visited my aunt and uncle in New Hampshire. Winding across the Hoosac Mountain Range, stopping to enjoy the views (a four-state one is possible from the Whitcomb Summit tower). Then we looked for the statues of the elk and Indian statues along the trail.

Once Home of Native Americans

Over rugged mountains, through forested valleys, along rushing rivers, the traveler discovers a splendored vacation land and captivating drive. Natural and manmade wonders, historic sites, and recreation opportunities attract the visitor to this area where the moccasined feet of the North American natives once wore a pathway.

The Mohawk Indians trekked these mountains to hunt and fish in Deerfield and the Connecticut River Valley. History has it that in 1663, the Pocumtuck Indians from the area near present day Greenfield invaded the Mohawk's lands, blazing a trail across the Hoosac Range from Deerfield to Troy, New York.

An attempt to end this war was made by Dutch settlers near Albany and a peace treaty was negotiated. However, when the Mohawk prince, Saheda, traveled over this path to ratify the treaty, he was murdered on the trail. It took the angry Mohawks only a day to destroy all the Pocumtuck warriors.

Bridge of Flowers Photo Courtesy MOTT

Pioneer Settlers Create Roads

Once the white men began settling Massachusetts, the pioneers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony reblazed the trail across the mountains to the Dutch colonies in the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys of New York. Eventually this trail became known as a "shunpike." Finally in September 1914 it was officially named the New Mohawk Trail.

Nowadays the trail makes remote areas of northeastern Massachusetts accessible to the tourist. There are the famous Hairpin Turn, New England's Natural Bridge, Whitcomb Summit (the highest point on the trail), the famed Bridge of Flowers, and numerous historic sites which are exciting to explore for the lover of picturesque scenery and those fascinated by the history of our country.

Renowned Memorial

At the eastern base of the mountain range, near the Indian Bridge, you can view the "Hail to the Sunrise" memorial to the Mohawk tribe. A statue of a native brave with uplifted arms supposedly beckons the newborn day of hope and peace. This was a favorite stopping place along the trail for my family.

The eight-foot bronze statue was sculptured by Joseph P. Polia and placed on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Kennedy. This 900-pound brave stands on a nine-ton boulder and was unveiled in October 1932. Eventually the Kennedys donated a total of six acres for Mohawk Park dedicated to the Native Americans.

Also located at the park is a pool which contains 100 stones inscribed from tribes and councils around New England as well as the United States. Some call this the Indian wishing pool.

I find the Mohawk Trail an enjoyable road to travel...one that also brings back memories of childhood when my parents took us on trips over its length, stopping for a picnic lunch at the spot where they ate on theirs on their first drive. For me the past and the present are intermingled here...my past and present and that of the Native Americans and early settlers to this area.

Additional Information

For more information about this area along the historic Mohawk Trail and surrounding area, visit these web sites: www.berkshireweb.com/mohawktrail and www.mohawktrail.com. Many seasonal events take place at various locations along the trail. You'll find them listed here, along with accommodations, restaurants, details about places to visit to make yours a memorable trip.

(c)Mary Emma Allen (Mary Emma Allen travels throughout the United States and writes about the places she and her family visit. She also writes for children and gives presentations in schools around the country. Visit her web site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea; E-mail: me.allen@juno.com)