Trails

Overview The Conservation Department manages and maintains an extensive trail network covering 80 miles of paths in Amherst alone, and helps maintain regional trails that extend through the neighboring communities of Shutesbury and Leverett. This trail network includes a hierarchy of three integrated systems that help make Amherst a walkable community: Major Regional Trails, which also includes an interstate trail Local Trails Local Literary Trails To report trail issues, please click here

Major Regional Trails
There are four regional trails that crisscross Amherst, connecting it with outdoor areas such as the Mount Toby Reservation in Sunderland, the Mount Holyoke Range, and with community destinations such as downtown Northampton. These trails include the K.C. Trail, the Robert Frost Trail, and the Norwottuck Rail Trail. The Norwottuck Rail Trail is a paved path heavily used by cyclists, pedestrians, families, commuters, and tourists. The Town of Amherst includes a large portion of the 8.5 mile Norwottuck Rail Trail which connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst, and provides users with excellent opportunities for biking, rollerblading, walking, and cross-country skiing. Numerous long-distance hiking trails such as the Metacomet-Monadnock and Robert Frost Trail also provide outstanding opportunities for walking and hiking. 
 

Local Literary Trails
The literary trail system recognizes the connection between Amherst‘s literary tradition and its beautiful and diverse landscape. Over a dozen trails named after authors, poets and artists that have lived in Amherst bring outdoor enthusiasts to the many special places and refuges found in the community. The implementation of this trail system connects residents and visitors to the character of Amherst‘s natural resources and teaches them about an important element of the Town‘s cultural history through interpretive signs, and a literary trail guide and brochure.

Local Trails
Most of the trail mileage in Amherst can be walked along local trails that connect the Major Regional Trails with local conservation areas, the village centers, recreational facilities and existing neighborhoods. These trails, like the Regional Trails, are in constant need of maintenance from overuse, degradation from the climate, and age of the infrastructure and facilities.

Trail Limitations and Usage
Hiking trails can be fragile.  Regulations are intended to prolong the life of these trails while allowing a variety of appropriate uses.

While motorized vehicles are prohibited from all trails, the following trails or sections of trails are off limits to horses and mountain bikes because of seasonally wet conditions or fragile soils:

The following trails or section of trails are open to horses and mountain bikes with the precaution that during wet conditions horses and mountain bikes stay off until trails are dry again:

The following areas have no formal trails but are generally dry enough for horse or mountain bike use:

The following areas have no formal trails and are not appropriate for horse or mountain bike use because of wet conditions or other reasons:

If you encounter a horse and rider on a trail, announce yourself by simply saying “hello” to the rider.  This will ensure that the horse is aware of your presence.  Do not pat a horse without first asking the rider’s permission.

We encourage trail users to call the Conservation Department at 259-3045 to report any trail maintenance needs they may encounter.