snowmobiling the mass mountains

Conway Club hospitality
Our second day began with a drive to a pancake breakfast put on by the Conway Snowmobile Club, a prime example of a club fundraiser to support the trails. Before setting off on our westward loop ride, we took a 4-mile spur trail to refuel at Colrain Supergas, the only station in the area. This was the most memorable round trip for fuel I’ve ever taken, since we climbed up and over a mountain, with several steep ascents and descents along the way.

After a run through Catamount State Park, we turned toward Heath on a challenging serpentine trail that took us through mature forests and rocky ravines. We stopped briefly at an overlook to see the site of the former Rowe nuclear power plant, a facility that produced electricity from 1960 to 1992. From there, it wasn’t far to Rainbow Hill, another high point that provided a great view of the Berkshires.

Then it was back down to the Deerfield River Valley, with several segments on narrow shelf roads along rocky cliffs, including at least one switchback on a particularly steep section of trail. We crossed the river on a wooden planked bridge and were soon climbing again on the way to the Flat Rock lookout, another scenic spot where Mt. Greylock – the highest point in Massachusetts – was visible to the west. 

We continued our circuitous journey, passing through Hawley and Savoy State Parks. At one point, yellow tape was hung across the trail, alerting us to a massive tree trunk that was blocking our route. Fortunately, a few sledders had blazed a way around it through the brush, allowing us to pull ski tips over the trunk and manhandle each machine over the obstacle.

All this exertion worked up an appetite, which we satisfied with a late lunch at Mohawk Park, a popular pit stop and summer campground along the Mohawk River. After enjoying our meal, we saddled up for the homeward leg.  As the sun was setting, we passed through the Rowe Town Park, where our route was on one of its many hiking trails. 
The last dozen miles to Colrain were in the dark, taking us on a series of exciting ascents and descents on the narrow trail. One long and icy hill was a particular challenge, with barely enough room to find traction on either side during the tricky climb, but after a couple of anxious moments, we made it to the top.  From there, it wasn’t long before we were back at our starting point with plenty of miles logged for the weekend.

Despite the challenges faced by clubs in Massachusetts, the riding is quite good. My hat is off to SAM and its clubs for the great job they do maintaining their network. A new state trail map is being published this season, which will make it easier than ever to find great riding opportunities.

For more information on snowmobiling in Massachusetts, go online to the SAM web site at www.sledmass.com. To find out more about a particular location, contact the SAM club in that area.