A flat, paved 11-mile trail that runs from Northampton through Hadley to Amherst and on to Belchertown, following the bed of a 19th-century rail line. The Connecticut River crossing on the converted iron railway bridge is the highlight — broad views in both directions, especially in autumn. The Hadley section runs through farmland, with corn and tobacco fields right against the trail.
Bike rentals are available in Northampton and at the Amherst end. Walking the trail is also pleasant: the whole route is shaded and easy to break into shorter segments. Open dawn to dusk; free.