Marjorie Turner Hollman supports nonfiction authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Let’s get in touch.
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We visited the southern end of the Riverfront Trail in Great Barrington, Massachusetts in late spring, when blackberry canes were in full bloom. The path takes you alongside the Housatonic River, thus, the “river” in the trail’s name.
One parking access for perhaps two cars is on Brookside Road next to the bridge, which is closed to traffic. We ventured across the bridge to get a better view of the river, but barriers prevent cars or trucks from crossing there.
The gravel path takes you alongside the river, with lovely mountains views on the other side of the river. The Housatonic meanders through this section of the waterway, and on our visit we saw lots of sandbars: the water was quite low. The path is elevated, which affords better views, but makes access to the river itself more limited.
A bench awaits at just the right spot to sit and take in the sights. The path connects to the Great Barrington Fairgrounds, a great open space with mowed grassy paths.
The Riverfront Trail is a pedestrian only walking path. Bikes are not permitted since the gravel walkway is a mere six feet in width, not workable for both bicycles and walkers.
You can learn more about the wider trail system here.
We walked only as far as the fairgrounds. An additional portion of the trail begins at Bridge St. and heads south. We did not walk this northern section on our first visit. We will have to go back. Happy trails.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 