Charlemont MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charlemont, Massachusetts.
1. Berkshire East Ski Resort
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Berkshire East Ski Resort offers exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences during winter months, making it one of the top attractions in Charlemont. During summer, the resort transforms to provide mountain biking, hiking trails, and various outdoor activities for visitors. The resort caters to all skill levels and provides equipment rentals, lessons, and dining options for a complete mountain experience.
2. Thunder Mountain Coaster
THRILLING MOUNTAIN DESCENT
Thunder Mountain Coaster provides an exhilarating ride through the beautiful mountain landscape of Charlemont. Riders control their own speed as they twist and turn down the mountain on this gravity-driven coaster. The attraction offers a unique outdoor experience suitable for adventure seekers of various ages.
3. Mohawk Trail State Forest
HISTORIC WOODLAND RETREAT
Mohawk Trail State Forest encompasses 6,457 acres of scenic woodland offering camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, and more outdoor activities. Visitors can explore portions of the original Mahican-Mohawk Trail footpath that dates back to indigenous routes. The forest features picturesque picnic areas along the Deerfield River and opportunities for seasonal activities including cross-country skiing in winter.
4. Deerfield River
PREMIER WHITEWATER ADVENTURES
The Deerfield River serves as a major canoeing and kayaking hub in Charlemont, attracting water enthusiasts from across the region. Professional rafting companies utilize various sections of the river to provide experiences ranging from beginner-friendly Class II rapids to more challenging Class IV sections like the Monroe Bridge Dryway. The river's natural beauty and varying water conditions make it suitable for different skill levels throughout the rafting season.
5. Hail to the Sunrise / Mohawk Park
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN MONUMENT
Hail to the Sunrise is a significant monument and statue located within Mohawk Park that honors the Native American heritage of the region. The park combines cultural importance with natural beauty, providing both historical context and recreational space. Visitors can reflect on the area's indigenous history while enjoying the serene park setting.
6. Crab Apple Whitewater
EXPERT RIVER RAFTING EXPERIENCES
Crab Apple Whitewater offers guided river rafting and tubing adventures on the Deerfield River with professional guides emphasizing both fun and safety. Their tours accommodate various skill levels, from beginner-friendly scenic floats to more challenging whitewater experiences. The company provides all necessary equipment and safety instruction to ensure a memorable water adventure for individuals, families, and groups.
7. Berkshire East Canopy Tours
SOARING ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
Berkshire East Canopy Tours offers exhilarating zipline experiences that allow visitors to soar above the treetops of Charlemont. Professional guides lead participants through aerial courses of varying difficulty levels, providing both adventure and unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape. The tours combine outdoor excitement with team building opportunities, making them perfect for families, friends, and groups.
8. Bissell Covered Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Bissell Covered Bridge is a beautifully rebuilt 92-foot covered bridge located just a few hundred feet north on route 8A in the center of Charlemont. This structure represents the third bridge built on this historic site, preserving an important piece of New England architectural heritage. The bridge offers visitors both historical significance and photographic opportunities in a picturesque setting.
9. Zoar Outdoor
COMPLETE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER
Zoar Outdoor provides comprehensive adventure experiences including their popular Zoar Gap rafting trips suitable for beginners and families. Their facility includes a campground for overnight stays and access to multiple outdoor activities in one location. Experienced guides ensure safety while leading activities such as rafting, ziplining, and other outdoor adventures throughout the season.
10. Hawley Bog
PRISTINE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM
Hawley Bog is a unique natural landmark featuring a rare wetland ecosystem preserved in its natural state. Visitors can observe distinctive plant and animal species adapted to the bog environment while traversing boardwalks that protect the sensitive habitat. The bog provides educational opportunities about wetland ecology and conservation within a serene natural setting.
11. Charlemont Federated Church
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LANDMARK
The Charlemont Federated Church stands as a historic place of worship and community gathering space in the heart of town. The church's architecture exemplifies traditional New England design and represents an important piece of local heritage. Beyond religious services, the church serves as a cultural landmark within the Charlemont community.
12. Country Aire Campground
SCENIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Country Aire Campground offers a relaxing camping experience with scenic views and access to Charlemont's many outdoor activities. The campground provides various accommodation options from tent sites to RV hookups in a natural setting. Guests can enjoy on-site amenities while using the campground as a convenient base for exploring the region's recreational opportunities.
13. Hyytinen Hollow Tubes
LEISURELY RIVER DRIFTING
Hyytinen Hollow Tubes specializes in equipment rentals for leisurely river tubing experiences on the gentler sections of the Deerfield River. Their service provides a more relaxed alternative to whitewater rafting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful float on warm summer days. The company offers tube rentals, transportation services, and guidance for enjoying the river safely.
14. Monroe State Forest
RUGGED MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Monroe State Forest, located near Charlemont, offers a more rugged wilderness experience with challenging hiking trails and spectacular mountain views. The forest features diverse ecosystems, old-growth trees, and opportunities for wildlife viewing in a less developed setting than some nearby attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the forest for its relative solitude and natural beauty throughout all seasons.
15. Arthur A. Smith Bridge
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Arthur A. Smith Bridge, located on Lyonsville Road in nearby Colrain, is a historic single-lane bridge originally built in 1868 that served as a main crossing for the North River for 120 years. The bridge represents important regional history and traditional New England covered bridge architecture. Visitors interested in historical structures and photography find this bridge particularly appealing for its craftsmanship and scenic setting.