Mahican-Mohawk Trail

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Ancient Native Highway — Historic trail connecting the CT River valley to the Atlantic — traveled by Mahican and Mohawk nations for millennia

Mahican-Mohawk Trail traces one of the oldest and most important Native American travel corridors in North America — connecting the Connecticut River valley to the Hudson River valley across the northern Berkshires. For thousands of years, the Mahican (“People of the Great Waters”) and Mohawk (“People of the Flint”) nations used this route for trade, diplomacy, and warfare. The modern trail follows this ancient path through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Massachusetts, including portions that parallel the famous Route 2 “Mohawk Trail” — America’s first designated scenic road (1914).

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mohawk Trail scenic road?

Route 2 through the northern Berkshires was designated the “Mohawk Trail” in 1914 — becoming America’s first official scenic road. The 63-mile route follows the ancient Native trail through hairpin turns, mountain passes, and the famous Hairpin Turn overlook.

About Mahican-Mohawk Trail

The Mahican-Mohawk Trail follows an ancient Indigenous travel route through the Deerfield River valley in western Massachusetts. Native peoples used this corridor for thousands of years to travel between the Connecticut River valley and the Hudson River. The trail passes through dramatic scenery including the Hoosac Range and the historic Mohawk Trail highway.

Things to Do

Hiking sections of the historic route, learning about Indigenous travel corridors, enjoying Deerfield River valley scenery, and connecting to the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway — one of America’s first designated scenic roads (1914).

Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Mohawk Trail State Forest is a short drive away, and Savoy Mountain State Forest is a short drive away.

Wildlife & Nature

Mahican-Mohawk Trail — follows an ancient Native American trade route through the Berkshire Mountains — used for thousands of years by the Mahican and Mohawk peoples. The trail’s river corridors, mountain forest, and meadows support black bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys.

Nearby Attractions

Shelburne Falls — nearby — has the Bridge of Flowers (a former trolley bridge covered in blooming gardens). Mohawk Trail — along the route. Deerfield — 10 miles east.