Mill River Watershed Project - UMass Extension - Mill River Communites

Mill River Communities

Recreation

Recreational Opportunities in the Mill River Watershed

Publicly-Owned Areas to Visit
– Mount Sugarloaf State Park, Route 116, South Deerfield, MA
Spectacular views, interesting geologic outcrops and vegetation patterns

– Pocumtuck Ridge Nature Preserve, South Deerfield
From Rt. 5 in Deerfield, take North Hillside Road to first left on Stage Road. Proceed about 1/4 mile to signs for Pocumtuck Nature Preserve. Park here.

Conway State Forest, West Whately, MA
– Nearly 2000 acres with trails, streams and extensive forests. Consult a topographic map for access points.

Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, North Farms Road, Florence, MA
400+ acres of protected land with hiking trails, canoe access, wildlife observation platforms, beaver ponds, vernal pools, etc.

Area Clubs
– Conway Snowmobile Club
– Conway Sportsman's Club, PO Box 202, Conway, MA 01341
– Whately Snowmobile Club, PO Box , Whately, MA 01093

Hiking, Hunting, Cross-Country Skiing, Bicycling & Snowmobiling
With extensive wood roads, trails and forest, the Mill River watershed has outstanding opportunities for hiking, hunting, walking, bicycling and mountain biking and snowmobiling. Anglers regularly fish for trout in West Brook and a limited amount of fishing takes place in the mainstem of the Mill River, especially in the large pool below the Hatfield Dam.

Canoeing
Although canoeing opportunities on the mainstem of the Mill River are limited due to woody debris and shallow conditions, a lovely paddle is possible on the impounded waters behind the dam in Hatfield. Access is through private property so permission is required. Canoeing is also possible at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, the city of Northampton's largest conservation area of 400 plus acres. This conservation area is managed by the City of Northampton and the Broad Brook Coalition, which sponsors volunteer opportunities and events throughout the year.