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Home : Regional Planning : Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway The Mohawk Trail of Western Massachusetts, also known as Rt. 2, was the first state road to be designed and constructed as a scenic tourist route, opening amid much fanfare in 1914. The road quickly became a popular destination for travelers during the early auto touring days of the 1920s and ‘30s, and its popularity increased as automobiles became more common. The Trail is still a popular tourist route, particularly during the fall foliage season, but tourism has decreased from its historic levels in the 1950s. The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway is approximately 41 miles in length, stretching from Williamstown in Berkshire County to Orange in Franklin County. Approximately 19 miles of the scenic byway travels through Berkshire County. The BRPC and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments oversaw the development of a Corridor Management Plan, the purpose of which was to “recognize, interpret, preserve and promote” the unique features of the scenic byway. The Management Plan can be viewed by clicking the below chapter titles. Cover Page Table of Contents Introduction Scenic Resources Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Resources Archaeological and Historic Resources Transportation Resources Land Use and Zoning Tourism & Traveler Services Action Plan Appendices Bibliography There are several recommendations from the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan that are in the process of being implemented, thanks in large part to grant funds from the National Scenic Byway Grant Program. A summary of the projects are listed here. Mohawk Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Project The BRPC, in partnership with the City of North Adams and the Town of Williamstown, has begun work to develop a bicycle / pedestrian trail that will travel between the two downtown areas. This project is being considered Phase I of a multi-phased, multi-year project to develop the trail. This Phase I project will consist of three main components: 1) conduct a detailed feasibility study to determine the preferred and alternative routes, 2) open dialogs with landowners and abutters along the trail routes, and 3) develop preliminary designs and cost estimates for the routes we identify in the feasibility study. Mohawk Trail Facilities Improvement Project. This project has five distinct components to improve and enhance the enjoyment of traveling the scenic byway.
Many historic structures along the Trail are deteriorating. Most of these structures are owned and maintained by private property owners, who struggle to maintain them in their original and unique state.
Mohawk Trail Comprehensive Marketing Plan This project will oversee the development of a comprehensive marketing plan for the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway. The marketing plan will consider ways to promote a viable year-round, low impact tourist base for the scenic byway region. The marketing plan will identify initiatives and a potential branding campaign that will highlight and educate the traveling public about the natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources of the byway. The work will also include the development of strategies and tourism related resources and technical assistance to help the businesses along the Byway. The Franklin Regional Council of Governments will oversee this project, partnering with BRPC and local tourism organizations and businesses located within the Mohawk Trail corridor. Note: Although this project has been funded, it is not yet underway. Please check back with us again for an update. Home Site Map Publications Contact Job Opportunities at BRPC Directions to BRPC Municipal eCenter BRPC Archive |
