Old Deerfield Ride

Total Distance: 33.6 miles (35.0 miles if alternate route is used)                Elevation Gain: 890 feet    

Degree of Difficulty Index: 890 / 33.6 mi = 26.49 ft/mi                   Terrain: Flat/Rolling

Killer Hills:     None

Geographic Region:  Central Massachusetts

City/Town:  North Amherst, MA

Starting Location:  Mill River Recreation Area, Route 63, North Amherst, Massachusetts   

Special Directions:  Exit 19 off I-91 north (Northampton/Amherst Exit). Take Route 9 east over the Connecticut River. In 4.6 miles, turn left onto Route 116 north and go for 3.2 miles (past the UMass Campus). Turn right @ light onto Route 63 for 0.3 mile into No. Amherst. Turn left @ the light, still on Route 63. The Mill River Recreation Area will be on the right in about 0.25 mile.  

Ride Description:  This is a flat to rolling ride with great views of the Connecticut River.  Stop in Sunderland to see the largest sycamore tree in Massachusetts.  Enjoy lunch in historic Old Deerfield Village with its stately homes, tree lined Old Main Street, and Deerfield Academy.  There is one hill with a panoramic view on the return trip.

Note: Mile 13.1 is the site of a former railroad bridge that was removed in the 1990's. Unless it has been replaced, and we have no knowledge that there are even plans to replace it, it is necessary to carry your bike around a cement barricade, over a fence, down a steep embankment to cross the railroad tracks, and up the other side. To avoid this, we recommend using the alternate route provided on the route sheet, beginning at mile 11.9. This alternate adds 1.4 miles to the length of the ride.

Facilities and Points of Interest:    

www.ctbikeroutes.org                            Wu-IL030 abb                                             DLB98183