You'll pass by working farms, wooded hillsides, open fields, roadside streams, and small New England town centers - and breathtaking views of autumn splendor.
Some roads curve through very rural, hilly terrain - cell service may be spotty.
From Shelburne Falls, head west on Route 2 for a very short distance, keeping a sharp eye out for the quick turnoff on the right to Route 112 South.
Soon, you'll pass Mohawk Trail Regional School on the right (attended by students in grades 7 - 12 from nine hilltowns).
A little further along on the left is the Wilder Homestead, a furnished 1775 saltbox house with five fireplaces, a 1779 English barn with antique barn loom, and a shoemaker shop. This property and a separate museum are managed by the Buckland Historical Society.
In 2 miles on your left, you'll find the Atherton Farm which sells bedding plants and vegetable starts in the spring, summer veggies and herbs, pumpkins and mums through October, along with local maple syrup, honey, and eggs. Wreaths, kissing balls, and Christmas trees are available in November and December.
Take a short detour onto Upper Street to drive through Buckland town center. Buckland-born Mary Lyon, a pioneering educator who founded Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in 1837 (now Mount Holyoke College), used the third floor ballroom of the Major Joseph Griswald House as her first classroom. Also known as the Mary Lyon House, it can be seen from Old Upper Street.
Upper Street curves back down to 112 to continue onto Ashfield.
Take 112 South up Ashfield Mountain. At the top, take the left turn onto Buckland Road/Ashfield Lake. Ashfield Lake is a small picturesque pond popular for swimming, fishing and boating. If you're hungry, stop in to Ashfield Lake House for good casual food and the gorgeous lake view.
At Main Street/Route 116, turn left.
Ashfield Hardware Store is an old-fashioned store featuring gardening and hardware needs and $1 ice cream cones. Next door, Country Pie makes delicious pizza - try their potato and bacon pie.
Legendary director Cecil B. DeMille was born in Ashfield. Every September Ashfield honors him with a film festival featuring 5 minute-long films competing for the golden spray-painted Baby Cecil award.
Double Edge Theater offers dynamic performances inside and outside throughout the year, training workshops and residency programs on a property that also sustainably supports them with produce and chicken and goats.
If you want some time out of the car, veer right onto Williamsburg Road to visit Chapel Brook for sensational summit views. Or, continue on 116 and take the first right to visit the bucolic Bullitt Reservation - once a poor farm and later the country retreat of first U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, William C. Bullitt.
Continue on Route 116 South as it winds alongside the South River into Conway.
As you descend into the town center, on the right you can see the oldest surviving covered bridge in America - the Burkeville Covered Bridge which was constructed in 1870.
Or, continue on 116/River Street and bear right onto 116/Main Street. On the right is the Conway Inn, a true neighborhood bar and grill.
In the center of Conway is the magnificent Fields Memorial Library featuring extensive Italian marble and a domed rotunda. It was completed in 1901 by Marshall Fields of department store fame.
Passing out of town center, still on 116, hang a left into Conway Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a loop trail through a forest where you'll see old stone walls - maybe even bobcats and coyotes and bears.
From there, you'll descend rapidly from the hills of Conway to the fertile fields along the Connecticut River. Return to Shelburne Falls via Interstate 91 and Route 2.
Discover the beauty, history, and adventure beyond Shelburne Falls and the West County area.
Western Massachusetts Scenic Byways lets you explore by highway, activity, or history and heritage.
