Connecticut River Scenic Byway – MA

The Northfield Drive-in Movie Theatre is unique because it is one of only four remaining drive-in movie theaters in Massachusetts and nineteen in New England. The theatre straddles the Northfield, Massachusetts and Winchester, New Hampshire town and state lines.

The Connecticut River Scenic Farm Byway travels through six nationally recognized historic districts - Northfield, Montague Center, Sunderland, North Hadley, Hadley Center, and Hockanum.

Mount Toby is located to the east of the Byway in Sunderland. From the Byway, Mount Toby and the surrounding state forest create a picturesque backdrop to the farmland of the Connecticut River Valley. A trailhead and hiking trails are available just off the Byway.

The famous “Buttonball Tree” is an American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). It is located on Main Street (Route 47) to the north of the town center. It is said to be one of the largest trees of its type in the northeast. Its age is estimated to be between 200 to 400 years old.

Located in a restored 1782 barn at the junction with Route 9, the Hadley Farm Museum houses a collection of agricultural and domestic tools and memorabilia that provide insight into the lives of those who settled in Hadley and its surroundings more than 300 years ago.

Through the words, spaces, and possessions of three generations of women, the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum portrays the activities of a wealthy and productive 18th century household, known as “Forty Acres.”

The Village Commons is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional New England village center.

A visit to the Mount Holyoke College campus could include the art museum and botanic gardens. The Mount Holyoke College Art Museum is one of the oldest collegiate art museums in the United States and features American and European art; Asian, Egyptian and Classical art; and Medieval and Renaissance paintings and sculpture.

The Montague Mill a former 19th century stone grist mill is located near Montague Center, and is a former 19th century stone grist mill that currently contains a small café, a used book store, artist galleries, antique shops, and a gourmet restaurant which overlooks the Sawmill River and the remnants of the former dam.

Looking south flat alluvial farmland, characteristic of river valleys, and the southern portion of Great Meadow. In the foreground is a wide meander of the Connecticut River, the Northfield-Mount Hermon School campus in Gill is visible on the hill on the western side of the River, and in the far background are rolling hills, mixed with forest, pasture land and hayfields.

The view while crossing the bridge characterizes the relatively wide, shallow Connecticut River in Massachusetts, to the north is one of the islands in the river, with Mount Toby visible in the background, and to the south are the tree lined banks of the wide river.

There are scenic views of Mount Sugarloaf from the Byway, and the panoramic views from Mount Sugarloaf of the Byway are spectacular.

Dramatic views of the Connecticut River can be seen from the top of Mount Holyoke at the Summit House in Hampshire County.

Just southeast of Lake Warner in North Hadley, Mount Warner is the second highest point in the town of Hadley. It is a resistant rock outcropping, known as a monadnock, and has long been recognized as a regionally significant landform. It rises above the flat, fertile floodplain of North Hadley from the bed of ancient Lake Hitchcock, the glacial lake that formed during the melting of the last glacial advance.

Starting at the southernmost point of the Connecticut River Byway in South Hadley, you can immediately take in some of the most wonderful views of the Connecticut River and the surrounding area. Skinner State Park is the perfect place to start off your journey, as it is located right on the bank of the Connecticut River. You will then pass many historic sites and locations as you drive through Hadley, this includes the Hadley Center Historic District and the Hadley Farm Museum which highlight the history and culture of the area.

After you pass through Hadley, you will have another amazing opportunity to take in the beauty of the area at Connecticut River Greenway State Park. This wonderful State Park gives visitors the chance to rent canoes or kayaks to experience the Connecticut River firsthand. Shortly after this Park, you will reach the town of Sunderland at the base of Mount Toby. There are hiking and walking trails galore throughout this area and is the perfect spot if you are looking to get an even better view of the Connecticut River from the peak of Mount Toby.

Next up along the Byway you will reach the quaint town of Montague, where you can grab something to eat and then stop by the Montague Center Historic District to learn about the history of this town and area. After you cross Millers River, you will notice the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center that provides activities galore for visitors. From there, you can end your journey along this Byway in the town of Northfield and catch a movie at the drive-in movie theatre!