Great Runs in Amherst and Northampton, MA
Note: For the Full Guide to Running in Amherst and Northampton, see the GR Website
The New England towns of Amherst and Northampton are the heart and soul of the Pioneer Valley, which borders the Connecticut River just east of the Berkshire Hills. Also referred to as the “Five College” area, this zone is home to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Smith College, and Mount Holyoke College. The influence of the colleges has promoted an artistic and socially progressive atmosphere throughout the Pioneer Valley, and while the eclectic downtown centers thrive with diverse eateries and arts venues, the surrounding area has remained true to its agricultural roots. Running in Amherst and Northampton is a great mix of historic towns, paths through bucolic college campuses, quiet country roads passing through by farms, and some popular multi-use paths.
Downtown Amherst. A running tour of the brick-faced downtown strip of North Pleasant Street, plus the hilly campus of Amherst College and the Emily Dickinson house. 3 and 4 mile options.
Downtown Northampton. Run the streets of fun and funky NoHo and the Smith College campus with 5 or 7 mile options, plus a 4.6 mile residential tour of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods.
Rail Trails: Norwottuck, Manhan, Northampton. Three interconnected paved rail trails make up a scenic multi-use network stretching across Amherst, Hadley, Northampton, and Easthampton.
University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst. The sprawling campus of the University of Massachusetts, with its varied historic and modern architecture, has several scenic running options.
Amherst College Wildlife Sanctuary. This forest behind Amherst College has nice, flat cross-country trails. Can be combined with a Downtown Amherst or Norwottuck Rail Trail run.
Cushman Corner (Amherst). This quiet 6 mile route to Cushman Corner covers mostly residential streets, with nice farmland and mountain views from a series of rolling hills.
Hadley Farm Loop (Amherst). This 4.5 mile loop incorporates some of Amherst’s best offerings: the downtown commercial strip, a slice of the UMass campus, and rural roads through scenic rolling farmland.
Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. Popular flat and easy going trails along the Amethyst Brook and surrounding farmland can be combined with a section of the 47 mile long Robert Frost Trail for a scenic trail run.
Hampshire College. This ~5km tour of the wooded grounds of Hampshire College has great views of the nearby Holyoke Range. Includes both paved roads/sidewalks and dirt paths through campus.
Mount Holyoke College. A short scenic tour of the Mount Holyoke College campus in South Hadley is a treat for lovers of architecture. Our campus route is mapped at 2.4 miles with another 2.4 mile add-on.
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Flat, mostly non-technical trails through this scenic Mass Audubon property in the floodplain of the Connecticut River in Easthampton.
Rattlesnake Gutter (Leverett). Run a 4 mile loop on discontinued dirt roads in this scenic land trust in Leverett, just north of Amherst. Features a hill with overlook and some interesting rock formations.
Puffers Pond (Amherst). A nice mostly sidewalk run to the shores of Puffers Pond where runners can cool off with a dip before completing the loop. Lots of trail running add ons or road replacements. Start from UMass or a longer run from downtown.
Mount Tom/Holyoke Range Trail Running. Adventurous spirits can test out their trail running chops in the mountains of the Mount Tom and Holyoke ranges. Includes a moderate 3.8 mile route to Rattlensnake Knob.
For the full running guide to Amherst and Northampton, see greatruns.com.
