Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center provides year-round public programming in conjunction with the Northfield Mountain pumped storage hydroelectric facility’s federal licensing. Northfield Mountain is operated by FirstLight Power Resources.
Featured activities include:
Looking for information on cruises, hiking and camping? It’s all here!
Interested in a Heritage River Cruise? Click here
As the sun sets, the stage is ready for the woodcock to perform his courtship flight. This unusual bird, also known as the Timberdoodle, performs an air-born ritual accompanied by a variety of unique sounds. Listening for these sounds is a spring tradition not to be missed! On Sunday, April 10th from 6:45 -8:15 p.m., learn about […]
Walk from page to page and enjoy the enchanting children’s story, The Salamander Room. A young boy’s imagination goes wild as he transforms his bedroom into a woodland paradise. Colorful, detailed paintings illustrate the salamander’s habitat needs. Our April StoryWalk® begins at the pond behind the Visitor Center. Listen for the “quacking” mating call of the wood frog and […]
Open for cross country skiing & snowshoeing! We received 6" of new snow on Friday. Trails open 9:00 - 4:30. Trail passes are required and available at the ticket window. Base depth after grooming is 3" - 4". Trails groomed to corduroy surface. Rentals are not available. Please No Walking on Trails / No Pets […]
Learn how to identify trees in winter. We’ll explore the three B’s – branching, buds, and bark, as well as other clues including shape and habitat to identify common and not so common trees at Barton Cove. Join Kim Noyes, Northfield Mountain’s Education Coordinator, for this leisurely winter hike. Participants must be 18 years or older and comfortable […]
SOLD OUT Add a new activity to your winter repertoire. Exploding in popularity, snowshoeing is easy to master and fun to do. This low-cost winter activity can literally change your relationship with winter. Perfect for all ages, it has surprising health benefits. Learn tips on equipment, technique, and clothing and why “snowshoeing is the best […]
SOLD OUT Add a new activity to your winter repertoire. Exploding in popularity, snowshoeing is easy to master and fun to do. This low-cost winter activity can literally change your relationship with winter. Perfect for all ages, it has surprising health benefits. Learn tips on equipment, technique, and clothing and why “snowshoeing is the best […]
Northfield Mountain is now open for fat biking on most winter days. However, a pass is required when we are open for skiing. You’ll be able to pick up the pass in the rear of the building near the trailhead. We can also recommend a couple of good routes to try out. Things to know […]
On the Trail of Predator and Prey Track a porcupine to its den. Follow in the footsteps of a red fox as it winds its way through field and forest. Spend an afternoon deciphering clues left behind by a variety of Northfield’s predators and prey. Learn to identify tracks and sign with Kim Noyes, Firstlight's Northfield Mountain Education […]
January’s full moon rises on Martin Luther King Day. Join other nighttime adventurers on Monday, January 17th, from 5:30 until 7:30 for this snowshoe hike under the light of the Wolf Moon. Natural history of the night, quotes, and moon lore will be shared during this two-mile adventure. All levels of experience are welcome for this moderately strenuous […]
Bundle up for a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail in downtown Turners Falls. We’ll explore how the Great Falls has shaped the history of this community on the banks of the Connecticut River. This free guided walk will be 1 - 1½ miles in length. Participants must be 18 years or older and masks are […]
On Tuesday, December 21st from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m., join Kim Noyes, Northfield Mountain’s Education Coordinator, for a brisk walk and celebration of the winter solstice. We’ll share poetry and prose and explore how different cultures around the world have honored this celestial event. The program will close with a campfire as the afternoon light fades and […]
Hermit Castle and Valley View Hike Click here to register for Fall Hikes at Northfield Mountain Due to the popularity of this program we are offering it again in November. We have packed it all into this 4.5 mile loop hike – views of the Millers River Valley, stories of Hermit Castle, beautiful rock formations […]
Bats of New England A Virtual Program with Erin Ruggiano Bats are vital to our world’s ecosystems and economy. Join us Tuesday, November 16th from 5:30 -6:30 p.m. for this free, virtual program by Erin Ruggiano as we focus on our local bats. Learn about the natural history, ecological importance, and conservation threats of these fascinating Massachusetts […]
Climb aboard Northfield’s scenic riverboat, Heritage, to enjoy a relaxing and informative journey down the Connecticut River. The French King Gorge is one of the most scenic stretches of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. This 12 mile narrated cruise takes 1.5 hours. The Heritage Riverboat operating schedule is Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, through October 14th. Departure […]
