Otis Reservoir Dam
Tolland State Forest
Otis, MA
Hiking | Fishing | Canoe/Kayak/SUP
Farmington River Trail Route 8 pull-off at Alan Road, Sandisfield, MA
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Part of
Tolland State Forest
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Dogs allowed - Leashed
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Parking
- Picnicking
- Scenic View
- Water Views
Farmington River.
Farmington River Trail.
Farmington River Trail.
Entrance to a trail system in the Sandisfield State Forest, off Massachusetts 8.
Entrance to the Farmington River Trail parking area (right) from Massachusetts 8 North.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Farmington River Trail
The Farmington River Trail is located in Sandisfield, adjacent to the Tolland and Sandisfield State Forests. Parallel to the West Branch of the Farmington River, the 2.2-mile round trip trail is accessible via a pull-off on Route 8 and runs north until the Tolland State Forest.
As a wide, forested trail, the path can be ideal for mountain biking, walking, and wildlife viewing. The Farmington River adds to the serenity of the landscape as it meanders along the trail and attracts small amphibians and waterfowl. Visitors can access the river and potentially wade in its water nearly a half mile into the trail. At one portion of the walk, Farmington River Trail opens into an expansive field showcasing wildflowers and various bird species.
Directly west of the trailhead (opposite side of Route 8), Sandisfield State Forest provides a network of hiking trails for visitors hoping to extend their journey through the forested land of the rural Western Massachusetts town of Sandisfield. As mentioned previously, the Farmington River Trail reaches the Tolland State Forest to its north. Included in this forest is another network of trails, which are adjacent to the Otis Reservoir. As the largest waterbody in the Berkshires, Otis Reservoir provides another outdoor recreation opportunity in the area surrounding the Farmington River Trail.
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Accessibility Assessment
There are no accessible features at this location.
Parking for the Farmington River Trail is over a flat, even parking area that holds room for at least 30 cars. A portable restroom sits at the intersection of Route 8 and Alan Road, which is adjacent to the parking lot. Alan Road is closed to vehicles, which doubles as a paved trail for hiking. Alan Road features sustained grades of 5-10% and is wide and even throughout. The area consists of a mix of asphalt and crushed stone. The nearby 2.2-mile-long Farmington River trail offers grades consistently below 5%, over a wide dirt trail. The trail is mostly even throughout its course. Access to a network of trails throughout Sandisfield State Forest can be found close to the parking area, across Route 8. Additionally, a standard picnic table is located in the parking area.
A nearby trail ascends a hill, on the other side of Massachusetts 8 from the parking area.
Farmington River Trail.
Explore Tolland State Forest
Clubs, Retail & Rentals
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.
We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.
