Tolland State Forest Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Farmington River Trail

Route 8 pull-off at Alan Road, Sandisfield, MA

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.