Mother Loop Trailhead
Alford Springs WCE
Alford, MA
Horseback Riding | Hiking | Cross-Country Skiing
Father Loop Trailhead Mountain Road, Alford, MA
Managed by
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Part of
Alford Springs WCE
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Dogs allowed - Leashed
- Free
- Low Visitation
- Parking
- Scenic View
A grassy trail traverses an open ridge on the Fathers Loop trail.
View of the Taconic Mountains from the Father's Loop Trail.
View of the parking area from the trailhead.
View of the Father Loop parking area facing the trailhead.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Father Loop Trailhead
The Father Loop Trail is a 4-mile hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trail in Alford Springs. The double-track trail leaves directly from the parking lot and heads through a dense forest. Eventually, after curving toward the north, the pathway crosses a quiet stream and climbs a steep hill. Visitors will then reach a trail junction, marking the loop's beginning and end. Going straight, visitors will trek through a tranquil grove of birch trees and pass a small overlook. Then, the trail will arrive at a site of recent timber harvesting. This site, now an expansive meadow, offers scenic views of the surrounding Berkshires. On clear days, visitors can see Mount Greylock rising toward the north. There is also an abundance of local wildlife species, including butterflies and songbirds.
After the meadow, the trail will descend to an elevated ridgeline and travel to a small bench at the junction with the Mother Loop. Visitors can continue on the Mother Loop and access additional overlooks toward the west, or they can ascend back to the beginning of the Father Loop.
A large parking lot for the Father Loop Trail is at the end of Mountain Road. Alford Springs is a BNRC property that is open for hunting during the appropriate Western Massachusetts seasons.
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
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Accessibility Assessment
There are no accessible features at this location.
The Fathers Loop trail is a 4.3-mile loop over dirt with slopes approaching 20% in some sections. The parking area for the Fathers Loop holds room for at least fifteen cars. The parking area contains flat, compacted gravel. A two-foot opening on the side of a metal gate is required to access the trail. Multiple benches provide a resting area on the trails.
Start of the Fathers loop trail.
A hilly section of the Father's Loop trail.
Explore Alford Springs WCE
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.
