Clam River Berkshire Natural Resources Council Hammertown Road Trailhead North

67 Sandisfield Rd, Sandisfield, MA

About Hammertown Road Trailhead North

The Hammertown Road northern trailhead provides access to the Clam River Preserve in Sandisfield. With over 4.3 miles of forested trails, the preserve offers premier Berkshire hiking. The preserve's 550 acres include areas of young forest habitats home to various bird species (such as the New England cottontail) that create unique birding opportunities for visitors. Adding to the beauty is the Clam River, which runs through the property and alongside several (portions of the) hiking trails. Visitors can head south on Hammertown Trail from the north trailhead to parallel the river.

Hammertown Loop, Wolf Pine, and Two Rivers Loop Trails run for miles within the preserve, offering slightly different forested landscapes and river views. However, the possibility of crossing a moose, deer, or bear is consistent on each trail. Trout can also be found in the river, and keen-eyed visitors may notice some grape vines in the preserve.

Clam River is named after the Eastern Pearlshell, freshwater mussels that live in the river. It runs into the Farmington River and like the Farmington River, was used for powering mills and tanneries during the 1800s. Many remnants of this industrial past exist along and within the Clam River and the preserve, which is now owned and managed by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.