Town of Sheffield Housatonic River Access Covered Bridge Lane

Covered Bridge Road, Sheffield, MA

About Housatonic River Access Covered Bridge Lane

The Covered Bridge Lane Access to the Housatonic River offers a serene access point to the river. This section of the Housatonic meanders south parallel to Route 7. Whether looking for paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking in the Berkshires, this access point provides boaters spectacular sights along the river. Silver maples line the river in both directions, providing some of the finest fall foliage in Western Massachusetts with the Taconic Range and East Mountain State Forest in the background. This section of the river offers excellent birding opportunities, with sandpipers, plovers, and wood ducks roaming the area.

Northward, paddlers encounter a variety of landscapes, including wetlands, pastures, and river swamps, with ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Silver maples are abundant, providing spectacular foliage when paddling in the fall. For about a half mile, the river runs adjacent to the Appalachian Trail on the west, which can be spotted with its iconic white blazes on the trees. About three miles north of the access point lies the confluence of the Housatonic with the Green River, known for its crystal clear water. Anglers use the Green River as a fishing spot, as it is home to native brook trout. However, the water is often shallow and rocky, meaning paddlers should check conditions during dry spells.

Southward, paddlers flow through countless oxbows along the meandering river, weaving through farmland and forest. Wildlife is abundant in this direction, including aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals like sea otters, muskrats, and beavers. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye open for raptors and water birds, including bald eagles, red tailed hawks, turkey vultures, blue herons, and Canada geese.

After returning to the access point, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the town's riverside park, a perfect spot to eat lunch next to the historic Sheffield Covered Bridge.