Housatonic River Access - East Sheffield Road

East Sheffield Road, Great Barrington, MA

About Housatonic River Access - East Sheffield Road

Located near the Great Barrington-Sheffield border, this site has a small parking area on East Sheffield Road that visitors can use to access the Housatonic River. This space serves as a common launch site for paddlers, as kayaking and canoeing are popular along this section of the Housatonic River, whose meandering oxbows seem never-ending. Paddling south from this site takes you along a serene stretch of river along quiet farmland with occasional breaks in trees that open up stunning views of the Berkshires. Boaters will also find a confluence between the Housatonic and Green Rivers just south of the access point, although paddling is far more common along the Housatonic as the Green River is shallow and rocky. North of the access point, there is more tree cover and, in the fall, stunning fall foliage that Western Massachusetts is known for. This northern section flows past the Great Barrington Fairgrounds, which offers paddlers a glimpse of history as remnants of the 1995 Great Barrington tornado can still be found.

Although not designed as a fishing area, anglers are a common sight at this river access point. Trout, bass, and fallfish are often caught in this area. Visitors should be advised that the fish are contaminated and cannot be consumed. Access to the River is steep and muddy, so visitors should be prepared to get wet.