Old Mill Trail Berkshire Natural Resources Council Old Mill Trail - Dalton Trailhead

Old Dalton Road, Dalton, MA

About Old Mill Trail - Dalton Trailhead

The Old Mill Trail, located in Dalton and Hinsdale, offers visitors the opportunity to hike along the East Branch of the Housatonic River and learn a bit about the local history of the Berkshires. This parking area is halfway through the 3-mile out-and-back trail that follows the river, allowing hikers to see it as it heads north from Hinsdale into Dalton. The river is usually fast-running, and most of this stretch is rocky, producing a roaring sound as one approaches it along the trail. Throughout the property, there are remnants of the past. An old dam, penstocks, and other items point to the area's industrial past. Water from the river is exceptionally clean and was used by various textile manufacturers throughout the 1800s, with the last mill closing in 1930. Since then, the land has been reclaimed by nature. The Housatonic Valley Association conceived of the trail in the late 1990's. Over the following decade, they built the trail and turned it over to the BNRC to own and co-manage.

Parking is available on Route 8 where the road crosses the river.