Whether you're spending just one day here or enjoying an extended stay in the area, we have shopping options to suit every taste. No matter how long you visit, don't leave without something special to remember your time here.

Memorial HallWestern New England has a rich history dating back to the first colonies in New England, and before that, centuries of Native American lore. Shelburne Falls is built around Salmon Falls, a traditional fishing site where Native Americans filled their larders with salmon spawning upstream from the Connecticut River. The tradition continued through the Industrial Revolution, with early metal foundries and factories harnessing the power of local rivers to produce tools and machinery for early farmers. Today that history is celebrated in museums and historical societies in many of the area towns.

Photo courtesy of Salmon Falls Artisan ShowroomYou name it, some artisan is probably creating that special art piece right here in these hills.

With a deep tradition of artistry and craftsmanship, the area now has an exciting assortment of art and crafts that range from the beautifully traditional through the practical to the forward edge of exquisitely modern and innovative design.

Every medium is represented here – from metal to glass, stone to fabric, oils to clay, or wood to wool – all for you to experience while you're in our region. This is a landscape peopled by those who have used their hands for centuries and now are joined by the next wave of craftsmen and artists. Come discover the arts and crafts inspired by the beauty and tranquility of these hills cross-pollinated with the urban and international.

Shelburne Falls and the surrounding towns flourish with culture and entertainment to meet any taste. Boasting a nationally recognized classical concert series, poetry series and local live theater, the area fills out your entertainment dreams with current and classical movies, plays, and even live broadcasts of The Metropolitan Opera in a 420-seat opera hall. A local symphony orchestra and chorus provide opportunities for you to listen and also participate in showcasing your musical talents.

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Annual Events and Town Traditions

The Shelburne Falls area offers endless opportunities to get out and play in all four seasons!

With activities ranging from whitewater adventures, to wooded trails for hiking and biking, to great skiing to zip-line canopy tours, the greater Shelburne Falls area is ready for action!

Bring a bike and explore the woods or hit the roads exploring the area’s charming town centers. Road bikers will find the hills challenging going up and exhilarating coming down, while mountain bikers will find adventure on our back wooded trails.

Snow lovers have their choice of groomed downhill or semi-flat cross-country trails. Snowmobile riders take over the mountain bike trails in the winter.

Summer offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities on our many lakes and rivers.

Explore some of our local guides and outfitters below, or keep scrolling down for general area information, including trails, forests, and water access.

More Recreation

Photo courtesy of Zoar Outdoor, Charlemont, MAThe area is well known for its sports & recreational activities. There are state parks, accessible private and public land, trails for hiking, biking, snow mobiling, cross country skiing, etc. Rivers and streams meander between the hills, offering plenty of water activities.

Sign Up For a Race

• The Bridge of Flowers 10k Classic & Steve Lewis Subaru Charity 3K Run & Walk takes place every summer right in downtown Shelburne Falls. Sign up for a family fun run or the full 10k, then later relax and enjoy the Bridge of Flowers, Glacial Potholes, or the stores, galleries, and restaurants in town.
• Join The Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon in the spring and challenge yourself to run, bike, paddle, ski or snowboard, and complete an obstacle course. You can conquer the race solo or round up a team of up to five people to compete.
• Hike at High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary
  High Ledges offers incredible views. High Ledges Info
• Mountain Biking and Hiking the new Charlemont Trail System Photo courtesy of Berkshire East, Charlemont, MA
  

Explore Outdoor Recreation by Town

Ashfield

Ashfield Lake, Ashfield, MA

• DAR State Forest, (Trail Map) 
• Ashfield Lake: The park, located on Main St. (Route 116), just east of the intersection with Route 112, has a public boat launch and picnic facilities. The lake has a beach with restrooms and a lifeguard during the summer months. 
• Bear Swamp Reservation, (Trail Map)
• Bullitt Reservation, (2012 Trail Map)
• Chapel Brook Map

Charlemont

• Mohawk Trail State Forest
• The Charlemont Trail System

The Charlemont Trail System consists of over 25 miles of multi-purpose trails that can be accessed from several points in Charlemont. Bikers or hikers can start at the Warfield House, Berkshire East, or Zoar Outdoor and access all the trails with minimal road crossings. Trail maps are available at Zoar Outdoor or Berkshire East.

Colrain

• Catamount State Park
• H.O. Cook State Forest

Conway via Buckland

• Lucky Dog Forest Trail Access Map
• Walnut Hill Woods  

Heath

• Benson Place Farm Trail
• Maitland Trail   
• Crowningshield Conservation Area  

Shelburne

• Mahican-Mohawk Trail 
• High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary
• Other Shelburne Hiking Areas

Other Local Recreation Areas

• Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest, Department of Conservation and Recreation. (Trail Map) 
• Franklin County Bikeway 
• Savoy Mountain State Forest