Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway | American Tour Association

THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway celebrates the history, heritage, and natural beauty of an important regional travel route. The Mohawk Trail is steeped in local and regional history and acts as a microcosm of the broader history of the region. Approximately 12,000 years ago, Native Americans used this route to travel between the Hudson River and Connecticut River Valleys. Later, the European settlers used the route, and eventually altered it, to support travel by horse and cart. As the use of automobiles increased, this route became the first to be constructed as a scenic auto touring route.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway

Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway

This photo is of the view of the Deerfield River as seen from the pull-off area on the south side of the Byway. The view is to the west and there are trees and vegetation in the foreground, the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in the background, and the Deerfield River. — View of the Deerfield River from the Byway in east Charlemont
Public Domain. Franklin Regional Council of Governments · Photo credits

A view of a church and buildings on the campus of Williams College that can be seen from the Byway in Williamstown. — Williamstown on the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
Public Domain. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.