Mohawk Trail – Top of the Trail (Florida, Massachusetts)

The town of Florida, Massachusetts is the highest point on the Mohawk Trail know colloquially as The Top of the Trail. The Mohawk Trail was for centuries the path Native Americans used to traverse the Berkshires Mountain Range, with the advent of automobile travel in the early 20th century a auto route was established. A number of businesses and overlooks sprang up to meet the tourist’s needs. Today there is a lodge and very nice vista making a nice stopover on your drive.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The Elk on the Trail Monument was erected on the Whitcomb Summit by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1923. It has been a fixture on the trail for generations and honors the memory of those who fought in World War I.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Nice views of the surrounding mountains abound.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Bissell Covered Bridge – Charlemont, Massachusetts

The Bissell Covered Bridge in Charlemont spans Mill Brook and was built in 1951. The original covered bridge on the site was built in 1880 but deteriorated to a point that it was condemned and had to be removed. The plans were to replace it with a modern steel bridge but local residents opposed this and attracting a great deal of media attention. After some debate they were able to convince authorities to build a near replica of the original bridge.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Crystal Lake Park – Manchester, New Hampshire

Crystal Lake Park in Manchester is a playground and public beach perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Alex was nervous but fortunately this guy never showed up:

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail – Auburn, New Hampshire

One of the great innovations over the last fifty years is the conversion of old disused railroad corridors into hiking and biking trails. The Rockingham Recreational Trail is one such conversion. This section of the 27.3 mile trail starts at Lake Massabesic and goes point to point to Great Bay.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Shunpike Historical Marker – Charlemont, Massachusetts

The Shunpike marker marks the location on the Deerfield River in Charlemont where local residents forded the river to avoid turnpike fees.

To the Thrifty Travelers of the
Mohawk Trail who in 1797 here
forded the Deerfield River rather
than pay toll at the Turnpike Bridge
and who in 1810 won the battle for
free travel on all Massachusetts
Roads.

There is a nearby rest area with access to the river and day use facilities.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos