Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts (Spring) Day Trip

This post provides highlights of our spring 2022 visit to the historic village of Shelburne Falls. For more pics and tips to help you plan a visit this summer, click here.

Welcome to Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

On the Mohawk Trail in Western Massachusetts, the historic village of Shelburne Falls is a great day trip destination where you can see a classic, small New England town and explore the beautiful vistas and scenery of the surrounding landscapes including the Deerfield River.

Two iconic attractions - the Bridge of Flowers and Glacial Potholes (at Salmon Falls) - are in the village, and you can see an incredible vista overlooking the town and Deerfield River valley at the High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to get to Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts |

Get directions here or plot your drive on Google Maps to Bridge Street where you can park for free for two hours (there are side streets you can park at as well).

What to see at Shelburne Falls

The village of Shelburne Falls has maintained its historic, small town character, and you’ll see Bridge Street lined with small businesses. In just a few steps, you can walk on the Iron Bridge over the Deerfield River to the town of Buckland on the other side. From the Iron Bridge, you can see blue sky and evening sky reflections under the Bridge of Flowers.

Tip: Arrive by mid-morning or late afternoon before sunset to see serene skyscapes over the river.

The Bridge of Flowers is now open for visitors (we visited before April 1) and can be accessed on either side of the Iron Bridge.

And in only a few minutes, you can walk from the Bridge of Flowers to Glacial Potholes at Salmon Falls. These unique rock formations are reported to have started forming over 14,000 years ago resulting from the Deerfield River flowing over and carving out (eroding) sediments.

It’s remarkable to see the flowing Salmon Falls in spring cut through the potholes (i.e., rock formations) at the base from even from the wooden viewing platform on Deerfield Avenue (off of Bridge Street). There are a few, free parking spots on this road and on the driveway to left of the apartment complex.

During our recent visit, the structure at the left edge of the viewing platform is now private property, and signs also indicate private property by a wooded area with access to the base of the falls at the bottom of the driveway. On bright and partly cloudy days, the views of the powerful falls swerving over and knifing through the rocks are amazing so bring your camera or hang out for a bit.

For incredible landscape views, drive a short distance from the village center to the High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, a Massachusetts Audubon property. You can explore five miles of hiking trails including a trail that takes you rock cliffs named the High Ledges overlooking the Deerfield River Valley, Shelburne Falls and Mount Greylock in the distance.

Located off of Patten Road, the High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary is about a 10-minute drive from the center of Shelburne Falls, and there is a parking area that marks the sanctuary entrance.

Walk straight from the parking area on the Sanctuary Road trail (about 1 mile to the ledges) and look for gates to keep you on this path. The trails are rugged, dirt paths with some rocks and roots so wear legit hiking shoes.

Tip: You’ll come across the kiosk pictured above with a trail map, a huge oak tree (it was not in bloom), and a vernal pool along the Sanctuary Road trail.

There are a few gradual inclines up hills and dips on the way to the rocky cliffs. It was also muddy in spots after the first weekend of Spring rain.

Once you arrive at the trail peak (you’ll see a stone tower), walk on the rocks to the edge of the cliffs or ledges (you can stand back a bit too) for spectacular Western Massachusetts vistas.

If you have the time, this nature excursion should be on your Shelburne Falls day trip agenda as the payoff is great for a relatively easy, and quick hike.

Whether you want to explore a classic New England village, hike in beautiful, tranquil nature, see the Deerfield River and landscapes along the Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts is a must see day trip.

Have you visited Shelburne Falls? What’s your favorite thing to do or see in and around in the village?

Leave a comment to share your experience and tips.