According to the map/brochure available at it's entrance, Easthampton's Manhan Rail Trail was completed in 2004 after 10 years of planning and fund-raising. Kudos to this town and it's people for a job well done. What a fantastic way to contribute to a community's health and quality of life, having a paved public trail for all to use. At the same time, what a great way to recycle a narrow strip of land whose original use is no longer needed.
Only three years old, this trail is still in great condition, I don't think I saw one crack or bump in its' 4.2 mile length.
Also evident is the town's pride in it's trail, with large signs at all main entrances to it , benches throughout it's length, and especially a beautiful painted mural on a trail side building.
The trail goes by one of my favorite places, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, with the Mt. Tom Range on the other side. Further along it passes Lower Mill Pond.
There's a section that passes by an old factory, now completely blown out, a relic from a bygone era.
Further along the trail crosses Union St. in the center of town, with a nice view of Mt. Tom. Near the intersection there was a Bluegrass family band called the Doerfels playing a free concert in the Manhan Cafe parking lot. They were really good, and received loud applause.
The trail went on for another mile or so, past the Williston Northampton school, all the way to South St.
Then suddenly, unexpectedly, end of the line.
I crossed the road and got a glimpse of what the trail used to be before paving.
Overgrowth creeping in on old railroad ties.
Hopefully they'll find the resources to extend the trail. It was over too quickly.
1 comment:
I too wish that the trail can be extended. As you may have read, Southampton residents are putting up a real stink though. I really can't understand why.
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