Connecticut River Greenway State Park: Northampton Access Guide

Connecticut River Greenway State Park is a state-spanning network of parks and other areas along the Connecticut River, with up to 8 parks accessible along the greenway. In Northampton, river access and trail connections make it possible to plan an outing around the water without treating the park as a single continuous walking path.

The Norwottuck Rail Trail passes through the state park on Damon Road. Its west end connects with the Northampton Bikeway and the Manhan Rail Trail to Easthampton, giving you a way to combine a river-area stop with a longer paved-trail outing.

Elwell Recreation Area and Riverfront Park are two separate Northampton access points on Damon Road, with facilities for non-motorized boating.

Massachusetts identifies Elwell Recreation Area, by Route 9 and I-91, as a river access point for canoes and rowing craft. It has limited parking and a wheelchair-accessible dock.

Riverfront Park is at 68 Damon Road. The city describes a nature trail, parking area, boat apron, accessible boat ramp and gangway there, along with the remains of the original river harbor for the Northampton-New Haven canal. The park was established after Northampton acquired 11 acres from Lane Construction behind River Run apartments.

For the Elwell Recreation Area access, Massachusetts gives the location as Damon Road by Route 9 and I-91. From North King Motel, the greenway is about 22 minutes by car; pair your river stop with the Norwottuck Rail Trail, which passes through the state park on Damon Road.

For Riverfront Park, the city directs drivers to continue past River Run apartments to the end of Damon Road, then turn left into the Lane Construction area. If you’re planning a wider Northampton outing, the guide to getting around Northampton covers local transport options.

At Riverfront Park, you can use the nature trail or launch a human-powered craft during daylight hours. The city limits the boat ramp and parking area to launching non-motorized craft, and swimming is prohibited: the park is not a designated beach, has no lifeguards and does not monitor water quality.

For a longer outing, the Norwottuck Rail Trail is a paved route used for walking, running, biking, rollerblading and cross-country skiing. Massachusetts provides free trail-user parking at Elwell Recreation Area in Northampton, Railroad Street in Hadley and Station Road in South Amherst.

The state park is open from sunrise to sunset, with parking at park headquarters and public boat ramps along the greenway. The Norwottuck Rail Trail is also open from sunrise to sunset; restrictions prohibit alcohol, motorized vehicles, horses and littering.

Access details and operating information can change, so check the official site before you go. For Riverfront Park directions and local rules, consult the City of Northampton; for state park and trail information, consult Massachusetts.