CHAPTER 2

Scenic Resources O ASSESS the scenic resources of the Byway, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) staff traveled the and systematically ratedT the landscape along the Byway corridor and the long-range views. The scoring system is based upon a very similar landscape assessment procedure used by the FRCOG to assess the scenic resources along the Route 112 corridor and the Scenic Byway corridor. Some modifications were made to suit the different characteristics of the Mohawk . The assessment pro- cedure is described below.

Step 1 were sequentially numbered using the To assess the scenic resources of the following format: the regional plan- Byway, the corridor was divided into ning commission identifier/visual “visual segments” which share com- segment number/category (for ex- mon visual characteristics as deter- ample FRCOG/1/ farmland). mined while driving along the length of the byway. The following six catego- Step 2 1 ries were used to divide the byway into Each ⁄2-mile segment within the larger “visual segments”: Farmland/Open “visual segment” was evaluated twice, Land (defined as crop fields, orchards, once driving west and once driving hayfields, pasture land, and non-for- east, using the Scenic Assessment ested open land including recreation ar- Evaluation Form. All features, both eas); Forest (defined as forest land scenic and detracting, along each side 1 including both mature and succes- of the ⁄2-mile road segment were noted sional); Village/Town Center; Devel- for the ranking. Scenic features re- oped Land (including residential ceived a +1, and detracting features re- subdivisions, commercial development ceived a –1. In addition, for the and industrial areas); Scattered Devel- topography landscape features, all to- opment; and Summit (areas where the pography that could be seen from the dominant visual characteristic is a pan- byway, not just topography within the 1 oramic view). ⁄2-mile study area was noted. This ac- For visual segments that have two counts for the many long-range views different characteristics, for example that can be seen from the Byway. For residential development along one example, if a farm field were present side of the road and agricultural land with a mountain range in the back- with a historic farm house on the ground, both flat and mountainous other side, the evaluator made a judg- would receive a +1. These figures were ment about which is the dominant vi- added together for either a west or east sual feature. Each “visual segment” directional total. After the same assess- 1 ment was completed in the opposite di- was evaluated every ⁄2 mile according to the procedure detailed in Step 2 rection, the two directional totals were and a separate Scenic Assessment added together and divided by 2 to give 1 a “segment score.” Evaluation Form for each of these ⁄2 mile sections. The “visual segments”

8 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY Step 3 opment on both sides of the road. The “visual segment” score was calcu- There are entrances/exits to the com- lated by adding the total score from mercial establishments on both sides each of the Scenic Evaluation Forms of the road, which include several fast 1 food and family style restaurants, completed (one for each ⁄2-mile sec- tion) within that “visual segment, and two grocery stores, a large scale ware- 1 house price club store, an office sup- dividing by the number of ⁄2-mile sec- tions within the particular “visual seg- ply store, motels and numerous other ment”. For example, if a particular retail stores. “visual segment” is six miles long, 12 Issues Scenic Evaluation Forms would be ■ This segment has a concentration of filled out, and these 12 segment scores commercial development within a would be averaged to calculate the vi- small area with a lot of separate ac- sual assessment score. The “visual seg- cess locations on Route 2. While it ment” was then ranked based on the is positive for the commercial devel- following categories: opment to be concentrate in this lo- cation close to Interstate 91, the Outstanding (Score Range: 7 or greater) many entrances/exits creates a visual Distinctive (Score Range: 5 - 6) jumble and a confusing con- Noteworthy (Score Range: 3 - 4) figuration. Average (Score Range: less than 3) SEGMENT 2 Scattered Commercial Scenic Assessment Development From the “Mohawk Trail” sign in 1 of the Franklin Greenfield located ⁄2 mile west of the ro- tary at Routes 2, Routes 2A and Interstate County Region 1 91 to a small pull off area located ⁄2 mile The Franklin County section of the west of the Long View Tower and Gift Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway is 21.9 Shop (mile .5 to mile 1.5) miles long. This section was divided Characteristics into twenty-three visual segments. The This 1-mile segment is located in segments begin at the rotary at the in- Greenfield and has scattered commer- tersection of Route 2, Interstate 91 and cial development within a forested Route 2A in Greenfield and are de- area. On the north side of this corri- scribed sequentially from east to west, dor segment is the Long View Tower ending at the Charlemont/Savoy town and Gift Shop with both long and border. panoramic views towards Greenfield and to the north. To the south is a SEGMENT 1 steep, wooded incline with scattered Commercial Development commercial and residential develop- From the rotary at Route 2, Route 2A and ment sites. West of the Long View Interstate 91 in Greenfield to the Mohawk Tower there is a wooded area on the 1 Trail sign located ⁄2 mile west of the rotary north side of the corridor with rock (mile 0 to mile .5) outcroppings abutting the road. Characteristics Issues 1 This ⁄2-mile segment is located in ■ In some areas, the steep slopes on the Greenfield and has concentrated high south side of the road have been traffic generating commercial devel- cleared of vegetation. The lack of veg-

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 9 A view of Greenfield and beyond from the Mohawk Trail Scenic etation is a negative landscape feature, There is a wooded area of wetland to the and has the potential for erosion. Byway at the Long View Tower. north of the road. ■ To the west of the Long View Tower Issues there is a vacant building that disrupts ■ the panoramic view to the north. None

SEGMENT 5 SEGMENT 3 Forest Forest From small pull off area located .5 miles From the Auto Electric Specialist Shop to Peckville Road (mile 3.0 to mile 3.3) west of the Long View Tower and Gift Shop to JED’s (mile 1.5 to mile 2.6) Characteristics Characteristics This .3-mile segment consists of a small area of forest. The trees are not The landscape of this 1.1-mile segment is characterized by forest with steep as mature and dense as those encoun- slopes and rock outcroppings on each tered in the previous forested segment. There are not visible signs of develop- side of the road. JED’s is an historically significant structure as it was part of ment from the road. the 1920s auto-tourism era. Issues ■ Issues None ■ Existence of historically significant SEGMENT 6 architectural structure from the 1920’s auto-tourism era that is in Scattered Commercial need of some repair. Development From Peckville Road to Skinner Road SEGMENT 4 (mile 3.3 to mile 5) Scattered Development Characteristics From JED’s to the Auto Electric Specialist This segment is characterized by scat- Shop located approximately .3 miles east of tered development, which includes a Peckville Road (mile 2.6 to mile 3.0) farm stand, cemetery, antique store, a Characteristics small grocery/convenience store, small golf course, and a coffee shop located This .4-mile segment has scattered devel- opment sites within a forested area. within a forested area. A number of

10 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY tourist oriented gift shops, including a Characteristics basket store and antique are located The landscape of this segment is char- within this segment. Roadside cottages, acterized by scattered development. known as the “Orange Glow Cottages” There is a mix of commercial and resi- are remnants of the auto-tourist era. dential development. There is an area The westernmost part of this segment of forest to the south of the road. has some residences with business such as a veterinary clinic and an antique Issues ■ store. None

Issues SEGMENT 9 ■ Again, there are some structures that Forest are of historic significance to the era From Mercy Anderson Road to the All of auto-related tourism that are in Around Tile store (mile 5.8 to mile 6.1) need of repairs. These structures do not appear to be in use at this time. Characteristics ■ Parking areas for some commercial This short segment begins at the top of uses are located close to the road and the rolling hill with a spectacular view to very prominent, which can nega- the west that is framed by steep slopes tively impact the scenic nature of the with rock outcroppings and the mature road. forest that abuts the road. The large rock outcroppings and forest on each SEGMENT 7 side of the road create a effect. Farm/Open Space Issues From Skinner Road to Little Mohawk ■ None Road (mile 5 to mile 5.4) Characteristics SEGMENT 10 There is a large old farm to the south at Farm/Open Space the easternmost end of this segment From the All Around Tile store to the with rolling hills and fields. There is a mailbox labeled Kingdom Hall on the tourist-oriented trading post gift shop. North side of the road (mile 6.1 to The vegetation changes at this point mile 7.4). along the corridor and is lower than Characteristics that encountered to this point. The site There are a few commercial sites located of the congregational church and the at the easternmost end of the segment first settlement area of Shelburne are including a school bus storage yard, located to the north of the road. When which is very visible from the road. traveling eastward the church steeple is There is open land to the south with a visible. long and panoramic view of the field with Issues some scattered development and wooded ■ An old barn located on the north area to the north. At the westernmost side of the road is in need of some end of the segment there are woods to repairs. the north and a view of the valley and pic- turesque field to the south. SEGMENT 8 Issues Scattered Development ■ There are cabins on the south side of From Little Mohawk Road to Mercy the road that are a negative visual fea- Anderson Road (mile 5.4 to mile 5.8) ture and are in need of improvement.

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 11 A spectacular view of the ■ The school bus storage yard is large been planted and has the potential . and visible from the road. It is a for erosion. negative visual feature. ■ The large metal industrial/commer- cial buildings throughout this seg- SEGMENT 11 ment are very visible from the road. Development From the mailbox labeled Kingdom Hall SEGMENT 12 on the north side of the road to the Sweet- Village Town Center heart Restaurant (mile 7.4 to mile 8.3). From the Sweetheart Restaurant to State in Buckland (mile 8.3 to mile 9.5) Characteristics There are scattered commercial devel- Characteristics opment sites throughout this segment Though not visible through the trees including a self-storage facility, a gas that line both sides of the road, station and a farm market. Some of the Shelburne Falls Village is located to the development is housed in metal struc- south. There is forest to the north tures. The road widens at the along this portion of the segment. At westernmost end of the segment and the westernmost section of this seg- has an extremely wide on the ment Buckland is visible to the north. north side of the road. There is a view of the mountains in the distance as one proceeds down the hill Issues heading west. Once across the , ■ The self-storage facility, although there is a view of the Deerfield River. buffered by a hedge planted along the road in front, was built into the Issues side of a large hill. The area that was ■ The utility poles are very prominent excavated behind the facility has not in this segment.

12 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY SEGMENT 13 fields and scattered residential develop- Scattered Commercial ment. The Crab Apple White Water Development Rafting recreation area is also located From State Street in Buckland to sign for in this segment along the river. the West County Physicians (mile 9.5 to Issues mile 10.8) ■ There are pull-off areas in this segment Characteristics that are in need of some repair. In one This segment contains scattered com- instance an -island that separates mercial development. At the eastern- the stopping area from the traveled most end of this segment is the site of route has grass and weeds growing the future park and ride lot to the south along the edges and in the cracks. ■ of the road. There is a tourist-oriented There are prominent utility poles gift/souvenir shop called the “Big In- through this segment that detract dian” Shop located in this segment. from the view of the river. ■ Along the western end of this segment, There is a trucking business that has there are scattered residential houses a dirt parking area that is very visible and a view of the river opens up along from the road. ■ the southern side of the road. This is the The galvanized steel guardrail is very first location where a motorist traveling prominent along the river. from east to west has a view of the river to the south of the road. SEGMENT 15 Issues Scattered Development ■ The vacant lot that is used as an in- From the Country Aire Campground to the Red Rose Motel (mile 12.4 to formal parking area is in need of maintenance and improvements. It mile 12.7) is overgrown with grass in some ar- Characteristics eas and piles of debris (dirt and This very short segment has an historic brush) are stored on this lot. cemetery (the East Charlemont Cem- A scenic view of the Cold River ■ The parking lot to the west of the va- etery) and a church. There are views of cant lot is underutilized, and in need of the river to the south of the road. in Charlemont some landscaping improvements.

SEGMENT 14 Farmland/Open Space From West County Physicians sign to the Country Aire Campground (mile 10.9 to mile 12.4) Characteristics The Hall Tavern Farm is located on the north side of the road. The river is lo- cated to the south. There are a number of locations within this segment that have long and beautiful views of the river. Particularly there is a long view of the river to the west. The Gen. Hap Adams House is located within this segment. The Little Red School built in 1928 is also located in this segment. The segment is characterized by farm

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 13 and to the north of the road. The land- scape has mature vegetation in this seg- ment and the road curves to follow the landscape. The river is located to the south of the road. There is a location at mile 13.6 that has a spectacular view of the river to the east and to the west. Issues: ■ The galvanized steel guardrail is very prominent along the river.

SEGMENT 18 Mix of Farmland/Open Land and Development From Charlemont Academy to Bur- rington Road (mile 14.3 to mile 15.2) Characteristics There is some development located Overgrown trees block the scenic around Charlemont Academy. Follow- Issues views of the Deerfield River along ing the road west leads to a winding cor- ■ Overgrown vegetation obstructs the the Byway in Charlemont. ner where there is a field to the north of view of the river. the road and the river to the south. The trees along the edge of the road obstruct SEGMENT 16 the river view. The Leavitt Cemetery is Farmland/Open Land located in this segment. There is some From the Red Rose Motel to the “Indian scattered residential development at the Plaza” Gift Shop (mile 12.7 to mile 13.7) westernmost end of the segment. Characteristics Issues The easternmost portion of this seg- ■ There is a large retaining wall on the ment has mature forest and a narrow north side of the road that is out of roadway. The road opens up into farm- character with the rural landscape. land with rolling hills to the north and ■ The guardrail is prominent. the river to the south. There is also a stone wall located to the north of the SEGMENT 19 road. There are some areas of forest. Forest MAJOR FINDING Issues From Burrington Road to the “Welcome to In many ■ The galvanized steel guardrail is very Charlemont” sign (mile 15.2 to mile 16.4) locations, a thick prominent along the river. Characteristics cover of trees The landscape of this segment is charac- SEGMENT 17 impedes the terized by forest. There is some scat- Scattered Development tered residential development through scenic views. From the “Indian Plaza” Gift Shop to this segment. However, the forest is the Charlemont Academy (mile 13.7 to dominant landscape feature. The trees mile 14.3) create a canopy affect, and there are views Characteristics of the river to the south of the road. This segment is predominantly charac- Issues terized by residential development ■ The pull off areas along this segment with the majority being concentrated need improvements. in the eastern portion of the segment

14 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY TABLE 1.1 Visual Segment Category and Evaluation—Franklin County Area

Approx. Segment Length Number Starting/Ending Points (miles) Segment Category Segment Evaluation 1Rotary/Mohawk Trail Sign .5 Developed commercial Average 2 Mohawk Trail Sign/Small Pull off 1.0 Scattered Development Noteworthy to the north of the Road (Greenfield) 3 Small Pull off to the north of the road/JED’s(Drury) 1.1 Forest Noteworthy 4 JED’s /Auto Electric Specialist Shop 0.4 Scattered Development Average 5 Auto Electric Specialist Shop/Peckville Road 0.3 Forest Average 6Peckville Road/Skinner Road 1.7 Scattered Development Noteworthy 7 Skinner Road/Little Mohawk Road 0.4 Farm/Open Space Outstanding 8 Little Mohawk Road/Mercy Anderson Road 0.4 Scattered Development Noteworthy 9 Mercy Anderson Road/All Around Tile Store 0.3 Forest Outstanding 10 All Around Tile Store/Mailbox with Kingdom Hall 1.3 Farm/Open Space Distinctive written on it on the north side of the road 11 Mailbox with Kingdom Hall written on it 0.9 ScatteredDevelopment Average on the north side of the road/Sweetheart Restaurant 12 Sweetheart Restaurant/State Street in Buckland 1.2 Village/town center Noteworthy 13 State Street in Buckland/West County Physicians Sign 1.3 Scattered Development Distinctive on the north side of the street 14* West County Physicians Sign on the north side of 1.6 Farmland/Open Space Outstanding* the street/Country Aire Campground 15 Country Aire Campground/Red Rose Motel 1.2 Scattered Development Outstanding 16 Red Rose Motel/Indian Plaza 1.0 Farmland/Open Space Outstanding 17 Indian Plaza/Charlemont Academy .6 Scattered Development Outstanding 18 Charlemont Academy/Burrington Road 0.9 Farmland/Open Space Outstanding 19 Burrington Road/Charlemont Sign Forest Outstanding on the north side of the road 20 Charlemont Sign on the north side 1.1 Village/Town Center Distinctive of the road/Zoar Outdoor (Charlemont) 21* Zoar Outdoor/”Hail to the Sunrise” Statue 1.7 Farmland/Open Space Outstanding* 22 ”Hail to the Sunrise” Statue/Bridge .6 Scattered Development Distinctive over the railroad tracks 23A Bridge over the railroad tracks/Town line at Savoy 2.1 Forest Outstanding

Scenic Assessment Rating System: Outstanding: 7 or greater; Noteworthy: 3–4; Distinctive: 5–6; Average: Less than 3. See pp. 8–9. *Denotes the two highest scoring segments.

■ Overgrown vegetation obstructs the Characteristics: view of the river. This 1.1-mile segment includes Char- lemont village center. The village cen- SEGMENT 20 ter is characterized by residential Village/Town Center dwellings on the eastern portion of the From the “Welcome to Charlemont” sign segment and retail and business com- to Zoar Outdoor (mile 16.4 to mile 17.5). mercial uses in the center of the village. The buildings are located close to the

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 15 TABLE 1.2 Visual Segment Category and Evaluation—Berkshire County Area

Approx. Segment Length Number Starting/Ending Points (miles) Segment Category Segment Evaluation 23B* Savoy Town Line /South County Rd (Drury) 3.5 Forest Outstanding* 24 South County Rd /House #480 (Drury) 0.3 Scattered Development Noteworthy 25 House #480 Giovanni’s Motel & Ristorante 0.5 Forest Distinctive 26 Giovanni’s/Church Rd (north side of Rte. 2) (Florida Center) 0.5 Scattered Development Noteworthy 27 Church Rd /Eastern Summit 0.4 Forest Noteworthy 28 Eastern Summit 0.2 Summit Outstanding 29 Eastern Summit /Whitcomb Summit 1.0 Forest Noteworthy 30 Whitcomb Summit 0.2 Summit Outstanding 31 Whitcomb Summit /House #184 0.6 Forest Distinctive 32 House #184/Western Summit 2.0 Scattered Development Average 33 Western Summit /Hairpin Turn 0.7 Summit Outstanding 34 Hairpin Turn/Trailer park 1.3 Forest Noteworthy 35 Trailer park/Mohawk Forest Blvd. 1.0 Scattered Development Noteworthy 36 Mohawk Forest Blvd./Route 8A 1.2 Developed Average 37 Rte. 8A//Toyota Dealership 0.3 Village/Town Center (North Adams) Noteworthy 38 Overpass/Toyota Dealership/Cole in Williamstown 4.5 Developed Average 39* Cole Avenue/Field Park 0.9 Village/Town Center (Williamstown) Outstanding*

Scenic Assessment Rating System: Outstanding: 7 or greater Noteworthy: 3–4 Distinctive: 5–6 Average: Less than 3 *Denotes the two highest scoring segments.

. The majority of the village SEGMENT 21 center’s development follows the linear Farmland/Open Land pattern of the corridor. Zoar Outdoor From Zoar Outdoor to the “Hail to the is located at the westernmost edge of Sunrise Statue” (mile 17.5 to mile 19.2) this segment and is located in the town’s oldest house. Berkshire East Characteristics Ski Area is located to the south of the This segment is characterized by flat corridor. When traveling east the farming fields with a view of the moun- mountain is visible in the distance. tains in the distance to the north and a view of Berkshire East Ski area to the east. Issues There are scattered residential homes. ■ There seems to be concerns about pedestrian accessibility to and within Issues ■ the village due to the high speeds that None vehicles travel along the corridor.

16 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY SEGMENT 22 fying view scopes such as those at the Scattered Residential Western Summit and the Hairpin Turn, Development have been tourist attractions for over From the “Hail to the Sunrise Statue” to 80 years. Pullovers between tourist the bridge over the railroad tracks (mile viewing areas gave travelers additional 19.2 to mile 19.8). chances to enjoy the scenery of the Berkshire Hills through the car win- Characteristics dows. The views of some of these pull- There is a campground in this segment overs are compromised as the foliage of and a mobile home park. The “Hail to roadside trees grow in height and the Sunrise” statue, which is often as- crown cover. Residents in the commu- sociated with the Mohawk Trail auto nities of North Adams and Florida route is located in the State Park to the have stated an interest in restoring a south of Route 2. few historic pullovers by improving Issues safety features and conducting vista ■ None pruning. The Berkshire County section of SEGMENT 23A the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway is 19.1 Forest miles long. This section was divided into seventeen visual segments. The From the bridge over the railroad tracks to segments begin at the Franklin the Charlemont town line to Savoy (mile County border and are described se- 19.8 to mile 22). quentially from east to west, ending at Characteristic Field Park in Williamstown. The landscape of this segment dramati- cally changes to that characterized by SEGMENT 23B forest. The forest area creates a tree Forest canopy effect over the road. The From the Charlemont/Savoy border to Mohawk Trail State Forest is located in South County Road in Drury (mile 21.5 this segment. The recreational area has to mile 25). camping and swimming. There are some views of the mountains. The Characteristics Cold River is located to the north of Crossing into Berkshire County, the the road. Byway continues along the southern Cold River gorge in Florida, bank of the Cold River. The roadway is Issues driving west. ■ None

Scenic Assessment of the Berkshire County Region The Berkshire County section of the Scenic Byway has long been character- ized by its long-range views of distant mountain ranges and bird’s-eye views of valley communities and rolling farmlands. Viewing towers, such as the one at Whitcomb Summit, and magni-

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 17 View from the Eastern Summit, a continuation of visual segment 23A as rock outcrops on the north side and a looking northeast. it continues from east to west into Berk- very steep drop-off to the river to the 1 shire County. This segment is located south. After another ⁄2 of a mile, the entirely within the Mohawk Trail State road veers north leaving the Cold Forest, including the entire 1.7-mile sec- River and climbs along the eastern tion through the town of Savoy. This bank of Manning Brook until the segment of the Byway is extremely sce- segment’s end in the small settlement nic in all seasons, but it especially shines of Drury. during the fall foliage season. Issues The Cold River gorge is steep and ■ Pullovers providing recreational ac- narrow, giving visitors the feeling of cess to the Cold River were littered traveling through a deep and wild with garbage during a site visit. gorge. The roadway is narrow and winding as it follows the river to climb SEGMENT 24 800 feet from the county line to South Drury (Scattered Development) County Road. The road is generally lined with trees, but the occasional From South County Road in Drury to break in vegetation offers travelers house # 480 (mile 25.5 to mile 25.8) glimpses of the river. Autumn, when Characteristics the sun sits lower on the horizon, cre- This 0.3-mile segment consists of the ates a contrast of colors and shadows historic settlement of Drury. Although along the Byway. The birch-beech- considered a village center, the visual maple forests of Clark Mountain to effect is more of scattered development the right (north), ablaze in sun- than a concentrated settlement. drenched yellows, and the oak-covered Brown’s Garage, which has provided hillside to the left (south), burnished service to travelers since the early days in rusts and copper, contrast the road- of automobile touring, is a notable way, which is shadowed by the tree- landmark on the northeast side of the lined ridge on the left (south). road after emerging from Mohawk After crossing the Cold River at Trail State Forest. Other development mile 23.2 and entering the town of in this segment consists of modest Florida, the Byway continues along houses. The road continues to climb the northern bank of the river. Here steadily through this area and becomes the Byway is characterized by many

18 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY somewhat wider after leaving the state the Florida town hall, maintenance ga- forest. rage, cemetery, Baptist church and a number of single family homes that are Issues generally set back from the road. ■ None Issues: SEGMENT 25 ■ Maintenance vehicles, gravel piles, Forest jersey barriers and blocks From house #480 to Giovanni’s Motel stored at the town hall and DPW de- and Ristorante (mile 25.8 to mile 26.3) tract from the scenic quality of the segment. Characteristics 1 The forest along this ⁄2 mile long seg- SEGMENT 27 ment is set back further from the road Forest than the segment through Mohawk From Church Road to the Eastern Summit Trail State Forest. Power lines are quite (mile 26.8 to mile 27.2). visible in this area. Occasional views of distant mountains open up through the Characteristics trees. At mile 4.1 a small pullover pro- The roadway continues its steady climb vides access to a snowmobile trail that towards the Eastern Summit through crosses the road. this short, forested segment. The trees are fairly close to the road. When the Issues leaves are gone from the trees, views of ■ Power lines are very prominent. the distant hills open up to the north. ■ Giovanni’s is closed and beginning to look unkept. Issues: ■ None SEGMENT 26 Florida Center SEGMENT 28 (Scattered Development) Eastern Summit (Summit) From Giovanni’s to the of (Mile 27.2 to mile 27.4) Church Road on north side of Route 2 Characteristics (mile 26.3 to mile 26.8). The spectacular panoramic view from Characteristics the Eastern Summit has a field of view As is the case with Drury, the Florida of 120° ranging from the northeast to town center is visually categorized as the southeast. On very clear days the Scattered Development rather than a depth of the view extends for 65 miles. Village Center. The segment includes Included within the viewshed are the Green Mountains of , and View from Whitcomb Summit Mount Monadnock in southern New tower, looking east

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 19 View from the Western Summit, looking west. Hampshire. Also visible from the sum- the southwest. At 2,185 feet, Whit- mit is Upper Bear Swamp Reservoir and comb Summit is the highest point an old landslide scar from the 1938 hur- along the Byway. The summit itself has ricane. The summit itself includes a gift a restaurant and motel with a viewing shop and some abandoned motel units. tower on the north side of the road and Issues small motel cabins on the south, some ■ The motel across from the gift shop of which are dilapidated . The viewing is closed and the property is unkept. tower expands the field and depth of the view from the summit. The ski SEGMENT 29 slopes of Berkshire East ski area are Forest plainly visible to the east. Whitcomb From Eastern Summit to Whitcomb Sum- Summit is also the location of the “Elk mit (mile 27.4 to mile 28.4). on the Hill,” a bronze statue of an elk erected as a memorial to those who lost Characteristics their lives in World War I. This mile-long segment is dominated by a mature forest with occasional Issues views of the Hoosic Range to the west. ■ Many of the historic motel cabins are in obvious disrepair, giving the Issues area a sad appearance and the feel of ■ High voltage power lines cross the a tourist attraction whose golden roadway. days have passed by.

SEGMENT 30 SEGMENT 31 Whitcomb Summit (Summit) Forest (Mile 28.4 to mile 28.6) From Whitcomb Summit to house # 184 Characteristics (mile 28.6 to mile 29.2). Whitcomb Summit provides outstand- Characteristics ing views that include a 130° panorama Proceeding west from Whitcomb Sum- of the Green Mountains of Vermont to mit, the Byway gradually descends the northeast as well as the summit of through a younger forest dominated by Mt. Greylock and the Hoosic Range to birch and oak. Although the dominant

20 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY visual aspect of this segment is forest, it Mahican-Mohawk hiking trail. The has an open feel to it and includes occa- view from the Western Summit is 140°, sional glimpses of the . ranging from the southwest to the north. The descent from the Western Issues Summit to the Hairpin Turn is for- ■ None. ested, but is included in the Summit classification due to the constant views SEGMENT 32 that are available, especially when the Scattered Development leaves are gone. From house #184 to Western Summit The Hairpin Turn, the only part of (mile 29.2 to mile 31.2). the Byway in the town of Clarksburg, Characteristics is the location of the Golden Eagle This two-mile-long segment consists Restaurant. View scopes are available, primarily of scattered residential devel- and Mausart’s Pond, located above the opment and includes the Florida Pack- prominent red barn, can be seen age Store, the town of Florida Fire amidst a deep forest. Department and the Florida Lounge. Issues MAJOR FINDING As in the previous segment there are ■ The viewscopes at the Hairpin Turn some brief views of the Hoosic Range. are located in the Parking lot of the Many of the key The roadway itself is wider than in pre- Eagle Restaurant. Unfortunately, the scenic vistas are vious segments. At mile 30.2, the By- Eagle’s parking lot is small and ap- not permanently way crosses into the city of North propriately serves restaurant pa- protected from Adams. trons. Proper parking for viewscope development. Issues use is limited, and it is located across ■ The Florida Lounge, like Giovanni’s, the street and uphill of the is closed and the property is unkept. viewscopes. ■ Two pullovers between the Western SEGMENT 33 Summit and Hairpin Turn are over- Summit grown with trees that block the view. ■ From Western Summit to Hairpin Turn Radio towers on the east side of (mile 31.2 to mile 31.9). summit area are visible from the Western Summit area. Characteristics This segment contains two of the most SEGMENT 34 well known landmarks on the Mohawk Forest Trail: the Western Summit and the From Hairpin Turn to Rock Manor Mo- Hairpin Turn. Each location provides bile Home Park (mile 31.9 to mile 33.2). wide, panoramic views that give this segment an outstanding rating. Within Characteristics the viewshed of the segment are the After rounding the Hairpin Turn, the summits of Mt. Greylock, Ragged Byway once again enters the city of Mountain and Mount Prospect, the North Adams and continues to de- city of North Adams, Pine Cobble, scend through an area of forest. There Clarksburg State Forest, the Taconic are some scenic views through the trees Range in New York State, and the when the leaves have fallen. Traveling southern terminus of the Green Moun- in this direction, the lime quarry at tains of Vermont. The Western Summit Specialty Minerals in the town of has the Wigwam Gift Shop, rental cot- Adams is highly visible straight ahead. tages, a viewing platform with Depending on the perspective of the viewscopes, and some parking for the viewer, this sight could be considered a

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 21 negative visual aspect or an interesting ment is a transition from the rural area to landscape and cultural feature. a more developed urban area. Commer- cial development begins to line the street Issues: as we approach the city center area. ■ Dilapidated trailers and other struc- There is a contrasting mix of commercial tures and debris are located on land properties, the buildings housing the adjacent to the Scenic Byway. Crystal Hard Hat/Union Street/Ace’s businesses and Pop’s Variety have a drab SEGMENT 35 and outdated appearance while the build- Scattered Development ings housing McDonalds and Dunkin’ From Rock Manor Mobile Home Park to Donuts are bold and too colorful. Mohawk Forest (mile 33.2 to mile 34.2). Issues: ■ The massive buildings that line Characteristics the Byway and dominate the neighbor- The traveler descends into the Hoosic hood were obviously important manu- River valley, leaving the dramatic long- facturing sites for the area. However, range views that the higher elevations the buildings are not identified and the offer. Instead, views from the valley history of these buildings is not noted. consist of the Taconic Hills and the ■ The Union Street area is the eastern Hoosac Range that form a backdrop gateway to the city center, and un- for the more developed roadway corri- fortunately the building facades dor. This segment consists of scattered along this street are sharply contrast- residential development. The roadway ing. (A preliminary streetscape de- widens substantially and has a very sign plan has been developed in wide shoulder. Traveling west, there are coordination with this Corridor views of Mt. Greylock and Mt. Management Plan for Union Street. Williams. For more information, refer to the Issues Land Use chapter.) ■ None. SEGMENT 37

SEGMENT 36 Village/Town Center Developed From the intersection of Route 8A to From Mohawk Forest Boulevard. to inter- overpass/Toyota Dealership (mile 35.4 to section of Eagle Street (Route 8A) (mile mile 35.7). 34.2 to mile 35.4). Characteristics Characteristics Here the Byway passes though the As the Byway passes the intersection of downtown area of North Adams as it Mohawk Forest Boulevard, development parallels Main Street. From the intersec- along the road becomes denser and the tion of Eagle Street (Route 8A) there is road becomes narrower. There is a mix of a view of large Victorian houses on the residential and commercial development. hillside above Western Gateway Heri- At mile 34.2, Route 8 heads north to- tage State Park. Continuing east, the wards Natural Bridge State Park and road becomes a 4- for a Clarksburg State Forest. The road then short distance and it is set among a sea passes by the north branch of the Hoosic of asphalt and concrete. To the left, the River and two large historic brick mill back of the Main Street buildings face buildings. Houses are for the most part parking lots, and to the right shopping older and typical of housing associated centers are set behind their own large with old mills. Structures are close to- parking lots. The Mu- gether and close to the road. This seg- seum of Modern Art (MASSMoCA),

22 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY located within a large mill complex on velopment becomes more contempo- the north side of the road. rary, with fewer mill style houses, more trees and structures set further back Issues from the road. ■ The transition from a rural byway to At mile 38.4 the Byway enters the an urban and busy road occurs rather town of Williamstown and passes the abruptly in this section of the Byway. white lions that guard the entrance to Development is located close to the the Spruces Mobil Home Park. The road and some properties have the remainder of this segment passes appearance of neglect. through a mix of commercial strip de- ■ The modern highway and overpass velopment and residences. The Green that travels through the Center River is crossed at mile 39.5. There are Street area is a stark comparison to many excellent views of the surround- even the urban residential and com- ing mountains all along this segment. mercial mix of buildings that are lo- However, because of the large volume cated along Union Street. The area of traffic and the amount of develop- is a sea of asphalt and concrete, with ment along this stretch of the byway, wide travel , paved median the scenery is not easily enjoyed. strips, and the parking lots of Main Street businesses to the left and in Issues front of the retail businesses to the ■ Modern commercial strip develop- right. There is little or no vegetation ment along this stretch of the Byway or other amenities at this time. It and the volume of traffic make it dif- should be noted that streetscape im- ficult to enjoy the surrounding provements have been designed and hillsides. are scheduled for implementation to ■ Many of the buildings from the in- reduce the appearance the amount of dustrial era in the eastern end of the pavement experienced by travelers. segment are in need of facade work The varied architecture of and some repair. Williams College buildings SEGMENT 38 has an influence the downtown Developed character of Williamstown. From overpass to Cole Avenue in Wil- liamstown (mile 35.7 to mile 40.2). Characteristics This is a 4.5-mile long segment of mixed residential and commercial development between the downtown areas of North Adams and Williams- town. Heading west out of downtown North Adams, the residential develop- ment is typical of older mill-style homes, with houses placed close to- gether and near the road. The Byway passes several old mill buildings and the historic Hillside Cemetery on both sides of the road. At mile 36.4, the By- way crosses the Hoosic River and passes through an area of commercial strip development. At mile 37 the river is crossed again just before the Cariddi Mill. After the mill, the residential de-

CHAPTER 2: Scenic Resources 23 ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Issues ■ Many historically significant architec- and steel back timber guardrails as an tural features from the auto-touring alternative to the galvanized steel ■ Roadway features such as guardrails era have been neglected and are in guardrails that are typically used. and retaining walls have not always need of repair. ■ Encourage the adoption of site plan been completed in a manner, which is ■ In a number of locations along the By- review bylaws by towns along the By- sensitive to the scenic nature of the way, vegetation has become over- way in order to encourage develop- Byway. grown and blocks the views of scenic ment that is sensitive to the natural ■ In some instances, site planning for vistas. scenic feature of the Byway. Site plan development along the Byway has not ■ In some locations where panoramic review procedures can address the been completed in a manner, which scenic vistas exist, the areas within the layout of a development and encour- retains the natural landscape features vistas are vulnerable to development. age project to retain natural vegeta- such as the existing vegetation and tion and other landscape features. slopes. In some locations, the natural ■ Encourage towns to adopt sign review vegetation has been cleared for park- Recommendations bylaws to discourage the installation ing areas located directly adjacent to ■ Pursue funding to purchase scenic of oversized signs and too many signs the Byway. Alternative site planning easements or conservation restrictions placed close to one another which can and development layouts could have to permanently protect important sce- cause confusion for Byway travelers been completed in a manner to pre- nic vistas along the Byway. and detract from the scenic qualities serve the natural vegetation features ■ Complete selective pruning to open of the corridor. of the area. vistas that have become blocked by ■ Work with the owners of historic motel ■ Oversized signs and too many signs overgrown vegetation. cottages and other historically signifi- placed close to one another can cause ■ As roadway improvement projects are cant structures from the auto-touring confusion for Byway travelers and de- completed, encourage the use of era to maintain their landmarks. As- tract from the scenic qualities of the roadway features such as guardrails sist in securing loans, grants or tax corridor. and retaining walls that are sensitive credits for restoration of these impor- to the scenic nature of the Byway. tant structures. Consider alternatives such as cor ten

SEGMENT 39 center that is quintessential New En- Village/Town Center gland. Some of the interesting and his- From Cole Avenue to Field Park toric buildings in this segment include (mile 40.2 to mile 41.5) Thompson Chapel, Williamstown Con- gregational Church, West College (the Characteristics original Williams College), Williams Col- This segment is the village center of the lege Museum of Art, Goodrich Chapel, town of Williamstown. It has been former fraternity houses, Chapin Hall, ranked as “Outstanding” visually be- the Williams Inn, the Adams Memorial cause of the historic and architecturally Theater and a number of large Victorian diverse buildings and manicured grounds Houses. Field Park, the remnants of a vil- of the Williams College Campus that lage green, is the designated western end dominate the segment, along with the of the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway. views of the surrounding mountains. The buildings are set back from the road, Issues ■ fronted by expansive lawns, giving the Busy traffic and frequent pedestrian segment a more open feeling. crossing make it difficult to enjoy Williamstown has a picturesque village the architecture of the area.

24 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY