Bike/Walk Treks and Rides

Free, guided hiking Treks are generally held between September and May. During tick season in June, July, and August we try to avoid scheduling events in wooded areas, while bike Rides may be held during warmer months. Participants of all ages and new Trekkers and Bikers are always welcomed.  All events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather; please check this page (www.southhadley.org/bikewalk) for any cancellation information. To join our mailing list, please email us at:  bikewalksouthhadley@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 2026

Lithia Springs Vernal Pool Trek with Brad Timm
SATURDAY, April 25, 2026 at 10:00am  
Meet at 9:30am at the Hiker Lot (next door to 502 Amherst Rd, S Hadley), and we will walk to the trailhead from there to meet up with others who may be parked elsewhere.
DCR-Joseph Allen Skinner and Mt. Holyoke Range State Parks Maps (PDF)
Lithia Springs Trails-Map showing access from Rt 116 Hiker Lot (PDF)

The South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee will host a guided Trek at Lithia Springs Reservoir, a beautiful natural area that once provided water to the town. The free, family-friendly Trek will be led by Brad Timm, a wildlife ecologist and founder of the Northeast Wildlife Team. Come explore with Brad on a leisurely guided hike as we stop at several vernal pools along the trek and look and listen for frogs, toads, salamanders, and much more. For example, did you know that some frogs produce their own anti-freeze, lots of salamanders can regenerate their tail and entire limbs, and that Blue Jay and Bluebird feathers aren’t actually blue (they’re brown!). 

Participants of all ages and new Trekkers are welcomed. Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for hiking in wet and muddy areas. Attendees will receive a free copy of A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools. Signed copies of Brad’s new book, America is Wild! will be available for purchase ($20) at the event

Meet up at 9:30am in the Hiker Parking Lot on Amherst Road (next door to 502 Amherst Road), to walk approximately a half a mile down Pearl Street to the end of Lithia Springs Road, where the Gate 8 Trailhead is located. We will wait at Gate 8 until 10am to meet any Trekkers who may have parked elsewhere. Please try to carpool as there is limited parking on Lithia Springs Road and in the Hiker Parking Lot on Amherst Road.

All events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or ground conditions and any decision to cancel will be made and posted by 8:00m the night before the Trek on this page (www.southhadley.org/bikewalk).

MAY 2026

River-to-Range Guided Bird Trek with Bill DeLuca
SATURDAY, May 2, 2026 at 9:00am 
Meet at 8:45am at the parking lot/trailhead:, 240 Ferry St, South Hadley. Save the date, details to come.
Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook_River-to-Range_Trail Network Map (PDF)

MAY 2026

Buttery Brook Park Grand Re-Opening Celebration | Bike Month Event
SATURDAY, May 16, 2026 
Save the date, watch for details to come on the opening and the Bike Month event. 

FALL 2026

We are exploring possibilities for a South Hadley 5K, possibly on on a Saturday in October. If you're interested and/or would be willing to help out with planning or during an event, please email us (www.southhadley.org/bikewalk). We'd love to hear from you!

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RECENT EVENTS

MARCH 2026

Ledges Trek 
SATURDAY, March 14, 2026 at 1:00pm  (rescheduled from 2/7/26)
Meet at 12:45pm in front of Ledges Golf Course clubhouse, 18 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley  
Ledges Golf Course-Trek Routes Map (PDF)

NOVEMBER 2025

Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook North Loop Trek
SUNDAY, November 16, 2025 at 11:00am  
Meetup at 10:45am at the small hiker parking lot at the trailhead on Rt. 47/Hadley Street just north of the Community Garden
Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area-North Loop Trek Map (PDF)

OCTOBER 2025

Lithia Springs Foliage Trek
SATURDAY, October 18, 2025 at 10:00am
Meet up at Hiker Parking Lot on Amherst Rd/Rt 116 in South Hadley for an approx. 3 miles Trek over moderate terrain with some hills at DCR Joseph Skinner State Park.
DCR-Joseph Allen Skinner and Mt. Holyoke Range State Parks Maps (PDF)
Lithia Springs Trails-Map showing access from Rt 116 Hiker Lot (PDF)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

Weekly Evening Social Bike Rides 
MONDAYS at 5:30pm through October 6, 2025
Meetup and leave from Rocky's parking lot, 487 Newton St.

SEPTEMBER 2025

South Hadley River Road Ride  (CANCELED AGAIN DUE TO RAIN)
SUNDAY, September 7, 2025 at 1:30on (rescheduled from May 17, 2025)
Approx 6 mile route, starting and ending at South Hadley Public Library Parking lot, with pre-Ride intro to group riding, hand signals, and basic safety.
Meet at 1:15pm at 2 Canal Street, South Hadley

MAY 2025

Guided Bird Walk at River-to-Range Trail with Ornithologist Bill DeLuca
SATURDAY, May 3, 2025 at 2:00pm
River-to-Range Accessible Trail, Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area
Meet at 9:45am at parking lot/trailhead:, 240 Ferry St, South Hadley
Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook_River-to-Range_Trail Network Map (PDF)

APRIL 2025

Guided Vernal Pool Trek with Wildlife Ecologist Brad Timm at Lithia Springs
SUNDAY, April 13, 2025 at 10:00am
A multi-generational walk in celebration of Earth Day hosted by the Conservation Commission. Park at Hiker Lot (next door to 502 Amherst Rd, S Hadley); van transport to trailhead available

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MAPS AND RESOURCES

Trek/Ride maps and information: 

• Autumn Bike Ride Map-5 miles (PDF)
• Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area-North Loop Trek Map (PDF)
• Bachelor Brook -StonyBrook-RiverToRange_South Loop Trek Map (PDF)
• Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Area and River-to-Range Loop Maps (PDF)
• Bagg-Pierce Wildlife Sanctuary Trail and Ortho Map (PDF)
• Bike Month-Spring Ride Map (PDF)
• Black Stevens Conservation Area Trail Map (PDF) 
• Black Stevens Trail and Trek Loop Map (PDF)
• Bynan Conservation Area Trail Map (PDF)
• Hahn Warner Arboretum (PDF)
• Hahn-Warner Arboretum Trek Map (PDF)
• Jones/Carver/Newton Conservation Areas (near the Ledges) (PDF)
• Leaping Well Nature Trail Map (PDF)
• Ledges Golf Course-Paths Map (PDF)
• Ledges Golf Course-Trek Routes Map (PDF)
• Lithia Springs Trails-Map showing access from Rt 116 Hiker Lot (PDF)
• Mount Holyoke College Trail System Map (PDF) 
• Mount Holyoke College Online Campus Map: map.mtholyoke.edu
• Mount Holyoke Campus Living Laboratory
• Mount Holyoke Project Stream Boardwalk
• Neighborhood Trek-Sidewalk Scenic Trail Map 
  with Senior Center/Black Stevens Loop (PDF)
• Neighborhood Trek-Woodlawn Area Map with
  Senior Center Outdoor Fitness Stations Guide (PDF)
• Walking the Falls | South Hadley Falls walks and historical info (PDF)

Conservation areas and hiking trails, recreation, river access:

• South Hadley-Conservation and Recreation Areas Location Map (PDF)
• Hiking trails mapped with GPS
• South Hadley conservation lands 
• Conservation land regulations
• Parks and Recreation facilities, DCR ParksPass Program
• Holyoke-HG&E river resources, including South Hadley Riverside Parks
• Holyoke-Ashley Reservoir Trek (PDF)
• DCR-Joseph Allen Skinner and Mt. Holyoke Range State Parks Maps (PDF)

A master brochure of South Hadley's
Public Lands was first published in 2023.
When available, print copies can be found
at Town Hall on the brochure shelves
in the front hallway on the first floor. 

The map from the brochure is available
as a PDF which can be downloaded.

Bike/Walk Resources

• REI Learning-Bike Maintenance Videos and Informational Materials
• REI Learning-Outdoor Topics Dashboard

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News and Notes

Transportation for Massachuetts (T4MA) News

Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) and Smart Growth America (SGA) are seeking 10 pairs of community advocates and local public officials for Champions Institutes, Applications re due by March 31, 2026. For program details, see the Champions' Institute Application. For more information, see: t4ma.org/cross-sector-activation/the-champions-institute.

House and Senate versions of An Act establishing a special commission on micro-transit are in House Ways and Means and Senate Ways and Means, respectively. Check out this recent op-ed that T4MA member Helping Our Women’s Executive Director, Gwynne Guzzeau, medical student Alli DiPietro, and T4MA’s Rachel Lea Scott co-authored on the important role micro-transit plays in access to medical care, particularly in rural areas.

Healthy Air Network

This project began as a way to understand and address high rates of asthma and health inequities in Springfield and surrounding areas. The network is led by the Public Health Institute of Western MA with technical lead Yale School of Public Health. Early partners in Western MA include municipalities, community organizations, and a Resident Advisory Board. The Network's website (https://healthyairnetwork.org/) includes a map showing the Current Air Quality Index or a History for many local communities, including South Hadley. Two Air Quality and Transportation Showcases are planned this spring, to offer adults and families a chance to connect, learn, and take action around air quality and action: 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 3-5pm
Greenfield Public Library, 412 Main St, Greenfield
RSVP to: bit.ly/GreenfieldHAN

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 5-7:30pm
Enlace de Familias, 299 Main St, Holyoke
RSVP to: bit.ly/HolyokeHAN

Reminders for Dog Owners

Please note that per town bylaws, dogs are not allowed at South Hadley Town parks (Buttery Brook Park, Beachgrounds) or at school facilities. No matter where you are, keep your pet leashed and pick up any pet waste and take it with you. Do not leave it on a trail or in a bag on a trail, or on grassy or wooded areas near sidewalks, etc. Dog poop is more harmful than you may think--Take the Pet Waste Pledge to help keep our local waters clean.

Pack it in, pack it out.
While dogs are allowed on Town trails and conservation areas, pets MUST be leashed at all times. Please be sure to pick up any pet waste and take it with you--do not leave it on a trail or in a bag on a trail, or in wooded areas.  If you have trash to dispose of, please take it home with you if there are no trash receptacles in the area or if they are full. If you’re out on our trails in town, please maintain safe social distancing when passing other hikers. If you see anything untoward on the trails, e.g. vandalism, obvious motorized use (including what appears to be constructed ramps and/or oddly placed structures), garbage or other debris, fallen trees across paths, please send us a note to report the concern at, email bikewalksouthhadley@gmail.com.

The South Hadley Dog Park is located near the Ledges Golf Club and has designated play areas for small dogs and large dogs. See the Friends of the South Hadley Dog Park website for info and park rules: southhadleydogpark.org.

Doo Your Duty! Help prevent water pollution and health risks caused by pet waste that can flow into storm drains, and the into rivers and streams. Take the Pick Up Poop (PUP) Pledge today, an initiative of Connecticut River Stormwater Committee! For details, visit: thinkblueconnecticutriver.org/pet-waste-management.

ValleyBike Share

The popular regional bike-sharing service that went dark in November, 2022 when Bewegen, the vendor that supplied the bikes available at kiosks throughout the system, declared bankruptcy. After going without the program in 2023 as the search for a new vendor was conducted, the city of Northampton, which serves as the lead community announced the relaunch of the service in 2024 with a new operator, Drop Mobility, to maintain the 79 kiosks and the 300 existing Bewegen bikes plus new Drop e-bikes. In April, 2025, ValleyBike announced the addition of more than 100 new bikes thanks to $990,000 state grant and the addition of the city of Westfield, the tenth area to be part of the program.

Communities participating in the bike sharing system include Northampton, Easthampton, Holyoke, Hadley, South Hadley, Amherst and the UMass Campus, Chicopee, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. For more information, visit: valleybike.org.

Leaping Well Nature Trail Improvements

Thanks to funding for an improvement project secured by Rep. Dan Carey, South Hadley's Leaping Well Nature Trail debuted new accessible seating and walkway areas in 2024. There is also a restful a trail-side bench sponsored by the Toth Family. In 2017 the Bike/Walk Committee was an early advocate for the development of a trail at the 21-acre Toth Property behind Smith Middle School, and it is exciting to see continuing improvement to this in-town natural resource.. Conservation Planner Rebekah Cornell will be working with Growing Wild volunteers on native plant installations at the trail. The DPW will be finishing the parking area in the next few weeks. Trail maps for this and other trails in town are online at: www.southhadley.org/957/Trail-Maps. 

Growing Wild South Hadley

The Conservation Commission's Growing Wild South Hadley initiative seeks to promote biodiversity through planting native and pollinator species. For upcoming events, resources and information, visit: www.southhadley.org/1345/Growing-Wild

South Hadley Conservation Resources

For information about climate-related work by South Hadley Conservation. visit: www.southhadley.org/1278/Climate-Change-Resiliency-Preparedness. Educational resources on a range of topics can be found at: www.southhadley.org/959/Educational-Resources. 

Volunteer Conservation Corps 

The Corps is comprised of residents who volunteer their time to help maintain town owned Conservation Area Land. To volunteer, contact Conservation Administrator Rebekah Cornell at rcornell@southhadleyma.gov. For more information about Conservation activities, visit: www.southhadley.org/1161/Monthly-Newsletter

The 205-Acre Lauzier Farm is Now Forever Farmland

The Lauzier Farm on Alvord Street is the last farm of its size in South Hadley—205 acres— and now has been permanently protected with strong support from the community. The Town of South Hadley worked for several years in partnership with Kestrel Land Trust, the farm owners, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and the community to protect Lauzier Farm with an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) now held by the Commonwealth’s Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The APR protects the farmland from development, requires that it remain in active agricultural use, and keeps the land affordable for future owners. To leverage $1.7 million in state and federal funding to purchase the APR, the Town needed to raise a local match of $190,000. The South Hadley Conservation Commission committed $40,000 and local residents donated $7,000, and Kestrel raised the remaining funding from generous local residents and Kestrel donors. These included gifts from more than 150 individuals, including a former South Hadley resident who reached out to Kestrel and generously offered to bridge the final gap with a leadership donation. Local businesses supported the effort as well, including Route 33 Pizza House, Parkview Financial, and Peoples Bank. Read the full press release: Lauzier-Farm-Protected-Forever---Press-Release-12202024

River-to-Range Trail 

Located off Ferry Street, the River-to-Range Trail is a one-mile, ADA-accessible path that is part of the Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area. The loop and trailhead parking lot are adjacent to the Mount Holyoke College’s boathouse at 240 Ferry Street, South Hadley. The trail loops around the outer edges of a hayfield with seasonal views of the Connecticut River, then through a forested section overlooking the floodplain of Bachelor Brook. The trail is open to non-motorized use and designed to accommodate mobility, and features a compacted crushed aggregate surface for easy walking. Four sitting areas with informational signage are spaced throughout the route. The loop represents the first phase of a three-phase scenic trail project. Trail Map for River-to-Range and Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area

Buttery Brook Park Facility Rentals

Buttery Brook Park pavilions and the log cabin will be available for rental during the 2023 season, from May through September. Restrooms are closed and visitors are asked to carry out any trash (please note that dogs are not allowed at this park). The South Hadley Recreation Department handles all reservations and rentals, and provides availability options, general information (including any rules about liquor), and details about any insurance requirement. Pricing and additional information will be available once operations resume. Please direct all inquiries about seasonal facilities and rentals to the South Hadley Recreation Department by email at recreation@southhadleyma.gov.  

CityStrides Run Tracking App Resource 

Easthampton resident James Chevalier, formerly of Holyoke, created an app to help users achieve a goal of running, jogging, or walking every street in their communities. CityStrides (https://citystrides.com/) combines data from OpenStreetMap with run tracking tools from Runkeeper to create a resource now available to users worldwide. By May 2022, some 47,000 people in over 90 countries had used the app to add and complete almost 4.3 million streets. The app is still available at no charge; users can also elect to be project supporters for $5 a month. 

Tick Testing Resources

The University of Massachusetts Laboratory of Medical Zoology halted service during the pandemic and is unable to accept samples for testing at this time. The UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment offers a list of potential tick identification and testing alternatives at: https://ag.umass.edu/resources/tick-testing-resources

 Expectations in public spaces for pet owners

• Dogs must be leashed at all times at South Hadley Conservation Areas and in all public spaces and Town trails.
• Pick up any pet waste and take it with you, no matter where you are. Do not leave it on a trail or in a bag on a trail, or on grassy or wooded areas near sidewalks, etc. Dog poop is more harmful than you may think--Take the Pet Waste Pledge to help keep our local waters clean.
• Dogs are NOT allowed at Town parks (Buttery Brook Park, Beachgrounds) and school facilities, etc.