Hoosac Tunnel East Portal

The Hoosac Tunnel East Portal loop from North Adams is a challenging 37.3-mile (60.0 km) touring cycling route that winds through the scenic Berkshire landscapes. You'll experience lush greenery and stunning vistas, with the route often paralleling the Deerfield River and offering views of the Hoosac Range and Mount Greylock. This difficult ride, typically completed in about 4 hours and 3 minutes, includes 3124 feet (952 metres) of elevation gain, making it a rewarding experience for fit cyclists.

Planning your ride requires acknowledging the route's demanding nature; it's classified as a "Hard bike ride" requiring "very good fitness." While mostly paved, expect unpaved and difficult segments where you might need to dismount and push your bike, so a versatile touring bicycle is recommended. The historic Hoosac Tunnel East Portal is a key landmark, accessible for viewing, though the active freight tunnel itself is not open to cyclists.

This route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, centered around the Hoosac Tunnel, a monumental 19th-century engineering marvel known as "The Great Bore." Its construction involved immense effort and sacrifice, and it remains an active railway tunnel today. The loop provides a chance to explore this piece of history while enjoying the dramatic scenery of the Berkshires, connecting you to the broader Mohican Mohawk Trail region.