Location

Charlemont is a small town located in the western part of Massachusetts in the United States. It is situated in Franklin County and has a population of approximately 1,200 residents. Charlemont is known for its picturesque beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and historical landmarks.

 

 

History

Charlemont was first settled in 1749 and was named after Charlemagne, the King of the Franks. The town was originally a part of the larger town of Colrain before being incorporated as its own separate entity in 1765. Charlemont played an important role during the American Revolution, as it served as a base for the Continental Army.

 

Attractions and Things to Do

Charlemont is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year. One of the most popular attractions in the town is Berkshire East Mountain Resort (66 Thunder Mountain Rd.), which features skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as zip lining (including some of the longest in North America), the Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster, and extensive mountain biking trails at Thunder Mountain Bike Park in the warmer months. The resort complex, along with nearby providers like Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort (7 main st,), also facilitates white water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing on the scenic Deerfield River, which offers sections suitable for various skill levels.

Other popular outdoor activities in the area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting, with dedicated facilities like Overwatch Outpost catering to sportsmen. The expansive Mohawk Trail State Forest provides abundant opportunities for these activities, plus swimming, boating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and features historic Native American trails.

The town is also home to the Mohawk Trail, which is a scenic drive that winds through the Berkshires and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. In addition, there are several historical and natural landmarks in and around Charlemont, including:

• The Old Charlemont Village Cemetery
• The Charlemont Fort site
• The Charlemont Historical Society (located in the Town Hall)
• The Hail to the Sunrise Monument (512 Mohawk Trail)
• The historic Bissell Covered Bridge
• Hawley Bog Preserve for nature exploration
• The Charlemont Federated Church

 

Education

Charlemont is served by the Hawlemont Regional School District, which includes the Hawlemont Elementary School and the Mohawk Trail Regional High School. Both schools are located in nearby Buckland and offer a comprehensive education for students in the area.

 

Transportation

Charlemont is located approximately two hours west of Boston and is easily accessible by car via Route 2. The town does not have a public transportation system, but there are several taxi and car rental services available in the area. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport, which is located approximately an hour and a half away in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

Summary

Charlemont, MA is a small town in western Massachusetts known for its picturesque beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and historical landmarks. It was settled in 1749, named after Charlemagne, and played an important role in the American Revolution. Popular attractions in Charlemont include the Berkshire East Mountain Resort , Mohawk Trail, hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. The town is served by the Hawlemont Regional School District and is easily accessible by car via Route 2. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

Official Link: https://charlemont-ma.us/