OUR COMMITMENT TO RECREATIONAL ACCESS

As part of the company’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability, FirstLight maintains and operates nature trails and recreation and environmental programs at our facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Numerous opportunities are offered year-round for the public and school groups free of charge.

Choose a recreational area below to learn more about it.

Please use the list below the map to select a location.

Massachusetts Recreation

  • Barton Cove and Munn's Ferry Campgrounds
  • Connecticut River Cruise
  • Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center
  • Turners Falls Fishway

Connecticut Recreation

  • Bulls Bridge Recreation Area
  • Dike Point Interpretive Trail
  • Falls Village Recreation Area
  • Scotland Dam Recreation Area
  • Shepaug Recreational Area
  • Stevenson Recreation Area

Connecticut River Cruise

While aboard Northfield's 44-seat scenic riverboat, guests can take in the picturesque sites and fascinating history of New England's great river, the Connecticut River.

Interpretive River Cruise

Climb aboard Northfield’s scenic riverboat, Heritage, to enjoy a relaxing and informative journey down the Connecticut River. The French King Gorge is one of the most scenic stretches of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. This 12-mile narrated cruise takes 1.5 hours. Cruises will run Thursday through Sunday from June 29th until October 9th (open Columbus Day) at 11:00, 1:15 and 3:00. Feel free to bring a drink and a snack. The riverboat is wheelchair accessible. There are restrooms at the picnic area where the boat is docked and a very small restroom at the back the boat.

Tickets should be purchased ahead of time online. You may also buy them in person at the dock, but we can’t guarantee that there will be any open seats remaining. The riverboat is located at 144 Pine Meadow Road in Northfield, MA.

No tickets will be sold from the Northfield Mountain Visitor Center going forward.

Prices
$15/Adult
$14/Seniors (62 and older)
$8/Age 14 and under

$14/each (group price – 15 or more people)
$400/Charter Price

The riverboat does not operate on July 4th, or Labor Day. Scheduled charters, severe weather, river conditions, or mechanical issues may affect the boat availability.

Charters

If you are looking for a unique group outing, family event, retreat, or wedding, consider chartering Northfield’s scenic riverboat. You can hire a caterer for your cruise or rent our adjacent 70-seat pavilion for the day and have a barbecue picnic on shore.

School programs are offered aboard Northfield’s scenic riverboat during September and October. These programs provide an excellent first-hand look at river habitats, wildlife, and geology.

Location

available activities

Boating