About Franklin County

Maple Tree in New Salem, MA Photo: Paul Franz

There’s a great little getaway among the hills and valleys of Western Massachusetts. An undiscovered place of matchless beauty that’s steeped in thousands of years of history, Franklin County is casual, unpretentious, and welcoming to all. Whether gazing at views of rolling landscapes and winding rivers, grooving to the music in a funky venue, or exploring charming village shops, you'll find that there’s always more to Franklin County than you ever expected. Enjoy locally-sourced food and beverages, handcrafted treasures, and exhilarating outdoor adventures in every season. Come to unwind, gather with loved ones, and be one with nature—then return home invigorated and inspired. #moretofranklincounty

Take in the valley views from atop Mount Sugarloaf. See a 360° view from Greenfield's Poet Seat Tower. Walk the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls. Ride the scenic canalside bike path in Turners Falls. And be sure to stroll Old Deerfield's mile-long street of 18th century houses.

Enjoy local arts and crafts: this countryside harbors exceptional artists and craftspeople. En route to their studios and showrooms, to galleries and craft centers throughout Franklin County, appreciate the beauty that inspires their work. Be sure to visit state designated Cultural Districts of Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls, and Greenfield.

Follow a back road, through a covered bridge, up into the hills and down again. Cruise the Connecticut River, ride the rapids of the Deerfield River between the green walls of Zoar gap or take a thrilling mountain coaster or zipline through the mountains at Berkshire East.

Hiking Mt. Sugarloaf, South Deerfield, MA Photo: Paul Franz

Listen to the blues in a bookstore cafe, once an 1830's mill, or chamber music in a tiny rural church. Find a local swimming hole ... and spend a night or two at a hilltop farm, gracious mansion, 18th century homestead or a glamping site, in villages that have changed little since the 19th century.

Summer and Fall, amazing music from many genres reverberates each July during the annual Green River Festival. Cafes and shops provide ambience for artists, craftspeople, musicians and entertainers during the festivals and fairs each summer and fall. Quilts, scarecrows, livestock exhibits and competitions, parades, line dancing, musical entertainment, demolition derbies, horse draws, thrills shows and ferris wheels vie for attention at the old fashioned Franklin County Fair.

Drink and eat your way through landscapes that produce some of the most delicious food and craft beverage you'll ever try. Beer, cider, wine, kombucha, meade and more are available year round at tasting rooms and farm to table restaurants nestled in villages throughout the county.