Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Unity Park
56 First Street, Turners Falls
With views of the Connecticut River, Montague’s award-winning facility is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in Franklin County! Facilities include a playground, sand volleyball court, basketball court, community garden, picnic area, ball fields and summer splash pad. Also operated by  Montague Parks and Recreation is Rutter’s Park in Lake Pleasant, and Highland Park in Millers Falls.

Unity Skatepark
56 First Street, Turners Falls
Unity Skatepark was designed for advanced skaters with individual elements to be used as stepping stones by beginners; transitions from short and mellow to towering and pool-tight, stair sets, hubbas, banks and rails. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES

Biking and Hiking
The paved, 3.3 mile Canalside Rail Trail begins at Unity Park and hugs the Barton Cove shoreline, along the power canal to Deerfield. Yankee Magazine named it the “2010 Best Urban Bike Path in New England.” Download the Canalside Rail Trail map.

Montague has thousands of acres of protected land for enjoyment by the public. The Montague Department of Planning and Conservation has produced a guide to 6 areas that cover over 20 miles of trails. Each area has its own rules and it always good to be aware of hunting seasons. Please keep dogs on leash, where required.

Popular Hiking and Walking Areas in Montague MA

The Dry Hill Trail System is located on over 1,000 acres of protected drinking water supply land owned by the Turners Falls Water Department, adjacent to the Montague State Forest. Two trailhead kiosks are located at Dry Hill Road and off East Chestnut Hill Road. Hannegan Brook Loop Trail (about 6 Miles or 2.5 hours) is now blazed. The Dry Hill Cemetery Trail is passable but not yet blazed.

Dry Hill Trails Map

Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
Wednesdays through Sundays, 10am-4pm
Facilities are accessible.

The perfect place for fun and learning! The Great Falls Discovery Center interprets the natural, cultural and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed. Housed on four beautiful acres of native plants and open lawn, the Center includes diorama displays, open habitat exhibits, fish tanks, and a multipurpose program room. The charming Great Hall was a former machine shop. Completely renovated in 2003 the Great Hall now regularly hosts art exhibits, educational programs and the monthly live-music performances. Programs and Coffeehouse musical performances are listed on the Center’s event calendar. For more information .

Visit the website

Spinner Park
Avenue A and 4th Street, Turners Falls
This beautifully landscaped pocket park in the heart of the historic business district features a Neo-Classical bronze figure by French sculptor Leon Cugnot (Paris 1835–1894). Originally dedicated in 1985, the park was completely rebuilt in 2021 with new brick-work, granite walls, flexible seating, landscaping and lighting.  The highlight of the October 2, 2021 re-dedication ceremony was the reveal of “The Spinner” which had been removed and refurbished by local artist, Jack Nelson. The sculpture honors the contribution of women to the town’s industrial past. Also dedicated that day was a plaque honoring former Montague Town Administrator Frank Abbondanzio, the longest-lasting municipal administrator in the history of Franklin County.

Peskeompskut Park
Avenue A and 7th Street, Turners Falls
Peskeompskut Park occupies and entire town block in the Turners Falls Cultural District. Performances are scheduled in the band shell all summer. Visit Peskeompskut Park on Saturdays (May-October) and pick-up some excellent local produce at The Great Falls Farmers Market, 9am-1pm.

Visit the Great Falls Farmers Market