Amherst & Northampton, MA

Downtown Northampton

Northampton (NoHo) is a funky, progressive small city tucked between the banks of the Mill and Connecticut rivers. In addition to a lively center of arts and eateries, Northampton is the home of the Olmsted-designed Smith College. The city blends stunning examples of sacred, educational, and municipal architecture with a variety of brightly painted Queen Anne and Colonial Revival homes in a scenic New England backdrop that has been used as the set location for several noteworthy films including the Cider House Rules. Northampton is very bike and pedestrian friendly, so you should have no trouble finding a place to run, but here are some of our favorites:

A 4.6 mile residential tour that covers some of the most colorful and historic neighborhoods around town, including the Elm Street/Rocky Hill historic area.

NoHo Residential Route Map (4.6 Miles)

A 5 mile downtown run through Main Street and Elm Street to the wooded Mill River path that leads to Paradise Pond at Smith College before hopping on the Manhan Rail Trail back to town.

Downtown/Smith College 5 Mile Route Map

A 7 mile extension of this downtown route which adds on the paved loop around “Hospital Hill” at the former Northampton State Psychiatric Hospital, a filming location for The Cider House Rules.

Downtown/Smith College/Hospital Hill 7 Mile Route Map

Add ons: Rail Trails

Essentials
  • 4.6, 5, and 7 mile options
  • 195, 211, or 352 feet
  • Main Street or Kearney Field
  • Academy of Music Bus Stop

Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!

Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
  • 4.6, 5, and 7 mile options
  • 195, 211, or 352 feet
  • Main Street or Kearney Field
  • Academy of Music Bus Stop