Lower Mill River Factory Hollow Walking Tour

If you walk along the Mill River conservation trail in North Amherst today, you will see little to suggest that this small, shaded valley — situated roughly between Pine Street and Pulpit Hill Road — has changed much in the three centuries since Hadley farmers first moved into the area. But a glance at some of the old maps tells a different story: “Factory Hollow” was once the scene of intensive use of the River to power early industry in Amherst, ranging from grist mills to substantial textile and paper mills. In fact, the River — along nearly its entire Amherst course from Leverett in the north to Hadley in the west — powered some three dozen mills and factories, beginning at least as early as 1727 and continuing production well into the twentieth century.

This tour, lead by Bryan Harvey, will cover the area downstream of Puffer’s Pond to the current Mill River Recreation Area, an area in which many textile and woodworking mills once stood, as well as grist and sawmills and even a candle wicking factory! He will also discuss the many changes in the River itself (in the form of dams, mill ponds, and canals) built support these industries, some still visible today. (Approximately 2 miles roundtrip.)  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER