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This tour has opened in a new window, to return to the map close this window. Turners Falls Page 3 of 4 Scenic and Recreational Attractions Turners Falls also offers sites of rare natural beauty, and opportunities for passive recreation, particularly along the Connecticut River. As visitors approach Turners Falls from Route 2 in Gill, they may view the village from a scenic overlook, located on the south side of the highway in Gill. From this vantage, the canal and mills, the spires of several churches, and brick buildings dominate the skyline of this late 19th century industrial village. In the foreground, the dam, and during periods of peak flow, a cascading waterfall with rapids below, illustrate the power of the river.  The Connecticut River has been designated an American Heritage River, one of only fourteen nationwide, and at Turners Falls offers many outstanding scenic and recreational attractions, particularly in the Bartons Cove (right) area. Above the dam the Connecticut River is impounded in a large pool which extends twenty miles to the north and forms the lower reservoir of the Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Facility. This reservoir plays an important role in the generation of hydropower at Northfield Mountain, but is also an outstanding scenic and recreational resource. Above the Turners Falls dam and falls, the river opens out into a large pond, which includes Bartons Cove. The serene beauty of Bartons Cove can be appreciated during any season. During the winter months much of the cove freezes over and ice fishermen can be seen out on the river setting their lines. During late winter, ice jams work their way down the river and over the falls. As Spring comes, the Cove is often enveloped in a  Turneresquelike fog of “sea smoke” during the early morning hours. Besides offering incredible views and terrific photo opportunities, the Connecticut River and Bartons Cove are also a major recreational resource. Opportunities exist for fishing (ice fishing in winter months), canoeing, sailing and picnicking along the riverfront, at the Community Riverfront Park in Turners Falls, or Bartons Cove Recreation Area in Gill. Both facilities (above left) are operated by Northeast Utilities, which also provides a portage service for canoeists wishing to circumvent the dam and to enter the Connecticut River below the falls. Northeast Utilities also operates the Quinnehtuk II, a riverboat excursion between Northfield and the Bartons Cove area. A particular treat is a ride on the Quinnehtuk II during the peak fall foliage season, a return excursion which takes passengers from Northfield down the river and back, through the French King Gorge, under the French King Bridge and into Bartons Cover, with views of Turners Falls on the nearby horizon. Motorboating is also possible from the State boat ramp located across the river in Gill. In 2005, a Bicycle path, which extends along the riverfront and power canal, from the Barton’s Cove area to Montague City, will be completed. The bike path will enable bicyclists to pedal three miles to the point where the Connecticut River and Deerfield River join and opportunities exist to link up with other scenic bicycle routes. Turners Falls Page 3 of 4
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