Continuing our canal journey into Southwick, the canal travels along Shaker Road in Westfield then into the woods heading South. The tow path here is in great shape until we got to the Great Brook crossing where a wooded water filled trestle crossed above the brook! The stone piers still exist!

In the early 1800’s, heavy freight was transported by water carriers. Freight was transported up from Connecticut by means of slow flat boats which were pulled along the River. The Howland Family donated land here to be put into conservation, Mr. Howland, who we actually met while out here lives in the original tavern along the canal. Read more about it in our good friend, Bob Madison’s book and on the Southampton Historical website! Rich history lies all throughout this area where the New Haven and Northampton Freight Canal once ran through.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Haven-Northampton-Canal-Greenway/dp/0997950803/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=ER53ZM4CPS6Y&keywords=robert+madison&qid=1667824295&sprefix=robert+madison%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-5

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