Backroads USA Season 1 Episode 1 The Mohawk Trail Across New England

Backroads USA season 1 episode 1, titled "The Mohawk Trail Across New England," takes viewers on a picturesque journey through the historic Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts.

Hosted by travel enthusiast, Doug McConnell, the show explores the 69-mile scenic route, which was once a Native American trade route connecting the Hudson River to the Connecticut River and the Atlantic coast. Today, the Mohawk Trail is a popular tourist destination, boasting breathtaking vistas of the New England countryside, charming small towns, and cultural landmarks.

The episode begins with Doug driving along the trail, describing the beauty of the landscape. He stops at the first attraction, the Natural Bridge State Park. The park is home to a unique natural rock formation, where a waterfall cascades over a marble arch, creating a bridge-like structure. Doug takes a short hike down to the bridge, explaining the geology behind it.

Next, Doug visits the Shelburne Falls and Bridge of Flowers, a historic town famous for its stunning Bridge of Flowers. The bridge, once a trolley bridge, has been converted into a flower garden with over 500 varieties of flowers. Doug interacts with locals and tourists, getting a feel for the town's character, and even tries the famous Coffee Taunting dessert.

Moving on, Doug visits the historic village of Deerfield, which contains many examples of early American architecture. Founded in 1673, Deerfield has been well-preserved and contains many original buildings, including a museum that showcases the life of early settlers through engaging exhibits.

Further down the trail, Doug visits the town of Charlemont, famous for its outdoor activities such as zip-lining, river rafting, and mountain biking. He meets with a group of adventure-seekers and takes a thrilling zip-line ride across the Deerfield River Gorge.

Doug ends the episode by exploring the North Adams region, visiting the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). MASS MoCA is famous for its cutting-edge contemporary art collection housed in a renovated factory building. Doug speaks with the museum's director and explores some of the art pieces on display.

Overall, Backroads USA season 1 episode 1, "The Mohawk Trail Across New England," is a captivating introduction to the ten-part series. It is a must-watch for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty, history, and culture of New England's Mohawk Trail.