Hadley Common — Attraction in Hadley

The Common is split in two with Russell street cutting it in half. This wouldn’t be a huge issue if there was a crosswalk connecting the two halves. The Bike trail runs through the Northern half of the common, but it is tough getting to the bike path from the southern half of the common, especially because Russell street is extremely busy and the cars won’t stop for you. The sidewalks are maintained and the houses bordering West Street are historic and/or old farm houses with farmland behind them. If you walk all the way to the North end you reach the Connecticut River and another walking trail that loops around and connects to the bike path. Technically there isn’t parking, but people often park right in the grass without a problem. I often see people sitting in the grass reading a book or having a picnic, walking their dogs, or playing a friendly game of catch or soccer. Lots of great birdwatching in the old trees bordering West Street. Stop by Esselon cafe for breakfast or lunch. It’s right next to the common and...

The longest original public green in the US. Used for forage and militia training during the colonial period. Here the inhabitants of Hadley beat off a native attack in King Philip's war, probably led by General Goffe, number 14 to have signed the death warrant of King Charles 1 of Britain. He was being sheltered by the pastor John Russell who lived on the edge of the common whilst the hunt abated. My book, In the Name of the Crown, tells the story of the hunt three of these regicides who...

Grass, roadside, and more grass, and more roadside. And roads. Nothing doing, maybe some signs...