The Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts meanders through some of New England's most spectacular countryside. This famous trail had been used for centuries as a Native-American footpath and later by settlers, and is abundant in historic sites, folklore, and excellent four-wheeling opportunities. During the fall, the hills surrounding the area turn to beautiful and brilliant shades of red, orange, gold, and yellow. The turning of the leaves marks the coming of cool weather, the encroachment of winter, and the Mohawk Trail Jeep Jamboree.
Running through the Berkshire Hills, the trail starts around the quaint town of Charlemont on the Deerfield River. The area offers four-wheeling opportunities that excite the senses. The trails twist their way in and out of the spectacular forest. One such trail, perhaps one of the most challenging in the area, is the famous Florida Road. Jeep Jamboree USA has been holding the Mohawk Trail Jamboree for 15 years now; this is perhaps one of its most popular events and quickly sells out each year, with Jeepers traveling from across the country to attend.
As with all Jeep Jamborees, the Mohawk event is very well organized, and at every Jamboree we've attended there, a universal friendliness rests among the participants. Headquarters for the Mohawk Jamboree were located in the historic Charlemont Inn, where topnotch breakfast and dinner buffets were served before and after the trail runs.
Everyone seemed to have a great time out on the trail, and ratings for this Jamboree ranged from four to eight. These ratings offered participants at every skill level the opportunity to comfortably 'wheel, and push the 'wheeling limits. The weather for the 2003 Jamboree was intermittently cold and rainy, making trail conditions a bit more challenging. In all, 115 Jeeps, 192 adults, and 19 children from 16 different states participated in the event.
For more information on Jeep Jamboree events, contact: Jeep Jamboree USA, (530) 333-4777, www.jeepjamboree usa.com.
This capable and well-restored...
This capable and well-restored '47 CJ-2A is owned by John Sonday. These little Jeeps amaze us out on the trail every time.
Michele Tryon of New London,...
Michele Tryon of New London, Connecticut, gives the thumbs-up as she breaks in her brand-new '03 Rubicon.
Out on the trail this year,...
Out on the trail this year, we noticed more Rubicons than we could shake a stick at. Here, Mike and Deb Coulthard enjoy the Florida Trail in their new '03 Rubicon.
The history of this area dates...
The history of this area dates back centuries. You'll find historic buildings, including schools, churches, and inns, and graveyards dating back hundreds of years.
The fall weather can get a...
The fall weather can get a bit wet at times, though it only makes 'wheeling all that more challenging and exciting.
Keith Gammel leads the way...
Keith Gammel leads the way out on the trail. Keith and Todd Landers head up the organization of the Mohawk Jamboree, and together with the help of their friends and four-wheel club members, they put on a great event.
Peggy Keegan traveled from...
Peggy Keegan traveled from Redding, Connecticut, with her nephew Daniel to enjoy the Jeep Jamboree in her new Rubicon.
The Mohawk Trail Jamboree...
The Mohawk Trail Jamboree offers some great 'wheeling.
This little red schoolhouse...
This little red schoolhouse along the trail was built in 1828. You can find hundreds of historical points of interest in the area.
The famous four-wheel trail,...
The famous four-wheel trail, Florida Road, in the Mohawk area has some really fun obstacles to negotiate.
Mike McCain from Granby, Massachusetts,...
Mike McCain from Granby, Massachusetts, easily 'wheels his CJ-5 over one of Florida Road's tough obstacles.