FirstLight Marks a Successful Spring and Summer Outdoor Recreation Season Across its Franklin County Facilities
Following a spring and summer season that welcomed over 10,000 visitors, FirstLight highlights outdoor recreation opportunities, accessibility initiatives, and partnerships that will continue through the fall
Northfield, MA – September 1, 2026 – Since the start of the Spring-Summer 2026 Outdoor Recreation Season, more than 10,000 visitors have enjoyed FirstLight’s Franklin County facilities in Northfield, Erving, Montague, and Gill. From hiking scenic trails and camping under the stars to paddling Barton Cove and taking in the sights aboard the Heritage riverboat, FirstLight’s recreation destinations have welcomed residents and visitors from across the region.
As the summer season begins to wind down, many of FirstLight’s recreational offerings will remain open into the fall, providing continued opportunities for the public to experience the natural beauty of the Connecticut River. As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure that these spaces are accessible to everyone, FirstLight is proud to continue its participation in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture Program, which helps reduce financial barriers to local recreation.
FirstLight also continues its work as an Autism Welcoming and sensory-responsive partner. Several Connecticut River Cruises have been designated as sensory-friendly to provide a comfortable environment for all guests. In addition, FirstLight’s popular library pass program continues to offer residents access to boat rentals at Barton Cove. Library passes for canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals at FirstLight’s Barton Cove rental facility are available through the public libraries in Montague, Gill, Northfield, Erving, Greenfield, and Sunderland.
“After another beautiful summer along the Connecticut River, we’re so pleased to have hosted over 10,000 visitors taking the opportunity to visit and enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities available at our facilities,” said Andy Brydges, Director of Community Relations for FirstLight. “Whether it is booking a cruise on our scenic riverboat, hiking our twenty-six miles of trails, or viewing the migration of Connecticut River’s aquatic life at our fishway, FirstLight is proud to offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities that highlight the natural beauty of Franklin County and bring the community together. As we head into the fall, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors while continuing to make these experiences accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
The following is an overview of FirstLight’s facilities, activities, and operational dates and hours for the public to enjoy during the remainder of the Summer 2026 recreation season:
- Northfield Mountain Recreation – At Northfield Mountain, guests can explore twenty-six miles of traditional hiking trails that wind past streams, hemlock groves, old rock quarries, and the striking Rose Ledge cliffs. Restrooms are available at the Visitors Center every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm. FirstLight also offers pavilion rentals at Riverview Picnic Area through October 12th. For more information, including trail maps and reports, click here.
- Barton Cove and Munn’s Ferry Campgrounds – Barton Cove Campground will remain open seven days a week through Labor Day weekend. Specializing in tent only camping, each site includes a sand filled platform for comfortable tent placement, a picnic table, an elevated charcoal grill, and a campfire ring with a flip back grill. Munn’s Ferry in Northfield is a small camping area only accessible by boat, and it is open through October 12th. Online camping reservations for Barton Cove will remain open through Labor Day. Reservations for Munn’s Ferry can be made online or by phone by calling (413) 863-9300.
- Connecticut River Cruise – FirstLight’s scenic riverboat, Heritage, will be journeying down the Connecticut River, captained by Northfield native Ryan LeClerc. Guests can enjoy a relaxing and informative journey down the French King Gorge, one of the most scenic stretches of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. This 12-mile narrated cruise takes 1.5 hours. Operating until October 12, the cruises will run from Wednesday through Sunday with departure times at 11:00am, 1:15pm, and 3:00pm. Sensory friendly cruises are available on September 4 and September 13. Guests can book tickets online.
- Barton Cove Canoe and Kayak Rentals – Barton Cove also offers 50 watercraft including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards that are available for rent from two hours up to a full day. Each rental comes with personal flotation devices and paddles. Call 413- 863-9300 for more information or book here. Rentals will remain available through Labor Day.
For more information on FirstLight’s recreation areas and upcoming programs, please visit https://firstlight.energy/stewardship/#recreation.
About FirstLight
FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.6 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline with over 1.5 GW of solar, battery, hydro, and wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped-hydro storage, utility-scale solar, large-scale battery, and wind assets. The company’s mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by supporting the development, operation, and integration of renewable energy and storage to meet the world’s growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable. Based in Burlington, MA, with operating offices in Northfield, MA, New Milford, CT, Adrian, PA, Oshawa, ON, and Montréal, QC, FirstLight is a steward of more than 14,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline along some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in North America. FirstLight has been wholly owned by PSP Investments since 2016. To learn more, visit www.firstlight.energy or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
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