FirstLight Expands Access and Enhances Recreation Opportunities at Franklin County Facilities for Spring-Summer 2025 Season

May 7, 2025

FirstLight continues its commitment to inclusion with expanded access, sensory-friendly hours, and partnerships aimed at making outdoor recreation accessible for all.

Northfield, MA – May 7, 2025 – FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, today announced the start of the Spring-Summer 2025 season for recreation activities and enhancements at the company’s Franklin County facilities. Located in the communities of Northfield, Erving, Montague, and Gill – along a beautiful sweep of the Connecticut River – FirstLight will open the Turners Falls Fishway on May 10, campgrounds and boat rentals on May 24, and the Connecticut River Cruise in late-June (weather and river conditions permitting).

Starting this season, FirstLight is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture Program, which makes cultural programming accessible to low-income families for whom cost is a participation barrier. This new partnership expands on FirstLight’s goals to expand access to recreational activities to all community members. Individuals or families using EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cards will be offered free admission to FirstLight’s narrated Connecticut River Cruise.

Last year, FirstLight partnered with the Autism Alliance to become an Autism Welcoming and sensory-responsive business. For the 2025 season, sensory kits will be available at the Turners Falls Fishway and certain Connecticut River Cruises will be designated as sensory-friendly. FirstLight will also continue its tradition of providing library passes to the local libraries that residents can check out to use for boat rentals at Barton Cove or for the Connecticut River Cruise.

“FirstLight is proud to offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities that highlight the natural beauty of Franklin County and bring the community together,” said Andy Brydges, Director of Community Relations for FirstLight. “We are dedicated to making our outdoor experiences accessible to everyone, and this year we are excited to join the Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture Program. By expanding these opportunities, we’re reinforcing our commitment to inclusion and community support, ensuring that more people can enjoy the outdoors and the many activities that we are proud to operate as part of our clean energy facilities.”

The following is an overview of FirstLight’s facilities, activities, and operational dates and hours for the public to enjoy during the 2025 Spring and Summer 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 from Memorial Day weekend through October 13. For more information, including trail maps and reports, click here.

Turner Falls Fishway Viewing – The Turners Falls Fishway will be open May 10 through June 8 for fish migration season. Spring on the Connecticut River offers an unrivaled opportunity to witness the migration of shad, sea lamprey, and other anadromous fish. These fish migrate from the ocean and head upriver to spawn in the rivers of their birth. A visit to the Turners Falls Fishway provides an opportunity to learn about these amazing journeys. Admission is always free, and the facility is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The Fishway will also be open on Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday. The Fishway is located on First Street, off Avenue A (15 First Street, Turners Falls).

Barton Cove and Munn’s Ferry Campgrounds – Barton Cove Campground will open seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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. It is open Memorial Day weekend through October 13. Online camping reservations are open for the season. Reservations by phone (413-863-9300) and in person will be available when the campground opens for the season.

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. Cruises will run Wednesday through Sunday, beginning in July through October 14 at 11:00am, 1:15pm, and 3:00pm. Specific dates will be updated closer to the season. Guests can check here for updates.

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.

For more information on FirstLight’s recreation areas and upcoming programs, please visit https://firstlight.energy/stewardship/#recreation.

We welcome inquiries from the media, questions and comments about our projects and recreation spaces, and gladly engage curiosity about our mission, vision, and more.