French King Bridge Day Trip

Welcome to The French King Bridge on the Mohawk Trail

At 140 feet high above the Connecticut River, the French King Bridge is a historic 1932 steel arch bridge on the Mohawk Trail (Massachusetts Route 2) open to both vehicles and pedestrians. Visiting this iconic bridge offers some of the most sweeping Pioneer Valley views, both standing on the bridge or looking up from the river shore..

How to get to the French King Bridge |

In between the towns of Erving and Gill on Massachusetts Route 2,, you can park at a designated, paved area on the north side of the highway driving west immediately after crossing the bridge (you’ll turn left across the highway driving east).

From this parking area, there is a paved, cement sidewalk - now with a tall iron fence or guardrail in place - that it is permissible for people to walk over the bridge.

You can also see the bridge from the shore of the Connecticut River below by plotting directions to Cabot Camp in Millers Falls and parking in the dirt lot across from the camp grounds. Walk onto the grounds and head right down a bumpy dirt slope with roots where you reach a rocky and sandy shore.

Wear shoes or boots suitable for trail hiking because the very short slope does have big roots and sharp dips.

What to see at the French King Bridge |

From the top of the bridge or at the shore of the Connecticut River, you’ll see some of the most impressive Pioneer Valley views.

On a bright day, the French King Bridge reflection in the river is awesome.

Seeing the steel arch French King Bridge from the Connecticut River shore.

It’s easy and quick to see the bridge by going to Cabot Camp grounds. You’ll want to wear sturdy shoes with traction for a brief, yet slippery, descent down a rugged slope with roots and bumpy edges.

When I visited earlier in November 2023, there’s a huge fallen tree trunk on the small sandy area and some relatively small rocks at the edge of the river.

Going back up the slope and taking a few steps directly to the other side, you can see the historic, 19th century Mineral Road Bridge. This truss bridge crosses the Millers River and is open to pedestrian traffic only so you can safely walk on the bridge.

Seeing the Mineral Road Bridge from the Cabot Camp grounds.

While seeing the bridge from below is awesome, standing on the top of the bridge to see the sunset sky and reflection in the Connecticut River is an incredible experience.

And, yes, it is nervy walking on the pedestrian sidewalk as cars drive by., and there is only a low railing between the highway and the sidewalk where you stand. Yet, the view is one of, if not in my opinion as a sky photographer, the best sunset view in Western Massachusetts.

With the new iron guardrail up on the pedestrian walkway, the view is obstructed yet you can still take photos and see the full scape by looking through the bars. Looking close enough, you can see the French King Rock in the middle of the river.

While it is permissible, you are choosing to take a risk walking on the sidewalk over the bridge (I’m not saying you should) and always keep an eye on the traffic. The sidewalk was recently repaved, and the iron railing is designed to prevent falls.

Standing on the French King Bridge and walking up to the iron railing to see the sunset sky over and reflecting in the Connecticut River.

At 140-feet high, the French King Bridge is an icon along the Mohawk Trail in Western Massachusetts and should be on your New England attractions bucket list. Stay safe exploring this historic bridge and the beautiful Pioneer Valley landscapes looking up to or standing on it.

Have you visited the French King Bridge? Which view is your favorite?

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