# Erving

Erving is a town in Franklin County, in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts.

## Understand

The town of Erving is a rural town with a population of under 2,000 on The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway.

### History

The town of Erving is the youngest town in Franklin County being incorporated in 1838.The town was named after John Erving who had received a land grant in 1750 to populate, and work the land that would eventually become the town. Erving was a hotbed of activity for the timber industry in the 1800's supplying vast amounts of timber for railroad ties and telegraph poles as well as to the Heywood-Wakefield company a chair manufacturer out of Gardner who also had a plant in Erving.

## Get in

Massachusetts Route 2 (The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway), and Massachusetts Route 63 (Connecticut River Farmland Scenic Byway) are the main routes that service the town of Erving.
Massachusetts Route 2 is going to be the main access route into, and out of the town of Erving. When coming from the West Massachusetts Route 2 East can be accessed from Interstate 91 in the City of Greenfield. When coming from points East of Erving Massachusetts Route 2 runs all the way from The Back Bay in Boston to Erving center, and Route 2 West can be accessed from US20,US3,I95, I495, I190, and US202 along its length from Boston to Erving.
Massachusetts Route 63 can also be used to enter the town of Erving as well. When coming from the south take Interstate 91 North to exit 25 in Northampton. Exit onto the Traffic Circle, and then take Massachusetts Route 9 East over The Calvin Coolidge Bridge. Take MA 9 East to the intersection of Massachusetts Route 9, and Massachusetts Route 116. Turn left at the lights onto Massachusetts Route 116 North, and follow MA116 for approximately 5 1/2 miles (8.8KM) to the right turn from Massachusetts 63 North. Follow 63 North until it reaches the intersection of Massachusetts Route 2 Near the Border of Erving, and Montague. When Coming from the North New Hampshire Route 63 South, and Massachusetts Route 63 South can be accessed from New Hampshire Route 12 in Westmoreland, New Hampshire Route 9 in Chesterfield, New Hampshire Route 119 in Hinsdale, and Massachusetts Route 10 in Northfield. Once taking Route 63 South from one of these access points Follow it until it reaches the intersection of Massachusetts Route 2 Near the Border of Erving, and Montague.

## Get around

The Center of the Town of Erving is small, and can be walked around easily, but for any points outside of the Town center a vehicle will be needed.

## See

* 42.597247-72.4956261 The French King Bridge. The French King Bridge is the three-span "cantilever arch" bridge that carriers Massachusetts Route 2 traffic over Connecticut River Near the Tri town border of Erving, Gill and Montague. Free.
* 42.597752-72.4378872 Farley Bridge. A single lane truss bridge spanning the Millers River that was built in 1889. Free.

## Do

* 42.596483-72.4421141 Farley Ledges, Route 2. Farley Ledges is a popular rock climbing, and hiking location on Northfield Mountain with a small parking area just off of Route 2. Due to agreements with landowners there is no guidebook of climbing route information so inexperienced climbers should take note of this. $5 donation encouraged.
* 42.622051-72.3779322 Erving State Forest. State Forest that offers 27 sites Camp sites, Hiking, Biking, and Swimming at Laurel Lake as well as Non-motorized boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking. $5 donation encouraged.

## Buy

* 42.599499-72.4001481 Erving Station, 3 E Main St, ☏ +1 413-422-1186. Store housed in the original 1890'S Train Station for the town of Erving that sells handmade chocolates, candy, and in the summer months, ice cream.
* 42.599499-72.4001482 Freight House Antiques, 11 E Main St, ☏ +1 413-422-1186. Antique store & Café in The old Freight House built by B&M Railroad in the mid 1800's.

## Eat

* 42.596617-72.4939311 French King Restaurant & Motel, 129 French King Hwy. Restaurant right next to The French King Bridge serving Drinks, and American cuisine. (Motel rooms available)