Day Trip to Granville, MA: Hikes, Waterfalls, & Local Charm

Nestled in the hills of Western Massachusetts and just over the line of Connecticut, Granville is a small town bursting with natural beauty and local charm! Perfect for a day trip, Granville offers a mix of outdoor adventures, delicious food, and unique local products.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who wants to enjoy a peaceful walk in the fresh country air, Granville has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this quaint New England town!

For me in Hartford County, CT, Granville is only a 35 minute and 30 mile ride. And your day will be chalk full of fun with the best 7 things to do in Granville in this post!

A Brief History of Granville, Massachusetts

Granville was established in 1736 and has a rich history rooted in agriculture and small-town life. Over the centuries, it has maintained its rural character, with beautiful old farms, historic buildings, and scenic landscapes that have been preserved for generations.

Today, Granville is a peaceful getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Massachusetts countryside.

🥾 7 Things to Do in Granville, MA ⤵️

1. Hiking at Granville State Forest 🥾

When you arrive in Granville, why not start by stretching your legs with a hike in Granville State Forest. This expansive forest offers miles of trails that wind through hardwood forests, past serene streams, and alongside the tranquil Borden Brook Reservoir.

The trail I took and love is the Hubbarb River Trail. Now, read on carefully because it can be tricky to find the start of the trail!

➡️ From the parking lot that AllTrails brings you to (large circular parking lot on W Hartland Rd) you must park there and then exit the lot, take a right and walk along W Hartland Rd for maybe just 100 ft until you walk over the Hubbarb River and immediately after see a wide paved entrance (may have a gate there) into the forest. The river should be on your right as you walk in.

The trails are perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll. Check out all Granville State Forest trails here!

2. Granville Gorge 💦

In a completely different area than the trails mentioned above in Granville State Forest, we have Granville Gorge -another path that takes you along Munn Brook with multiple cascades and pools. The trail follows a babbling brook and leads to a beautiful waterfall, making it a great spot for those who love to explore off the beaten path. The gorge’s rocky terrain and lush surroundings create a sense of adventure and make it a favorite among local hikers.

3. Walking Trails at Phelon Memorial Forest 🌲

If you’re looking for an easy stroll with some views then you have to visit the 945 acre Phelon Memorial Forest AKA Blueberry Hill! This place feels like a secret – it’s not on AllTrails and you probably wouldn’t venture down this country road and notice the pull off for it if you weren’t looking for it!

“The property’s 1,487-foot summit allows visitors to see into five different states on clear days, and it becomes an even more awe-inspiring spot during seasonal raptor migrations, when birders and field biologists settle into the hillside to count birds and watch a wonder of the natural world unfurl. Hawks like the Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk make up the bulk of the hill’s sightings, and birders on the hill once counted 2,406 migratory Broad-winged Hawks on a single day.” newenglandforestry.org

This trail is not on AllTrails like I mentioned but it’s pretty straightforward to follow. You can find more info about the forest here. The best advice I could give you to get to the lookout at the top is it stay to the right, since there are a couple other interlinking trails here. 🙂

4. Visit the Granville Country Store 🧀

No trip to Granville is complete without a visit to the Granville Country Store. This charming store has been serving the community since 1851 and is famous for its cheddar cheese, which is made on-site. The store also offers a variety of baked goods, local products, from jams and jellies to baked goods and crafts.

We picked up a sub and a soda and packed both to have at the picnic table on top of the Phelon Memorial Forest walk. 🙂

5. Stop by Gran-Val Scoop 🍦🐄

Now for something sweet! After all your steps today, head over to Gran-Val Scoop, a family-owned ice cream shop serving up delicious homemade ice cream. Located on a working farm, Gran-Val Scoop offers a range of classic and creative flavors, all made with fresh, local ingredients.

We had to get the pup cup for the boys!

Enjoy your ice cream treat while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding farmland—they’ve got a full petting zoo here with llamas, alpacas, a mini horse and donkey, jersey cows, and goats! Bring quarters so you can get the goods to feed the cute animals. 🙂

6. Explore Maple Corner Farm 🥞

Maple Corner Farm is another must-visit spot on your day trip to Granville. This historic farm has been in operation since the early 1800s and is known for its maple syrup and pancake breakfasts. Depending on the season, you can take a tour of the sugarhouse, hike the farm’s trails, or even enjoy some cross-country skiing in the winter. Maple Corner Farm is a wonderful place to experience Granville’s agricultural heritage.

7. Visit Mimi’s Hilltop Apiary 🍯🐝

End your day with a visit to Mimi’s Hilltop Apiary, a local honey farm where you can learn about beekeeping and the importance of bees in our ecosystem. The apiary offers tours, honey tastings🍯, and a variety of honey-based products for sale. It’s a sweet way to finish your trip, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing local honey.

Conclusion

Granville, Massachusetts, is a perfect destination for a day trip filled with outdoor activities, local farm flavor, and a bit of history. From hiking in beautiful forests to tasting the best local ice cream and honey, Granville offers a unique and memorable experience for anyone looking to enjoy the charm of a small New England town.

Whether you’re exploring the rugged trails of Granville Gorge or enjoying the peaceful scenery at Maple Corner Farm, a day in Granville is sure to leave you refreshed and inspired!

Enjoy! And happy trails. :))

🍦💗🥾🐶🐶❤️