The Slim Shad Point Trail is an easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail located on Bridge St in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The entrance is just before the bridge, there is a sign for the The Robert E. Barrett Fishway. The trailhead is located just beyond the entrance, parking is provided by the guardrail. You can park here and walk down the paved switchback path leading down a small slope to the base of the bridge. There is a one "overlook" along the path providing a small view of some sort of spillway/drainage.
Once at the bottom of the path, you may choose to continue onto the point under and beyond the bridge. There are no marking for the trail since it is very short, you are free to roam around the sandy area and enjoy views of the Connecticut River and the Holyoke Dam.
Beyond the parking for the trail is the entrance to the fishway itself. There is a self-guided tour of the the dam and fishway, or you can ask for a guided tour at no cost.
Fishing: This is a very popular fishing spot and swimming is prohibited.
Waterfall: The Holyoke Dam is the waterfall listed; however, it's easier to reach the dam by driving down the road west to the end and walking over to the falls. You may be able to reach the dam from this trail, but it's more difficult.
The entrance is just before the bridge, there is a sign for the The Robert E. Barrett Fishway. The trailhead is located just beyond the entrance, parking is provided by the guardrail. You can park here and walk down the paved switchback path leading down a small slope to the base of the bridge. There is a one "overlook" along the path providing a small view of some sort of spillway/drainage.
Once at the bottom of the path, you may choose to continue onto the point under and beyond the bridge. There are no marking for the trail since it is very short, you are free to roam around the sandy area and enjoy views of the Connecticut River and the Holyoke Dam.
Beyond the parking for the trail is the entrance to the fishway itself. There is a self-guided tour of the the dam and fishway, or you can ask for a guided tour at no cost.
Fishing: This is a very popular fishing spot and swimming is prohibited.
Waterfall: The Holyoke Dam is the waterfall listed; however, it's easier to reach the dam by driving down the road west to the end and walking over to the falls. You may be able to reach the dam from this trail, but it's more difficult.
