See and touch real dinosaur tracks—Massachusetts’ State fossil—which paleontologists believe were left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs. Paleontologists believe the prints were left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs, from small plant-eaters to large meat-eaters up to 20 feet long. The entire Connecticut River Valley was a mix of subtropical wetlands and shallow lakes about 200 million years ago, producing a wealth of prehistoric footprints.

Trace fossils visible onsite include four distinct dinosaurs, stromatolites, fish, an alligator ancestor, plants, and other ancient beings. The larger “Eubrontes” prints were likely made by ancestors of the great Tyrannosaurus rex. Look for the 20-plus trackways, which formed the basis for the novel theory that dinosaurs traveled in packs or groups.

• WHEN TO VISIT
  April 1–November 30, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of half an hour.
• ADMISSION
  FREE to all.
• ADVISORIES
  For visitor safety, Guilford Transportation, which owns the railroad corridor, does not permit crossing of railroad tracks. As such, there is no legal access to the Connecticut River.

Route 5
Holyoke, MA 01040
Telephone: 413.213.4751
E-mail info@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Points North: From I-91 South, take Exit 23 to Rt. 5 South toward Holyoke. Follow for 5.2 mi. to entrance on left.

From Points South: From I-91 North take Exit 15A to Rt. 141 East toward Holyoke. Turn left onto Rt. 5 North and follow for 2.2 mi. to entrance on right.

Reservation has small roadside turnout for parking (April 1 to November 30; 7 cars).

Public Transportation:
BLUE 48 Bus (Northampton/Veterans Park; Connection to Holyoke Mall) Flagstop route. Stand on side of the road to catch bus; ask driver to stop at Dinosaur Footprints.
For bus details, click here .

We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.

• Hunting is not permitted at this reservation. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties.
• Please respect the ancient and fragile footprints and fossils so future generations may enjoy seeing them. Castings of the prints is not allowed because it damages the prints.
• For visitor safety, Guilford Transportation, which owns the railroad corridor, does not permit crossing of railroad tracks. As such, there is no legal access to the Connecticut River.
• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.