By Tim Brady // 2 Comments

In our last post we took a look at the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls Massachusetts.  Today we peer into the glacial potholes, also in Shelburne Falls.

Over 50 potholes are found in this rocky area, making it the largest “collection” of glacial potholes on record.  They also have the record of the largest single glacial pothole, measuring 39 feet across – but I have yet to find that one (you’d think it was easy – being 39 feet across?).

Unfortunately after a series of injuries and subsequent letters from attorneys, you can no longer climb down onto the rocks and are only able to observe them from a platform above.  Bummer.

You can still see some of the stones that swirled around in the holes to grind them out over the years – in the top photo you can see the “grindstone” inside of the pothole in the bottom left.   As I understand it, the current from the flowing water (before the dam was built) spun these stones around and they slowly ground their way down into the softer rock.

Even though it is another “view from afar” attraction, it’s interesting and pretty to look at.  And if you are already in the area (or a geology buff) it’s certainly worth a visit.

The potholes are located at the end of Deerfield Avenue in Shelburne Falls (easy to find, just follow the signs to the town of Shelburne Falls and you can’t miss them).  Shelburne Falls, the potholes and the Bridge of Flowers are just about 30 minutes from our Vermont Inn and make for a nice afternoon drive.

Keep reading our area blog, or follow us on Twitter to learn more about some of the fun, interesting and unique things to do around Southern Vermont.

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Tags: Massachusetts, Shelburne Falls