WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS - mt. greylock summitBERKSHIRE SUMMITS

Mt. Greylock State Reservation

Rockwell Road, Lanesboro, MA 01237

(413) 499-4262

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/

For adventurous foliage viewing at the highest point in the state (3,491 ft.), plan on a moderate to strenuous hike (6.6 miles, 4-5 hours round-trip) to the summit via the Cheshire Harbor and Appalachian Trails. Be prepared and dress appropriately, as conditions can be cooler on the summit. Stop by the Visitors Center for more information and a trail map.

Directions from the South, East or West/MassPike (I-90): Take Exit 2 in Lee. Follow US Rte. 20 west to US Rte. 7 north to Pittsfield for 11.8 miles. From downtown Pittsfield continue north on US Rte. 7 to Lanesborough for 6.6 miles. At the brown Mount Greylock sign turn right onto North Main Street. Follow the brown lead-in signs 1.5 miles from Rte. 7 to the Visitors Center and trailhead.

 

Berry Mountain, Pittsfield State Forest

1041 Cascade St. , Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 442-8992

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/pitt.htm

Escape into the quiet splendor of the Taconic Mountain Range, which separates Massachusetts and New York. Accessible by vehicle from April to December, the summit of Berry Mountain offers a striking panorama, and is a great place to view foliage or watch the sun set. Foliage enthusiasts may also opt to hike to the Berry Mountain summit either via the strenuous Turner Trail (2 miles, 3-4 hours round-trip) or the more moderate, multi-use, paved Circuit Road (2 miles, 2 hours round-trip). A $5 day-use fee per vehicle is charged from early May to mid-October.

Directions from East or West/MassPike (I-90): Take Exit 2 in Lee and follow U.S. Rte. 20 west for 11 miles to downtown Pittsfield. Turn left at lights, continue on U.S. Rte. 20 west for 2.2 miles. Turn right on to Hungerford Avenue, continue for 0.2 mile, then bear left onto Fort Hill Avenue and continue for 1 mile. Turn left onto West Street. Continue for 0.2 mile, and turn right onto Churchill Street, and continue for 1.7 miles to Cascade Street. Turn left and follow the brown lead-in signs to the park.

CONNECTICUT RIVER/PIONEER VALLEY

 

Mt. Sugarloaf Reservation

Rte. 116, S. Deerfield, MA 01373 (413) 545-5993

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/msug.htm

Mt. Sugarloaf offers a commanding view of the Connecticut River, the Pioneer Valley, and the Pelham and Berkshire Hills. Mt. Sugarloaf’s summit offers some of the best scenic views of the broad agricultural landscape of the Connecticut River Valley. The summit is accessible by vehicle or by the steep, strenuous Pocumpuck Trail (half mile, 40 minutes round-trip). A $2 fee is charged to park at the summit on weekends and holidays.

Directions from the east or west: Mass Pike (Rte. I-90) to exit 4, then Rte. 91 north to exit 24, Rte. 116 east. One mile on left.

 

Mt. Holyoke, Joseph A. Skinner State Park

Route 47, Hadley, MA (413) 586-0350

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/skinner/

Joseph A. Skinner State Park consists of more than 400 acres of forest on Mount Holyoke at the western end of the Holyoke Range, and offers breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley. The summit is accessible by vehicle from April through November, and by hiking trails year-round. The magnificently restored Summit House, a popular mountaintop hotel in the 1800s, is open for tours and programs on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, offering historical displays and special events. A $2 parking fee is charged on weekends and holiday.

Directions: Mass Pike (Rte. I-90) to exit 5, Rte. 33 north to Rte. 116 north to Rte. 47 north (approximately four miles).

 

Mt. Tom State Reservation

125 Reservation Rd., Rte. 5 Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 534-1186

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/mtom.htm

In addition to iconographic views of the Oxbow of the Connecticut River, famously depicted by landscape artist Thomas Cole, Mt. Tom boasts an unparalleled view of the Connecticut Valley north and south, the Berkshire Mountains to the west and the Pelham hills to the east.  The Reservation includes about 47 of the 80 tree species found naturally in Hampshire County, and is one of the state’s premiere spots for hawk viewing. A $2 parking fee is charged on weekends and holidays.

Directions from the south: Rte. 91 north, take exit #17-B, go 4 miles on Rte 141 west. Reservation entrance is on the right.  Directions from the north: Rte. 91 south, take exit #18, onto Rte 5 south about 1.5 miles, right on to East St. for 3 miles, left onto 141 East.

 

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

 

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA 01541 (978) 464-2987

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm

Rising above the surrounding forest to a height of 2006 feet, Mt. Wachusett stands as a unique landmark within the central New England landscape. From the summit, a clear day reveals views of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east.  Mt. Wachusett summit is also a popular spot for hawk migration viewing in mid-September.  The summit is accessible by vehicle or by either the strenuous Bicentenial/Pine Ridge Trails (half mile, 1 hour round-trip) or the moderate Loop Trail (3/4 mile, 40 minutes round-trip). A $2.00 fee is charged to park at the summit.  Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, also located on the reservation, offers fall ski lift rides to the summit for a fee. For further SkyRide information visit www.wachusett.com or contact 978-464-2300.

Directions from Route 2: Rte. 2 to Exit 25 (Rt. 140 south). Follow Rte. 140 south for 2 miles. Turn Right onto Mile Hill Road. Follow Mile Hill Road for 1/2 mile to split in road. Take Left Fork onto Mountain Road. Follow Mountain Road 1 1/4 miles to top of hill. Reservation entrance is on the Right.   Directions from Route 190: Rte. 190 to Exit 5 (Rte. 140). Follow Rte. 140 north for 9 1/2 miles. Turn Left onto Mile Hill Road. Follow Mile Hill Road for 1/2 mile to split in road. Take Left Fork onto Mountain Road. Follow Mountain Road 1 1/4 miles to top of hill. Reservation entrance is on the Right.

 

EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

 

Blue Hills Reservation

695 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186 (617) 698-1802

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm

Rising above the horizon, Great Blue Hill reaches a height of 635 feet, the highest of the 22 hills in the Blue Hills chain. From the rocky summit visitors can see impressive views of the entire metropolitan area and acres of surrounding forested woodlands. More than 125 miles weave through the natural fabric of forest and ponds, hilltops and wetlands. Park visitors may enjoy numerous outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding and skiing in the largest open space within 35 miles of Boston. Although the summit road is not open to public vehicles, visitors may walk up either the paved road to the Blue Hill Observatory (2 miles round-trip, 1-1.5 hours) or the more strenuous Loop Trail (3 miles, 1.5 – 2 hours). No parking fee.

Directions:  Take Rte. 93 to Exit 3, Houghton's Pond. Turn right at the stop sign onto Hillside Street. Houghton's Pond is located approximately 1/4 miles on the right; Continue 1/4 miles to the reservation headquarters on the left.