Rising roughly 1,000 feet in elevation, Mt. Holyoke Range State Park straddles the seven-mile ridge that runs from Hadley to Belchertown. Acquisitions starting in the 1970’s created the park, which is now a patchwork of over 3,000 acres of protected land along the Range.  The Notch Visitor Center, located at the height of land on Route 116 at the Amherst/South Hadley border, is open seasonally from June through August and open for restroom use daily, weather and staff permitting.  It serves as a starting point for more than 35 miles of trails.  For more information, call 413-253-2883 from June to September.

The Connecticut River Greenway connects open spaces, parks, scenic vistas, and archaeological and historic sites along the length of the Connecticut River as it passes through the state. There are over 12 miles of permanently protected shoreline, and numerous access points to the river.

Mount Tom State Reservation boasts an unparalleled view of the Connecticut Valley north and south, the Berkshire mountains to the west and the Pelham hills to the east. This 2,082 acre facility offers 20 miles of hiking and walking trails; picnicking; canoeing and fishing on Lake Bray; and cross country skiing and ice skating in the winter.

Holyoke Heritage State Park features exhibits about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial history. A slide show celebrates the city's rich blend of cultures and people. Special programs are offered year-round.

Mt. Tom is one of the premier hawk watching spots in New England. more…

Elwell Recreation Area on the Connecticut River Greenway offers an accessible dock on the river. more…