Mount Holyoke Range State Park

This is my favorite park in Massachusetts. Easy to access as it's not far from I-91 and the amherst/Springfield areas. The park itself is huge and has many trails. The White blazed Metacomet-Monadnock trail is the highlight as it traverses the entire ridgeline/range, offering both challenging climbs and terrain as well as several nice views. The side trails are darker, more pine trees and are easier but far less traveled. Great place to go for a long run or hike.

They recently put down pavement for 1/3 of the trails which is better because it makes it more safe. The view at the top is worth every seat to get there

Fun hiking trails, well marked and maintained, beautiful views, must visit the Summit House, the "Seven Sisters" is Section 7 of the NET considered more advanced hiker ability level.

These trails are kept well by the staff. Depending on your ascension it's relatively mild. The horse caves require a moment of climbing that's not too difficult. A favorite of mine to run.
54 minutes is my best at 40 years of age.
Post your Horse Caves loop time.

The trails here are absolutely stunning and very challenging, but sadly the trails at the time that we went were totally iced over and made it impossible to scale Bare mountain. However, we are going back soon because we want to conquer the trail! My friend sustained minor injuries on the trail that ended up needing stitches, and this was due to the ice and rocks. I recommend this area for people who are looking for a challenge. The views are worth it!

Pleasant hike with good elevation gain and good views! Visited in mid-December (but wasn’t snowy). There seemed to be a few trails to choose from, we took one from the visitor center to mt. Norwottuck that was a loop. Even though the visitor center was closed, there were portable bathrooms still available. Hike was steep in some places but the ascent was quick (and worth it!). Would come back here again, maybe in warmer weather, to see some green or foliage!

I've climbed Mount Norwottuck by navigating the base around to the east side and then going up the south east face. The view on top was amazing. Theres also a smaller cliff on the south east side. The trails can be steep but are very navigable. The south east face does have some bouldering that's fairly easy if you're flexible. There also is a way around the bouldering if you prefer.

The parking area shares parking for other mountains in the area and has enough space.

Great hiking area. Trails are well maintained and marked. Clean & not buggy

Such a great place for hikers of all experience levels! Offers a great variety of trails from quick 45 min summits to a full day of back country fun!

Awesome place to give. I climbed Norwatuck mountain, went past the Horse Caves, and to Rattlesnake Mound; took me about 2 hours and change. Great views too.

At first I didn't have any view from the rain, but I hung around and got rewarded with this wild American porcupine! 😀

not for the more casual of hikers. I went expecting an easy to medium hike and ended up experiencing something like never before.
traveling on the white trail of course I had seen alot of great views of the beautiful mountain. the way up and back took about 4 hours but was well worth it. will be returning with better shoes and more water haha.

An amazing hike with great views all around. Worth the drive and the hike. I definitely recommend visiting!

The section I visited was great. The trails were well maintained and blazed adequately.

I needed a short dog friendly walk and the Laurel Loop was perfect. A bit muddy but easy still. Nice to be in the woods!

Great hiking area with a variety of trail levels. Trails are well marked. Even though parking lot was full, trails were not crowded. Visitor center is closed for renovations but there are porta-potties in back. We never figured out how to get to summit but will be back for the views. Highly recommended!

Great place to hike, recommend hiking from the notch in Amherst to Skinner Mtn, about 5 miles or so. Horse caves are interesting as well.

From star to Mt. Norwottuck and back was a moderate 3.2 mile hike with a couple steep inclines. There is a beautiful view of Amherst, Sunderland, and Hadley at the top. Don't be afraid to snoop around at the top to find every available outlook.

Wonderful place for hiking, mountain-biking. It deserves a day to enjoy it.

The Notch is a great place to hike and have a picnic. All of my family goes at least once a year. It’s always clean and they have a decent amount of parking.