Skinner State Park

It’s been about 35 years since I was on the summit of Skinner Mountain. So I brought my husband there and we made our way to the top. The views did not disappoint at all! It was gorgeous! It was a perfect autumn day in New England. The views were spectacular and it was quiet. There’s something relaxing and serene about that trip up there today!

There is parking at the bottom and top. During busy times they restrict how many cars go to the top.
The views are absolutely gorgeous. Lots of benches, picnic tables, and trails to hike around.
It does cost to park at top during peak times.

Skinner State Park is a great destination for hiking, exploring and taking in the beautiful views of the hills of the Pioneer Valley. You can either park at the base or drive up to the top depending on if the gate is open or not. I've done both. The view on top of the summit of Mount Holyoke is amazing. You essentially have a 360 degree view. You can see the Connecticut River, UMass Amherst, the Springfield Skyline and so much more!

Amazing views!!!! I didn't hike, I drove up and the views are out of this world!! The young man that gave the tour of the house was excellent!! His knowledge and presentation of how things were back in the day made us feel as if we were there!! This was a very pleasant experience and I highly recommend it for you or the family!!!

The great experience the best view ever a place to heal a place for prayer a place to get the thoughts together Meditate Meditate It's key

I’ve been visiting here since 1971, when I once lived in Hadley and then moving away. So many trails and beautiful scenery to absorb. My plans today, I released my two cat’s (Sweety & Babbetts) ashes over a cliff that I’ve always enjoyed sitting on viewing the distant scenery below the summit. The house is closed but the sign I’ve posted gives the days and times open. The photo of the military marker in where a B24J crashed when leaving Westover AFB, MA. It’s a memorial site. So many cultures visit here especially many young teenagers. If you park in the two designated handicap parking there is no parking fee, that is if you are handicapped disabled. The color of the trees are being to change that yearly beautiful colors.

Beautiful hike up the mountain. Great views from the top. Clean and quiet.

I was happily engaged here more than five years ago and I visit whenever I can.

Amazing place to visit and hike. Such a beautiful view at the top. Looking over the Holyoke Mountains at the valleys below. The Connecticut river seems to circle around in view.

I come to this park almost weekly. Its a good escape and a nice place to just be outside with varying levels of hiking difficulty. Wanna get some easy steps in, hike dry brook and Lithia springs trail. Want a bit more of a challenge, try your hand at MM trail to summit house and walk the road down or link with dry brook back. Or follow the whole section of the MM trail to Bare Mtn from old Mountain road and get picked up at the notch or, take the trail from Bare Mtn down towards Lithia springs for a 12 mile loop back to old Mtn road.

This place is just awesome.

The young guy giving tours of the summit house knew so much about the history and brought so much more value and appreciation to the site. He even gave us a booklet that challenged my son to visit more local areas like this one. The hike going up was nice and the view is pretty great. Looking at the seven sisters from the side was cool. Makes you feel small. :)

Beautiful landscape and the hike isn't too arduous. Always a treat to hike this mountain! ⛰

This a trip I always enjoy have been there in all seasons and the beauty changes with it. Winter seems to make the hike to the top and trails along the Holyoke range ridge seems to be the most enjoyable, as nature exposes many things you don't normally see. The Half/way House, aka Summit House, is a fun visit in the warmer seasons when it is open for inspection, pretty cool inside. There are great views of the Connecticut River as it flows around the oxbow below, there are views of Amherst, Northampton, farmland along with everything else. There is also a memorial to a B-24 Liberator crew who lost their lives when their plane crashed into Mt. Holoyke during World War II. No matter when you go, enjoy the park as it will reward you with great views.

Gorgeous view and the summit house is cool to walk through. Bring bug spray though

Nice place to relax. Have handicap parking on top. Is not open all year for cars but you can climb. Have restrooms and grills. Great view. Have benches so you can sit down. Be ready for mosquitoes.

Many options to get to the top. Only 950 feet elevation. Hike from the bottom, park halfway or park at the top. Beautiful views. The old hotel museum was just renovated and beautiful.

Nice little summit park. Beautiful place for a picnic. Very nice views

One of my favorite places in new england. If you want beauty nature views. This is the place. Also has few great hiking trails.

This is a gorgeous place for a lovely hike. The shortcut trail to the top is not too daunting as long as you take your time and watch your step. Otherwise you can take the longer winding paved road to the top. The top has great views of the area!

Save this hike for a clear day it will be well worth it. The views on top of Mount Holyoke are wonderful and worth the hike.

Really liked the place. It was great to look at the city and my campus (UMass Amherst) from a wonderdul vantage point. Be careful while driving upto the top due to narrow spiral and steep road. Would suggest hiking to the top leaving your car at the base, that way you could enjoy close encounter with the wild.