Holyoke Range
South Hadley, Mass.
A prominent landmark of the Connecticut River Valley, the Holyoke Range offers a variety of perspectives from numerous summits and open ledges. Despite the relatively low elevations, a full traverse of the ridge is fairly challenging, thanks to the continuously rolling and rugged terrain.
From the trailhead off of Route 47 near Hockanum Meadows, the NENST climbs 1.3 miles to the top of Mount Holyoke with views in all directions across the Connecticut Valley. After following rolling terrain over a series of minor summits known as the Seven Sisters, the trail rises to a partially open ledge atop 1,005-foot Mount Hitchcock at 4 miles, then reaches Bare Mountain, with views of Amherst and the surrounding countryside, at 4.8 miles. The trail then descends to the Notch at Route 116, where a state park visitor center is located, at 5.3 miles. From the Notch, it continues over the eastern portion of the range, reaching Mount Norwottuck at 6.6 miles. From the ledges of Long Mountain at 8.8 miles, the last high point at the eastern edge of the range, the trail descends to Harris Mountain Road, 9.8 miles from the base of Mount Holyoke and 4.5 miles from the Notch. Dogs are allowed.
Highlights: Rugged terrain, numerous views from open ledges
Distance and Rating: The full traverse is 9.8 miles (one way) and rated moderate to difficult due to the rolling terrain, which involves roughly 2,200 feet of climbing from Mount Holyoke to the Notch and an additional 1,400 to the east end of the range; however, routes to the individual summits are much shorter and suitable for children.
Time: 8-9 hours (one way)
For more information: Massachusetts Trail Guide, 9th ed. (AMC Books)
Royalston Falls
Royalston, Mass.
Hidden in a remote valley near the New Hampshire line, Royalston Falls is one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. From the parking area on Route 32, the combined Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and Tully Trail (a 19-mile circuit that loops around the Tully River Valley) descends the valley at a moderate grade to a bridge that crosses Falls Brook. Here the trails split; turn right (south) on the yellow-blazed Tully Trail and make a short walk downstream to the top of the dramatic gorge, where Falls Brook plunges 60 feet into the chasm below. The falls are 0.75 mile from the trailhead; while backtracking to the parking area, a short detour north along the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail from the bridge leads to a series of rocks, potholes, and a natural bridge that have been scoured by the brook. Dogs are allowed. Children should use caution around the falls.
Highlights: Waterfall
Distance and Rating: This easy to moderate out-and-back hike is 1.5 miles total and climbs 340 feet on the return.
Time: 1 hour
For more information: Massachusetts Trail Guide , 9th ed. (AMC Books)
Learn More about the New England National Scenic Trail
New England's Scenic Trail Secure (AMC Outdoors)
Appalachian Mountain Club Applauds Congressional Approval of New England National Scenic Trail Designation
NENST Website
Seven Falls Natural Area. Photo by John Burk.
