Mt. Holyoke

            Mount Holyoke, in Skinner State Park in Hadley, is one of my favorite mountains to hike. I highly suggest hiking up the mountain via the white-blazed Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. It is 1.6 miles from the trailhead to the summit.  Directions are fairly easy. Go on Interstate 91 North to the SR 9 Exit. Turn right after the exit. Follow SR 9 to where it meets SR 47. Take a right on SR 47. Across from the cemetery 5 miles after the SR 9/47 junction, take a left on the gravel road. Park on the side of the road.

            Follow the street where you parked your car to a brown message board, where you then ascend the trail. The beginning stays very steep until you reach a clearing, which is an excellent viewpoint, where there are power lines. You can see Northampton and the Berkshires to the west of you, as well as great shots of the Connecticut River.

            The trail moderates until just below the summit. For that time, you are surrounded by beautiful trees and all you can hear are birds, insects, and animals. It is very peaceful.

            Below the summit, the trail meets other trails that come up on the other sides of the mountain. Near the top is the summit house, where you can get food and get excellent views. From there, you can see south to Springfield and Hartford, Connecticut, west to the Berkshires, east to the “Seven Sisters” (part of the Holyoke Range), and north to Vermont with excellent shots of the Connecticut River. During peak fall foliage, the views are some of the best in New England. From the top, I fell like I can’t believe that’s how beautiful it is where I go to school, live, and play.

            The views here are certainly ones not to miss. What saddens me, however, is that people want to build houses on the Holyoke Range. That would destroy the beauty both inside the state park and outside it. I strongly object to it.

            I like this mountain so much because it is so peaceful. I highly suggest climbing this mountain to anyone who wants a challenging task, a really great view, and an excellent nature trail.  This mountain’s natural beauty is superior.