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    Mount Tom State Reservation

    4.5 (32 reviews)

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    The gloaming from Mt. Tom.
    Arthur M.

    Seeing that we were already on a "recreational adventure" to the great state of (legal recreational marijuana) Massachusetts, we stopped for some natural highs at Mt. Tom State Reservation on the drive home to Connecticut. I remember night skiing, under the lights, when I was a youngin'. The drive we took (yes, we were drive-hiking on this visit) thru the park just before the sun started to set, was filled with so much natural wonder and memorable scenery and greenery that even I, an avowed (and par-for-the-course, lazy) pothead, am compelled to write this 5 star review, if only so that more of my fellow nutmeggers may have the same experience. The most strenuous climb was handled by the Prius, but the most scary climb was up the wooden observation tower, with views over seemingly the entire Western half of the state of Massachusetts. If it was still open, and winter, and I still had the gear, and the weather was perfect, it was conceivable that I could still ski down, I told my girlfriend. And then we drove home thru (and with!) the trees.

    Enit S.

    I would hike here every single day if I lived in the area. They have lots of trails to choose from including one that leads to cascades but unfortunately we didn't have time on this visit to get there. Speaking of time, it goes by extremely fast when you're here so plan accordingly. At first I couldn't understand why they close so early (4pm during fall/winter) but you quickly understand that by 5 it's already dark, and this is undoubtedly done as a safety measure. It's so scenic, with various places to have a picnic, BBQ or just go hiking. I am already making plans to return in the Spring for a picnic.

    Cascade creek
    Dominic W.

    Great moderate effort trail! Big tip: BRING BUGSPRAY. You will be eaten alive. No joke. Shady woodsy area. We took the M&M And beau bridge trails per park ranger. Went up goat's peak tower and had a beautiful 360 view including Connecticut! Some signs could have been marked clearer so bring a good navigator - a random trail might present itself and lead you off path a little... Just bring some bug spray.

    The hikes never get too uncomfortably hot in the reservation, but waterfalls are on call just in case
    Ctrivergolfer B.

    Rising up just east of Ma. 141 and back down to earth just a half mile away where I-91 comes whizzing by, the mini-mountain collection called Mt. Tom is over as abruptly as it started after rising from up from the towns of Easthampton and Southampton. This truncated topography is in most dramatic evidence as you head south on 91 with Northampton in your rear-view mirror. Ahead of you lies the starkly elevated block of terrain that forms Mount Tom State Reservation. The hills are so abbreviated that you can't bring yourself to believe that 91 will be skirting the reservation's east flank, rather than brushing by on the west side as you size it up from as close as two miles away. Should you take the time to pop into the park's grounds, however, you can spend weeks hiking its myriad, serpentine trails. And if you're feeling both rebellious and foolhardy you can attempt to scale and race down these footpaths on a mountain bike. Keep your hands poised at all times to depress the brake handles, however, for the drops can be both precipitous and severely rutted. But if you're looking for a lovely, laid-back, ensconced-in-the-woods hike rather than a death-defying stunt, then you've very much come to the right place. There are trails which girdle the circumference of the hills and there are others which bisect the interior of the park to immeasurably shorten distances from one side to the other. Streams will frequently accompany your walks, with mini-waterfalls cropping up with unexpected regularity. It's wonderful terrain to walk your dog, as the trails are never so challenging as requiring you to make a choice between letting go of your pup for an innocent instant or risk a limb-threatening tumble. There are two entry points, one off 141, the other pretty much directly under 91. The 141 side features a wonderful approach on the shelf of the upper elevations. With crescent-shaped turnouts and viewing windows cut out of the canopy of hillside timbers, this sneak preview of the park bears more than a little in common with the Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia. The east side features an entrance scarcely less scenic, as you wind your way in a graceful curve around Lake Bray, the terminus for many of those brooks you'll encounter loping through the hills. The trails are reasonably well-marked and none run so long that peril awaits you if you stray from your intended line of exploration. Remember, these hills spring up with no warning and they fall back to level ground just as quickly. This fascinating little section of Massachusetts geography even made it to the NBC Nightly News a couple of summers ago when a microburst felled a significant volume of trees hugging the steepest slopes of the reservation. You know how the evening news loves those weather stories that can deliver visual thrills on a shoestring budget! Well, Mt. Tom got a walk-on part for one such report. The devastation, of course, is still visible today. As it will be until nature replenishes what it took from itself.

    Didn't Shel Silverstein write something about this?
    David B.

    The hike to the summit of Mount Tom is on the less strenuous side, offering excellent views, and few crowds. The trail starts out a bit steep, but evens out to mainly easy, gentle areas that skirt the edge of the mountain. Due to the sheer drop of the rock face, the Metacomet-Monadnock trail offers many great vistas, overlooking the city of Holyoke. There is minimal trash on the trail, and I only encountered one broken bottle. There is some stagnant water in spots, so be prepared for bugs. The trail is covered in scree at many points, giving it a real mountain feel. Rare for a mountain, the summit is the only disappointing feature. It's covered in deteriorating cement structures and radio antennae. Still, the view from up top is great. It'll only take you about an hour to make it to the top, and about half an hour to get back down; making this four mile hike a quick getaway. It costs $2 to drive into the park, and the road is a little beat up in spots. If you don't feel like hiking anywhere, there are a few pulloff spots which offer nice views. Also, be careful pulling back out onto the main road. It can be a little sketchy.

    Visitors Center
    Dan R.

    Wow! We recently came here during the weekend to spend some time in nature and have to say that we had a blast here. When we drove into the park we weren't quite sure what to expect since the driveway is through a residential area. When we got to the gate we also weren't expecting the reservation to be so large. This place was huge and had a little bit of everything in it. When we were driving to the viewing tower which is towards the rear end of the park, we passed by a ton of great picnic and grilling areas. We also passed by their awesome pond and playground area which was packed with people having a great time. When we got to the viewing tower we picked a table, whooped out our mini grill, and spent a few hours hanging out and enjoying the sounds of nature. Overall, this is a great park with a ton of activities and hiking trails. The next time that we stop here we are going to take some time to walk the trails before taking a dip in the water.

    Maci M.

    I love hiking in this park! I bring a picnic and you'll have a blast. There's a beautiful playground and tons of picnicking and grilling areas scattered throughout. The trails are true to the map and well marked. It does tend to get packed on the weekends and nice days, but being in the beauty of nature is so worth it.

    Melly M.

    Nothing bad to say this place is amazing. Beautiful views surrounded by nature what more could you ask for. This was my first visit with snow still on the ground and it sure didn't change anything for me.

    Beautiful day in the park
    Helga S.

    Spent the afternoon hiking and taking in the scenery. Great park! It's well maintained and very clean, no trash.

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    10 months ago

    Absolutely beautiful here. Nice and quiet. My only issue is I was charged $20 instead of $5 and I'm a Mass resident.

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    7 years ago

    Its alright. Not anything super amazing hiking wise but a good way to spend an afternoon if your bored. Trails are hard to follow

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    6 years ago

    Been hiking, fishing, and walking my dogs there for 30+ years. PLEASE clean up after your dogs!!! There is dog poop everywhere.

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    8 years ago

    I love this place! I'm always looking for places to walk my dog. There are so many different trails and I've yet to conquer them all.

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    16 years ago

    The views are spectacular, but the trails can be a little difficult to follow at times, did I mention the views are amazing!

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    Ask the Community - Mount Tom State Reservation

    Review Highlights - Mount Tom State Reservation

    Bray Lake is a small body of water where you can view geese, ducks, and the occasional fish or turtle.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Dinosaur Footprints - Just add water

    Dinosaur Footprints

    (16 reviews)

    Small but mighty is how I describe this place. I was not a…read moredinosaur kid - I was an oceanographer or astronaut type instead but there's no way I would pass up the opportunity to see dino footprints no matter what age or what I was into. Met up with a friend from the area en route to NH and we took a pit stop here. He told me you can see them best if you put a little water in the print to see the contrast and that really brought them to life. Couple tips: -Bug spray! Down by the water is mosquito heaven and I'm still picking my skin over a week later. -Solid footwear. You don't need hiking boots but a legit sole and covered toe would be good. It's slippery, slanted, and rocky. -sunglasses, water, or a hat. It's exposed and you'll cook. Don't plan your trip around this but def stop by if you're in the area!!

    Oh boy! Were my in laws and husband unimpressed! The dinosaur footprints are few and far…read morebetween and maybe should have been blocked off or presented to so they would look as they did in 1850. But this is a beautiful free spot to check out on the Connecticut River. I quite enjoyed myself... But don't tell the kids it is jurassic park or anything... You don't need to deal with that fall out. Just a nice road side stop for a pleasant walk with a couple of signs of prehistoric life. No bathrooms and very little parking but there isn't enough to do n to keep you there long enough that you'll feel the need to pee.

    Chicopee Memorial State Park - Goldendoodle approved (but he does wish I let him go swimming)!!

    Chicopee Memorial State Park

    (2 reviews)

    So overall Chicopee is a dump, and I didn't know they had a state park and I was pleasantly…read moresurprised. The staff was super nice and it really is a great "in-town" spot to go to just unwind and get away from everything. They have fishing and a great area to bring family (there were a ton of kids) so I would definitely give this place a 5 star.

    I am staying at a hotel nearby and needed to walk the Beloved Goldendoodle before going to a…read morewedding this afternoon (translation: get him some exercise so he will sleep this afternoon, plus a bit of exercise for me so I can have extra dessert). I couldn't find anything on Yelp (horrors!) so I looked on Google and came across the park/info on https://www.mass.gov/locations/chicopee-memorial-state-park I was a little confused and thought the park entrance fee was for today as well, so I rummaged through my wallet and off we went (it seems it is only Memorial Day through Labor Day when people can SWIM in the reservoir). The boy and I had a nice walk for just under an hour, passed several runners (well, they passed us) and a bicyclist at 8:15 am, plus a few people with their dogs (keep them on the leash everyone.... and pickup after your fluffiest friends). There are picnic areas, a beach area (looks nice) and even one brave soul who was swimming in this morning's 60 degree temp (but the water could still be warm after the hot summer). There are bathrooms (did not go in, but just across from the swimming area) and 562 acres for you to roam through. Happy we found this, never realized I was passing it zooming by on the Mass Pike all these years.

    John Fitzgerald Kennedy

    John Fitzgerald Kennedy

    (2 reviews)

    He was the first President born in the 20th century. he was one of the nation's youngest…read morepresidents. And for Americans of a certain generation, his death on November 22, 1963 was a shattering life event. The John F. Kennedy memorial plaza was funded by the parishioners of the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Holyoke and the memorial is located on front of the church. The memorial consists of a granite base and a bust of a youthful Kennedy. There are granite slabs flanking the memorial with quotes from his inaugural address and book "Profiles in Courage". Behind the memorial are granite blocks engraved with the names of recipients of the JFK award and the Grand Marshals of the St. Patrick's Day parade. The front of the base is inscribed: John Fitzgerald Kennedy 35th president of the United States May 29, 1917 Nov. 22, 1963 The back of the base has the presidential seal and the following inscription: John Fitzgerald Kennedy May 29, 1917 Nov. 22, 1963 The various inscriptions read: "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" inaugural address 1961 "All this will not be finished in the first hundred days, nor will it be finished in the first thousand days, but let us begin." inaugural address 1961 "A man does what he must -- in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and damages and pressures, and that is the basis of all human morality" "Profiles in Courage" 1955 "... let us go forth to lead the land we love asking his blessing and his help, but knowing that here on earth god's work must truly be our own." Inaugural Address 1961

    Not the biggest or most interesting memorial park I've been to, but a nice little park non the…read moreless. I drive by often and have stopped here a couple times and I'm actually really impressed with how well kept the memorial area is. I wouldn't say this location is something worth making a special trip, but do stop in if you're in the area.

    Mount Tom State Reservation - hiking - Updated May 2026

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