Iconic set of rolling wooded hills over looking the Connecticut River and surrounding lowlands. Skinner State Park is approximately 3,000 acres once privately owned now overseen by the Mass DCR. There are an intertwining network of trails from the base, along the ridge, and through the wooded parkland. Bring a GPS and trail maps are available at the gates and in the Summit House. This was my first time hiking here. A life long buddy & hiking pal encouraged me to join him. He was excited to try out his new hip on some varying terrain. He drove in from Vermont, me from CT. Both of us aging (gracefully) we each used an adjustable pair hiking sticks, which did come in handy both ascending and descending the hills. We found the trails were all very well maintained and well traveled. There's a system of trail markers and blazes to follow. Keep in mind bikes and horse are allowed, so hikers, keep your eye open and give way to wheels & hooves. The Summit House does have access too by vehicle, but (!) parking is very limited up top and DRC Rangers control traffic flow. We parked very close to Hockanum Road (Rte 47) and hiked up. Views at the Summit House stunning 360 degrees. If the House is open (seasonally) take time to tour the former residence and Lodge. View from the House decks are even better. My foot recently repaired foot & my buddies new hip passed the test! read more

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Not a bad little park. Definitely follow yelps directions to get here cause if you ask your device it'll take you to a dead end spot. I've read other reviews about having to pay admission, I guess that's on some days? We didn't have to pay anything the day we went. Its about a 4 mile hike round trip if you start from the bottom. It's a steep climb too so if you're not use to it, you will get winded. The view at the top is worth it though. Definitely worth a hike at least once. At the top they have benches and grills to cook on, and of course the beautiful house with the 360 view. read more

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This is an absolutely fabulous park. The views at the summit are incredible - the best in the Valley for sure. The only thing marring the view is the eyesore, otherwise known as, the UMass Amherst campus. I mean, who ever thought those towers were a good idea....but I digress. Skinner State Park is a great place to bring a lunch (or dinner in the nicer weather) and just hang out. Nice picnic tables around and (again) the vistas are well worth it.The old hotel on site is open on weekends - totally worth checking out. So much cool history here! Finally, a shout out to "Jeffrey" - a member of the Park's staff. This guy can has so much wonderful information to share about the park and its history. If you can catch him for a tour on the weekends you won't be disappointed. read more

Awesome hike and well worth it! .............. And I recommend to wear hiking gear and a small water bottle. Also great pictures taken! read more

Pros (all at the top): -Great view -Restrooms -Water fountain -Picnic tables Cons: -Steep incline even on the paved road--will have you winded -Not the most pleasant trek up as you have to move over periodically for cars -Buggy, though seemingly not mosquitos so no bites! Worth stopping by for some exercise. read more

Beautiful Scenic spot. Several trails and places to pull off Perfect all year round. Good for Dogs too. Bring waste bags but they have garbage can in some places. Make sure your tires are good for rain and snow because it does get steep climbing up especially in low HP vehicles. Also the road is way too narrow for 2 vehicles so if you have SUV or Pick Up, be wary of oncoming vehicles to pull off or pass read more

Skinner State Park - View from the top - Parks Near Me - Hadley, Massachusetts

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My porch!!!! Seriously, it's a great hike whether you do the whole 7 sisters or just one of the Skinner trails. Great views await at the top. If you are physically able, hike don't drive, you'll appreciate the view that much more. read more

We had a beautiful time here checking out the Mount Holyoke summit, which is about a 20 minute drive up a mountain. Side note: I thought it was a bit odd that they charged $5 per car to park (since when do parks charge for parking? Maybe this is an MA thing), but it's free if you have a handicap parking pass. Speaking of which, the accessible parking is impressive and gets you very close to the main lookout point. This is something I feel often gets overlooked in parks, so kudos there. The views from the lookout point (I think that's what it's called) are stunning at the peak of fall. We had a wonderful time bringing our dog here, enjoying the views and sitting on the benches with wind in our hair. I recommend going in early evening right before sunset. The low light of the sun on the Connecticut River is quite lovely, and you can see all the way out to Hartford. read more

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Beautiful in the fall! Different than anything we see in California! And a great surprise at the top with the old hotel. We loved seeing all the different color leaves and the beautiful views from up top. It wasn't a difficult trek either so anyone could do it! read more

Skinner State Park - Great in the fall - Parks Near Me - Hadley, Massachusetts

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Absolutely a beautiful park and wonderful ascent to the top of MT Holyoke and the Summit House. The 360 degrees panoramic view is breathtaking especially the CT River as it meanders through the South Hadley landscape below. Getting to the top is easiest by car and a challenge if you are determined to walk. There are numerous switch backs along the way as this is a very steep climb. The Summit House while no longer open do to funding issues is beautiful but there is a porch surrounding the house affording you good visibility on the sights below. read more

Skinner State Park - View from the Summit House, Mt Holyoke. - Parks Near Me - Hadley, Massachusetts

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If you are a student here in the Berkshires and you want to show your family around, consider making a trip to Skinner State Park. "Look, mom and dad! This area isn't all farmland! There's also a river! And a mountain!" Parents seem to be pretty impressed with Skinner. "This valley looks like it will be a good environment for Junior to go to college. So wholesome, outdoorsy, and clean. He'll come back home at Thanksgiving 20 lbs lighter!" (Little do they know that Junior is planning on doing a few keg stands at UMass on Sat after they leave.) Skinner State Park must be the highest point in the Connecticut River Valley. If you're really athletic (or a sadist), go for a run up to the top- you'll have a great view the entire way. Check out the Summit House, which was a very popular hotel in the 1800s. There are plenty of good vantage points at the top, along with picnic tables and grills. The best time to visit would be in the spring or in the fall. read more

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Best view in the valley! Amazing trail network, and excellent diversity--hiking on the northern side feels very different than the southern side. My former go-to place for trail runs when I lived in South Hadley. read more

This park, which was not charging admission when I came, offers the option to hike or drive to the summit. The historic lodge at the top offers great views of the surrounding area and informational displays. You really feel on top of the world. Some things are open seasonally, but I saw portable toilets I assume are for the off season. There are also other access roads to different trails. The bathroom needs better lighting. I did not see until I sat on it that there was pee on the toilet seat. It's so dark the doors are propped open to let in light, so you have to look to see which is mens and which is womens. A elderly man got confused and landed up in the womens. The hand dryer is also anemic. Hit the bathroom before you get here if you can, but either way I recommend the park. read more

Great views. Bring cash if you're from out of town because they will make you pay up. It's totally worth it though. The house at the top was closed to visitors. I imagine at one time it was open to the public. I don't know the story behind the closure. You can still walk on the deck that wraps around the house. Bring your camera because you'll definitely want to record this. read more

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Beautiful scenic location with great views. There are restrooms, parking, and picnic tables on site making this place a great destination for large groups, families with kids and and even pet owners. Would highly recommend. read more

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I recommend going to the Summit House and taking in the view. This plan, coupled with getting ice cream at Flayvors, or the North Hadley Sugar shack, could stretch into a full day. No, half of a day. Take the remainder and go home to and grill out and have a picnic with Steel Rail. Now that might be a full - er day. Then watch Trailer Park Boys...I'm getting carried away. The summit house is great. Go look at the river and the rest of the valley. Make fun of the Southwest Towers. Enjoy! read more

I can't believe no one else has reviewed this beautiful park! If you choose to hike be aware the trails are mostly very steep and rather intense if you're nit a frequent hiker. If you drive to the top the road is switchbacks and steep, but a beautiful drive. The view from the top summit house is amazing. A great spot for picnics. I have many memories of stopping here with my family as a kid. read more

As someone who grew up in South Hadley, Skinner Park was truly as special place. As a teenager I hiked the trails leading up to a around the Summit House and sat upon the rock outcrop gazing at the Connecticut River meandering below and the Green Mountains at the horizon. At one time I visited with my then fiancée, and while grilling a flank steak watched a magnificent sunset. Anyone visiting the area should set aside time from the business of the world and visit this beautiful spot. read more