The best walks and hikes in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park
4.5
(42)
451
hikers
11
hikes
Hikes in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park are characterized by the trails of the Holyoke Range, a geologically distinct east-west mountain ridge. The terrain consists of forested paths over basalt rock, leading to viewpoints over the Connecticut River Valley. Routes ascend to features like the summit of Mount Holyoke, which offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including the river's "Oxbow" formation.
Best hiking trails in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Metacomet-Monadnock Trail: Section…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5
hikers
2.91km
01:11
190m
10m
Hike the difficult 1.8-mile Mount Holyoke Summit via NET/M&M Trail for panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Berkshires.
2
hikers
21.0km
07:33
800m
680m
Tackle the difficult 13.1-mile Mount Hitchcock, Summit House via Net/M&M and Dry Brook Trail for rugged terrain and panoramic views.
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22
hikers
8.61km
03:34
340m
260m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.03km
01:23
180m
180m
Hike the difficult 2.5-mile Mount Holyoke via Taylor's Notch and Halfway House Trail Loop for stunning Connecticut River Valley views.
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Tips from the Community
The cabin is student-operated and only open when school is in session. It features electricity, an outhouse, and a number of other amenities. You can learn more about the cabin and how to reserve a stay here: https://newenglandtrail.org/overnight-sites/mt-holyoke-outing-club-cabin/.
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Mount Holyoke is a 935 foot mountain near the town of Northampton, Massachusetts. Cycling up Mount Holyoke, Massachusetts, is a rewarding, but challenging experience. The auto road is open to cyclists in the spring, summer, and early fall, and great views of the Pioneer Valley and the Connecticut River as you climb. At the top, there are overlooks with benches, and several picnic tables with panoramic views for you to rest and relax at before beginning your descent. There are also bathrooms as well as the historic Summit House, which used to be a hotel.
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This scenic reservoir was once the town's main water source. While swimming is prohibited, visitors can still enjoy the peaceful views and abundant wildlife along its trails.
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Bare Mountain stands at 1,014 feet above sea level and is part of the greater Metacomet Ridge and the Holyoke Range. This steep mountain is popular with students from the many elite colleges in the nearby towns. From the summit you get great views of the surrounding valleys to the north and south, views to Mount Norwottuck and the eastern peaks of the Holyoke Range, and of the campuses of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Hampshire College. Bare Mountain also is home to a bunker that was used as the command center for U.S. forces during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Mount Hitchcock stands at 1,002 feet and was named for Edward Hitchcock, a professor of geology at Amherst College in the 1800s. Mount Hitchcock is the most remote peak in the Holyoke Range because it is farthest from a road. To the west of the summit is Seven Sisters and Mount Holyoke and to the east is Bare Mountain, which is higher than Hitchcock by eight feet.
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The Taylor's Notch Trail is a popular trail up the north side of Mount Holyoke. Although this trail is relatively short, it's fairly steep with many exposed rocks and roots underfoot. The bottom part of the trail in the forest can be a little buggy, but once you get about halfway up and the trees thin, there is usually a good breeze that keeps the bugs away and allows you to take in the views unencumbered.
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On the way to the summit of Mount Holyoke (or already down) you walk a well-developed hiking trail. You can see rock formations on both sides and you can occasionally catch a glimpse of Northampton.
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Here you are standing on the westernmost peak of the Holyoke Range: Mount Holyoke. The approximately 285 meter high mountain is located in the Connecticut River Valley in western Massachusetts and is the namesake of nearby Mount Holyoke College. Enjoy the picturesque views from here. But don't forget to pay a visit to the historic summit house.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails beautiful for everyone.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
While many trails in the park involve steep climbs, there are options suitable for families. The park has about two dozen trails rated as easy. These generally stick to the lower elevations and offer a pleasant walk in the woods without the strenuous ascent of the main ridge.
What is the best time of year to hike in Skinner State Park?
Hiking is popular year-round, but each season offers a unique experience. Spring and fall are ideal for hawk watching during their migration. June is famous for the blooming mountain laurel. Autumn provides spectacular fall foliage views across the Connecticut River Valley. The Summit House road is typically open from May to October.
Can I drive to the summit of Mount Holyoke?
Yes, the road to the Summit House at the top of Mount Holyoke is open to vehicles seasonally, typically from May through October, weather permitting. This allows visitors to enjoy the panoramic views without a strenuous hike. The park and its trails remain open to hikers year-round.
Where can I park to access the hiking trails?
There are several parking areas to access the trail system. The main parking lot is located at the park entrance at 10 Skinner State Park Rd in Hadley. Additional smaller lots and pull-offs are available near other trailheads, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Are there any circular hiking routes?
Yes, the park has several excellent loop trails. A great option that explores the area's varied terrain is the Dry Brook – Lithia Springs – Black Rock – New England Trail Loop. This 4.3-mile (6.9 km) circuit offers a comprehensive tour of the park's woodlands and ridges.
What are the views like from the trails?
The views are a major highlight. From the summit of Mount Holyoke and various points along the Holyoke Range, you get stunning panoramic vistas of the Connecticut River Valley. A famous sight is the river's 'Oxbow' bend, which was immortalized in a painting by Thomas Cole.
What is the Summit House?
The Summit House is a historic 19th-century hotel located at the top of Mount Holyoke. Today, it serves as a visitor center and museum, offering a glimpse into the area's past as a major tourist destination. You can enjoy the incredible views from its balconies when it's open.
How difficult are the trails in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park?
The park offers a wide range of difficulty levels across its 76 trails. While there are some easier paths, a majority of the routes are rated as difficult due to the steep and rocky terrain of the Holyoke Range. These challenging trails reward hikers with exceptional views from the ridgeline.
Can I hike a longer route that connects different parts of the park?
Absolutely. For a longer and more immersive hike, consider the Lithia Springs Reservoir and Mount Holyoke loop. This 6.2-mile (10 km) route combines a visit to the summit with a walk around the scenic reservoir, showcasing the diverse landscapes within the park.
What do other hikers think of the trails in the park?
The trails in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible views of the Connecticut River Valley and the well-maintained, though challenging, trail system along the unique east-west ridge.
Most popular routes in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park
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