Skinner State Park

You've probably seen the Mt Holyoke Summit House as you travel on I91 between Northampton and Holyoke - the white house gleaming in the sun perched high on top of Mt Holyoke. If you've been there before, you know about the stunning views of the Connecticut River, the checkered farmland, and the surrounding mountains. If you have never been there, you may want to put this on top of your fall adventure list. There are several ways to get there. Fall is the perfect time to hike up to the top and there are many trails that lead to the summit. You can pick up Section 7 of the New England Trail on Mountain Rd in Hadley, enjoying gorgeous views on the steady climb to the summit. Alternatively, you can go up the more gradual Dry Brook Trail and there are a couple of trails starting on Route 47, and from Lithia Springs Road in South Hadley. A trail map can be found on the DCR website. You can also drive to the summit when the auto road is open from May until October, walk around the summit, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of picnic tables with lovely views, and visit the historic Summit House, a former hotel turned museum. You can view the rooms furnished in the style of the late 1800s when the hotel was in its heyday. Bathrooms are open until the road closes in the fall and porta-potties are available year-round. With the gorgeous views and an interesting museum to visit, going to the Skinner State park is a must-do this fall. You can also join us on a guided hike on Tuesday, September 22, the first day of fall, at Skinner State Park.