Mount Holyoke Day Trip in Western Massachusetts
Welcome to Mount Holyoke Summit in Western Massachusetts (Hadley)
In the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, Mount Holyoke is part of the 100-mile Metacomet Range and has an elevation of 942 feet, at which the historic (and restored) summit house stands. Situated within J.A. Skinner State Park, Mount Holyoke Summit offers amazing, expansive views of the Berkshires, Connecticut River and, on clear day, Vermont in the horizon.
At the summit, which you can reach by driving almost two miles up a paved road (or by hiking the wooded trails from hiking from the yellow entrance gate), there are several picnic tables, rock formations, diverse nature and numerous spots to see the incredible views, including on deck of the historic Summit House.
Note: This post is about what you can see and do at the summit.
Summer 2023 Update: I visited again in early June 2023 after the summit road gate was opened for the season. At the time of my visit, the Mount Holyoke Summit House was not open though you could walk up the stairs to the deck for beautiful Connecticut River Valley vistas.
Tip: Sunset views are incredible. Even if you are not an avid hiker, you can drive up the mountain road, park right by the summit house and walk a few steps to the rocky cliff at base or onto the deck of the Mount Holyoke Summit House.
Watching the sunset horizon over the Connecticut River Valley standing on the Mount Holyoke Summit House deck.
How to get to Mount Holyoke Summit (Hadley Massachusetts)
You can drive or hike up to the Mt. Holyoke summit.
Drive on MA-47 in Hadley and turn onto Old Mountain Road (look for the sign to J.A.. Skinner State Park). Continue driving on the road (it becomes Skinner State Park Road) until you reach the access gate.
There is a small parking area if you want to hike the trails up, or you can turn left to drive through the yellow access gate on the paved auto road up to the summit.
Tip: The road is open from 9a.m. to 8p.m.
What to see at Mount Holyoke Summit
At 942 feet high, the views at the summit are incredible. Whether you drive or hike up, stand on the deck of the summit house and gaze out to the Western Massachusetts skyline for expansive views of the Connecticut River Valley.
There is a ramp connected to the parking lot you can take to reach the Summit House (and then a short staircase), or you can walk around the back and use the stairs.
Tip: If you hike, according to reviews, the trail gets fairly steep about half way up. You can also hike up the paved road for a more gradual two-mile ascent.
Originally established in 1851 as a guest house or hotel, the restored structure is open to tour on weekends from 9a.m. to 4p.m. during the season. The Mount Holyoke Summit House is one of the only historic New England mountain hotels that remains standing.
Spend a little time or an afternoon or evening exploring the Summit House and surrounding nature at the peak. There are amazing sunset views from the deck looking west towards the Berkshires, and several other New England state peaks can be seen from vistas on all sides of the summit grounds.
At the base of the Mount Holyoke Summit House, standing on the rock formations (at the end of the main hiking trail starting at the access gate) is also a great vantage point for Western Massachusetts views including the Connecticut River.
Tip: Standing (carefully) on the rocky ledge right under the Mount Holyoke Summit house deck is the best spot for sunset sky views.
You can also explore the nature and terrain at the summit. There are rock formations to climb on and hike around, picnic tables to relax at and a variety of spots to sit and take in the scenic vistas.
Tip: There are a couple of picnic tables placed at areas of the summit for incredible scenic views, and these are great spots for a family excursion.
The sunset view standing on the rocky terrain at the Mount Holyoke summit.
Tip: Avid hikers and can walk past the back of the Summit House (go straight from the parking lot) and pick up the the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. Use this Skinner State Park trail map to plan your hikes.
Read about the Mount Holyoke Summit House’s history.
Have you hiked to or visited Mount Holyoke summit and the Summit House?
Leave a comment below and share your experience or tips for a fun visit.
