Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

New England Road Trip 2024➤

My friend Patty and I hit the road again in October 2024. Our route took us through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York during the beginning of Fall Foliage season. Along the way we hit several National Park Service Units and historic sites. Our first stop was Mount Holyoke Range State Park.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park➤

Mount Holyoke Range State Park spans 3,000 acres along a dramatic seven-mile ridgeline in central Massachusetts. The landscape includes woodlands, wetlands, thickets, and streams, offering a diverse natural experience. Over 30 miles of blazed trails wind through the terrain, inviting hikers, birders, and nature lovers. Native Americans long recognized the Range’s spiritual significance. During the 1800s, tourists flocked to Mount Holyoke’s summit for its sweeping views. Artists and writers, including Emily Dickinson and Thomas Cole, drew inspiration from its wild beauty and quiet power.

Today, the park stands as one of Massachusetts’ most cherished natural areas. The New England National Scenic Trail runs the length of the Range, attracting thousands each year. Conservation efforts have been essential in preserving this heritage. In 2014, a major land protection push secured 1,000 acres, thanks to public grants and private donations.

New England National Scenic Trail➤

We chose Mount Holyoke Range State Park as our first stop specifically to hike a section of the New England National Scenic Trail. Also known as the NET, this 215-mile trail stretches from Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. It follows the spine of the Mount Holyoke Range, offering some of the most scenic and challenging terrain along its route. Climbing steep ascents and winding through wooded ridges, the trail delivers rewarding views and a deep connection to the landscape’s natural and cultural history.

We began our visit at the Notch Visitor Center. Although the building was closed that day, the restrooms were open, and we were able to fill our water bottle at the fountain before hitting the trail. Behind the center, a network of well-marked trails branches out into the forest. We followed the signs and blazes for about a mile, enjoying the peaceful woods, before turning back to continue on to our next stop.

New England Posts➤

• Mount Holyoke
• Cornish Windsor Bridge
• Saint-Gaudens
• Saint-Gaudens Mansion
• Saint-Gaudens Sculpture Tour
• Hildene
• Hildene: Gardens
• Hildene: Pullman
• Hildene: Farm
• Saint Kateri National Shrine
• Fort Stanwix
• Watkins Glen State Park

---

Location: 1500 West St., Amherst, Massachusetts
Designation: State Park
Date designated/established: 1975
Date of my visit: October 3, 2024