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Hiking the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

Description | Ratings

Trails: 117-mile linear trail stretches across Massachusetts from the Metacomet trail in Connecticut to Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. About 97 miles of the trail lie within Massachusetts.
Access fee:
Nearest town: Springfield, Shutesbury, Farley, Northfield, MA, Troy, NH
Trail map: A guide to the trail can be purchased through the MMT web site. An abbreviated guide is on the web site and includes trail profiles.
Web site: Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
Points of interest: Views from Mount Tom and Mount Norwottuck, Mount Holyoke Summit House
Other activities:
Lodging: Available at several towns along the trail
Camping:
Weather forecast: Springfield
Tourism info: Greater Springfield Visitors Bureau | Franklin County Chamber
Getting to the trail: The trail can be accessed at many points along its length where it crosses roads.
Map of local region: Springfield | Northfield

Rate this trail

Number of ratings: 3
Average rating: 4.17  

3        

Trail Name: Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
I have hiked there: Several times
I last hiked there in: Mar, 2005
Trails that I hiked: My son and I have hiked 75 miles of the M&M up to now.
Favorite trails: Section 1, Mt. Tom, The Holyoke Range, Section 15
Best time to go: Anytime, except when there is ice.
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: The difficulty varies, the closeness and the remoteness.
What I disliked: Nothing
Additional comments: Would be great if there were more dedicated sites/shelters for overnight camps and small groups (scouts). A trail users forum?(maybe there is and I don't know about it. A link from the website could be helpful.)
Submitted by: Ray
from: Monson MA.
Date submitted: March 22, 2005

2          

Trail Name: Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
I have hiked there: Several times
I last hiked there in: May, 2004
Trails that I hiked: From Rt 47 to the Mount Holyoke Summit House.
Favorite trails: The trail up the old Summit House tramway.
Best time to go: springtime
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: The view from the top of Mt. Holyoke is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
What I disliked: Not much to dislike here.
Additional comments: The old tramway trail is totally challenging, especially hiking down. There are some cliffs at the top that require a little bit of climbing and the rest of the trail is steep. You can pick it up near the Halfway House. Don't lose your footing!
Submitted by: Nick Adams
from: South Hadley, MA
Date submitted: May 20, 2004

1        

Trail Name: Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
I have hiked there: Several
I last hiked there in: May, 2003
Trails that I hiked: Sections 1-5 and section 7
Favorite trails: Section 1 has a plank path through a swamp that is very interesting. Section 4 was HOT once we came out to the ledges, but well worth the views. Sections 7 and 8 have beautiful views and history.
Best time to go: Anytime
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Fair
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: The trails are actually segments of one long trail. I like the idea of completing the trails and spending the time with my son. His goal is to complete the M&M so Dad will bring him to the White Mtns. for a backpacking trip(thats the "carrot")
What I disliked: Seeing areas that are littered such as the small imprompto dump near the begining of section 3
Comments: Provide and maintain camping areas for through hikers.
Submitted by: Ray Foster
from: Monson, MA
Date submitted: May 12, 2003

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