The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is a beautiful footpath that spans Massachusetts. It’s perfect for hikers that are looking for a bit of a challenge, as well as those that might just want a pleasant romp through state’s scenic wilderness.
You’ll pass waterfalls, edge along dramatic cliff faces, meander through woodland meadows and finally conquer the summit of one of Massachusetts’ most beautiful peaks.
Check out the full trail guide and map here. We’ve already covered quite a few of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts, which you can look at here.
At 148 miles, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is definitely long. However, the beauty of the trail is that you can pick which chunks you would like to do: there’s plenty of amazing scenery throughout.
Wikimedia Commons Parts of the trail wind through Hamden, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester counties. It begins in Springfield, between West Suffield Mountain and Provin Mountain.
So what’s the best part of the trail to try? It depends on what you want to see. One of the most spectacular routes passes along the Mount Tom range.
Flickr/James
On this stretch of the path (part of the Mt. Tom Reservation in Holyoke), you’ll pass gurgling brooks, lazy streams, and plenty of woodland meadows.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
Flickr/Paul Cooper
This large stone was actually deposited on the trail by a glacier during the last Ice Age.
Wikimedia Commons
As you approach the summit of Mount Tom, you’ll find steps carved into the mountainside to assist your journey.
Flickr/Paul Cooper The higher you go, the more rugged the trail becomes. These steps are a true helping hand, not to mention utterly charming.
The trail is edged with wildflowers during the spring season.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
If you fancy a bit of ruin exploration, hike the area around Mount Nonotuck. There you’ll find the Eyrie House, a beautiful, crumbling, stone hotel from the 1800s.
Flickr/MOTT
The hotel has been abandoned since 1901, and nature is starting to overtake the old stone buildings. It’s a great place to explore.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
Don’t be surprised if you run into a few local residents on your way to Mount Tom.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
The northern part of the trail will take you past Royalston Falls. The falls are right near the New Hampshire border in Royalston, so this part of the trail is definitely convenient for those who live around that area.
Wikimedia Commons
Don’t feel like tackling the entire M&M trail? Try the 0.75-mile Laurel Loop just off the main hike. It’s a pleasant way to spend a lazy summer hour.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
If you follow the trail all the way to New Hampshire, you can scale the summit of Mount Monadnock.
Flickr/Michael McDonough
But you don’t have to go that far to enjoy the best parts of the M&M trail. Just pick a spot, jump in, and start exploring.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
Have you ever hiked the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail? What’s your favorite part? Do you love any other amazing Massachusetts trails?
Wikimedia Commons
Parts of the trail wind through Hamden, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester counties. It begins in Springfield, between West Suffield Mountain and Provin Mountain.
Flickr/James
Flickr/Paul Cooper
The higher you go, the more rugged the trail becomes. These steps are a true helping hand, not to mention utterly charming.
Flickr/MOTT
Flickr/Michael McDonough
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
