Best Hikes in Skinner State Park, MA

Default image for 7 Sisters Trail, a 5.1-mile trail in Hadley, MA (US)

5.1 mi
8.2 km

Hard One-Way

7 Sisters Trail

5.0

Hadley, Massachusetts

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Lithia Spring Reservoir Trail, a 3.0-mile trail in South Hadley, MA (US)

3 mi
4.8 km

Easy Loop

Lithia Spring Reservoir Trail

0.0

South Hadley, Massachusetts

Created By:

Tocra

Default image for Taylor Notch via M & M trail, a 4.4-mile trail in Hadley, MA (US)

4.4 mi
7.1 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Taylor Notch via M & M trail

0.0

Hadley, Massachusetts

Created By:

Tocra

Default image for Mount Holyoke, a 2.0-mile trail in Hadley, MA (US)

2 mi
3.2 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Mount Holyoke

0.0

Hadley, Massachusetts

Created By:

Tocra

Default image for Dry Brook Trail to Mt. Holyoke Summit, a 3.7-mile trail in South Hadley, MA (US)

3.7 mi
6 km

Moderate Loop

Dry Brook Trail to Mt. Holyoke Summit

0.0

South Hadley, Massachusetts

Created By:

Tocra

Default image for Tramway Trail to the Summit House, a 3.0-mile trail in Hadley, MA (US), a path surrounded by lush greenery.

3 mi
4.8 km

Hard Out-and-Back

Tramway Trail to the Summit House

0.0

Hadley, Massachusetts

Created By:

Spencernewton

Key Takeaways

Offers panoramic views from the historic Summit House atop Mount Holyoke, accessible by hiking or driving.

Provides diverse recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding across its trails and scenic landscapes.

Features historical significance with the Summit House, a former grand hotel, and remnants of the incline railway, adding to the park's unique charm.

About Skinner State Park

Explore Skinner State Park, a premier hiking destination in Amherst and Hadley, Massachusetts, encompassing the iconic Mount Holyoke and surrounding Holyoke Range. Discover trails for all skill levels, from moderate climbs to challenging ridge traverses. Popular routes include the 2-mile out-and-back hike up Mount Holyoke via Taylor's Notch, and the scenic 3-mile loop around Lithia Spring Reservoir. Be sure to check trail conditions and come prepared for varying terrain, including steep ascents and descents, especially if considering the famed 7 Sisters Trail. Remember to bring ample water, particularly for hikes up Mount Holyoke, and be mindful of potentially buggy conditions near Lithia Spring Reservoir during warmer months.

Skinner State Park offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures, including opportunities for fishing (with a license), dog-friendly trails (leashed and with waste removal), and access to the extensive Metacomet-Monadnock (M & M) Trail. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley from viewpoints like Taylor Notch and the summit of Mount Holyoke, accessible via trails like the Tramway Trail and Dry Brook Trail. Note that the 7 Sisters Trail requires careful logistical planning due to its one-way nature, and certain trails may be unsuitable for young children or mountain biking. Parking locations vary by trail, with some available along Mountain Road and Hockanum Road.