Dry Brook Trail to Mt. Holyoke Summit
Dry Brook Trail to Mt. Holyoke Summit at Skinner State Park in South Hadley, Massachusetts is a moderate 3.7-mile loop hike that features summit views.Trails
The trails taken on this hike are: M & M Trail, Dry Brook Trail.
Length and Notes
The entire hike is roughly 3.7-miles, done as a loop counter clockwise. The trailhead for the Dry Brook Trail is roughly 0.2-miles from the parking lot. Hike along the M & M Trail (white blazes) to the Dry Brook Trail (red blazes). The first mile of the Dry Brook Trail is relatively flat as is cuts along the eastern base of Mt. Holyoke along Dry Brook creek. Enjoy old growth woods and take in two large basalt drains with trickling streams that cut right across the trail along this section.
The last half mile of the trail leading up to Taylor Notch offers a noticeable elevation gain, so it could be a moderate climb for non-experienced hikers. The last push to Taylor Notch brings you up from a small valley below the road to the summit.
The Dry Brook Trail ends at Taylor Notch. This hike takes the M & M Trail (white blazes) back to parking.
Loop Options
Follow the road back down to the Halfway House and to Mountain road. This is the easiest and most direct route.
Follow the M & M trail to the summit of Mt. Holyoke - this is a short but steeper section to the Summit House. From the Summit House the trail continues on southwest with many lookouts. Be aware this section should be considered moderate.
Parking
Parking is available on Mountain Road at the coordinates provided, which is also the trailhead for Section 7 of the Metacomet - Monadnock Trail.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
