Minnechaug Mountain via Rat Trail

Minnechaug Mountain via the 'Rat Trail' at Minnechaug Mountain in Hampden, Massachusetts is a difficult 2.5-mile loop hike that features views from the top of Minnechaug Mountain.

Trails
The hike follows four officially-named trails: Kathy's Trail, Algonquin Trail, Wood Trail, and the North Trail. However, I've unofficially-named this hike the 'Rat Trail' as the shape of this loop looks like a rat.

Trail Description
Relatively moderate to hard hike to the top of Minnechaug Mountain. Follows Kathy's Trail to an unnamed trail, as a portion of Kathy's trail is unkempt, then continues on Kathy's Trail up to meet the Algonquin Trail up to the summit and a vista with a great view. The hike then leads down the Algonquin Trail to the bottom of the other side of the mountain to connect with the North Trail, which heads back east toward parking. Hike the North Trail heading east back around to the other side of the mountain connecting to the Woods Trail. From the Woods Trail, hike south to reach Kathy's Trail and then hike back to your car!

All the trails together form the shape of a rat around the mountain, so I've coined it The Rat Trail!

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed.

Know Before You Go

The "Rat Trail" at Minnechaug Mountain in Hampden, MA is a challenging 2.5-mile loop hike offering summit views.
The loop consists of Kathy's Trail, Algonquin Trail, Wood Trail, and North Trail, forming a rat-like shape around the mountain.
The hike involves a steep ascent to the summit via Kathy's Trail and Algonquin Trail, followed by a descent and return on North and Wood Trails, with dogs permitted on leashes.