Mount Tom
Mount Tom – Holyoke, MA
Elevation: 1,201′
As far as in and out trails go Mt. Tom is probably my favorite. My usual for this hike is to enter through the Route 141 entrance and take the scenic drive up Christopher Clark Rd until the parking lot near the picnic area. I like starting with the M-M trail on the side with the summit due to its awesome views. You’re practically on the rock ledges the entire hike overlooking what feels like all of New England.
The tower on this side is pretty interesting as it looks like an old building out of a zombie apocalypse movie with the beat up foundation and wire fence around it. Apparently, it used to be a hotel – The Mount Tom Hotel – which was constructed on the summit of Mount Tom in 1897. It burned down three years after being built. It was rebuilt again after the fire but it burned again in 1929 and was never rebuilt. the remains of the hotel are still at the summit.
You will also see a bunch of radio satellite dishes on the summit that are active satellite dishes.
Before you hit the summit and the hotel ruins you may pass some old airplane parts on the trail. This is because, “On July 9, 1946, a US Army Air Force B-17G Flying Fortress, in use as a military transport, hit the northern flank of the mountain.[6] All 25 on board died instantly in a large fireball. Tiny pieces of the plane are still on the mountainside” Source
On a positive note, after you complete the M-M trail on that side you can walk back over to the other side of the parking area and complete the opposite side that also has a nice viewing tower and some cool old ruins around to check out. So whether you want an easy hike around the pond or an all-day hike this park definitely has its range of options for all. Plus, it’s super pup friendly! We always run into plenty of dogs on this trail.
I have made some loop trails on the smaller trails in the park. If I enter through the main entrance, I’ll take the Bray Loop up to Keystone to the DOC and eventually hit the M-M trail to the tower and go back down some other mixture of those small trails around the main entrance parking area.
Hiking Mount Tom with you pup
I love hiking Mount Tom with my pup. The trails are pretty easy for him and there’s always a plethora of other dogs on the trails too. Java loves playing frisbee in the open fields in the park after we finish hiking. I have no idea where all his energy comes from but I think he would be able to play frisbee and hike 24/7/365 if I let him.
Parking
Daily Parking Fee: $5 MA Vehicle, $6 non-MA Vehicle. You can park for free outside the gate on the Route 144 entrance but that area fills up quickly. I usually park across the street near Mt. Joe To Go. Note: I highly recommend you stopping for a smoothie and food at Mt. Joe To Go!
