Some hikes are great for dropping out of your busy life and pausing to catch your breath. Other hikes are more likely to take your breath away. This is one of those.
Hiking the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is a rare and special opportunity to truly be left speechless by the beauty of nature. Here’s how you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind hike for yourself.
The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is a 114-mile-long hiking route that offers spectacular scenery and breathtaking views.
Tripadvisor/JNFI
It starts in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts and extends all the way into southern New Hampshire.
Tripadvisor/Ratedbyhanna
The hike will take you to the summits of Mount Holyoke, Mount Tom, and Mount Monadnock.
Tripadvisor/Meganzopf Pictured: Mount Monadnock
All three of these peaks offer sky-high views that will make you feel like you’e ascended into the clouds.
Tripadvisor/IAHawkins
You can choose to do just the Massachusetts portion, or extend your journey north. If you like, you can even make conquering just one of these peaks a day trip activity.
Google/Danny Colon Pictured: View from Mount Holyoke
Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is considered easy hiking and is well-marked with white rectangles, so you won’t get lost. The easiest portions are between Mount Holyoke and Mount Tom, and the most challenging part (but still doable for beginners) is the hike to the summit of Mount Monadnock.
Tripadvisor/Dibir 50
The trail is never more than a mile or two from a public road, so you’ll never feel like you’re stranded out in the wilderness.
Google/Travis Fuhrman Pictured: Mount Tom
Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, cliffs, swamps, woodlands, farmland, and flowering meadows. The foliage is also quite stunning in the fall.
Tripadvisor/Ratedbyhanna
If you want to make your adventure a multi-day nature experience, there are camping facilities located along the trail.
Tripadvisor/JNFI
The best time to hike the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is during the early fall or early summer when mosquitos and high temperatures are less of an issue.
Tripadvisor/GraceJ
Though you probably won’t want to bring the kids along for the entire trek, many parts are suitable for children if you’re only planning on hiking a few miles of the trail.
TripAdvisor/Daphnelnes Pictured: View from Mount Monadnock
No matter if you tackle the entire thing or use it for a quiet Sunday walk through nature, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is a natural gem you shouldn’t overlook.
Google/Christopher Hastings Pictured: View from Mount Tom
Click here to find out more about hiking the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. For more of the best places to hike in Massachusetts, check out these trails that are quick and easy.
Tripadvisor/JNFI
Tripadvisor/Ratedbyhanna
Tripadvisor/Meganzopf
Pictured: Mount Monadnock
Tripadvisor/IAHawkins
Google/Danny Colon
Pictured: View from Mount Holyoke
Tripadvisor/Dibir 50
Google/Travis Fuhrman
Pictured: Mount Tom
Tripadvisor/GraceJ
TripAdvisor/Daphnelnes
Pictured: View from Mount Monadnock
Google/Christopher Hastings
Pictured: View from Mount Tom
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
