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Mount Holyoke Range State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 726 Google reviews · Running trail in Amherst, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mount Holyoke Range State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
3,000-acre lava rock range with thickets of forest, 30 miles of hiking trails & winter sports.
What runners say about Mount Holyoke Range State Park
“The trails are well maintained, well marked with maps available at the visitors center.”
“The trails here are absolutely stunning and very challenging, but sadly the trails at the time that we went were totally iced over and made it impossible to scale Bare mountain.”
“Great place to go for a long run or hike.”
“The trails are well maintained, well marked with maps available at the visitors center.”
These trails are kept well by the staff. Depending on your ascension it's relatively mild. The horse caves require a moment of climbing that's not too difficult. A favorite of mine to run. 54 minutes is my best at 40 years of age. Post your Horse Caves loop time.
Great hiking. Lots of technical climbs and desents. Nice views and pretty well marked trails. Can spend a good part of your day doing all the summits.
I've climbed Mount Norwottuck by navigating the base around to the east side and then going up the south east face. The view on top was amazing. Theres also a smaller cliff on the south east side. The trails can be steep but are very navigable.
Nice place to hike, enjoy the outdoors. I have to come back as I did not have enough time to get to the top of the Bare Mountain and enjoy the view. Stay tuned! Here i am back into the outdoor adventure, finally made it to the top of Bare Mountain. It is a beautiful scenic panoramic view and relaxing.
Trail conditions & character
“The White blazed Metacomet-Monadnock trail is the highlight as it traverses the entire ridgeline/range, offering both challenging climbs and terrain as well as several nice views.”
“Well maintained, easy to park, bathrooms in the visitor center and very good view”
“Challenging on the way up but excellent payoff with these spectacular views, and pretty easy on the Robert frost trail back to parking.”
“We hiked the Mount Norwottuck Loop - a bit challenging but the views are stunning”
“The trails can be steep but are very navigable.”
“The trails are well maintained, well marked with maps available at the visitors center.”
Plan your run at Mount Holyoke Range State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 413-253-2883
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–4 pm |
Running trails near Amherst
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Chmura Road - Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Mt. Pollux Conservation Area
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Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hikes and picnicking.
