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Mount Toby State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 187 Google reviews · Running trail in Leverett, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mount Toby State Forest'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.
Nature preserve featuring hiking trails, a waterfall, and a fire tower, among other attractions.
What runners say about Mount Toby State Forest
“Beautiful place, but with the 14 inches of rainfall in Sunderland this past month (07/2023), the main trail leading up to the fire tower was super rocky and washed out.”
This was an amazing hike! NOTE: THE ADDRESS AND PARKING AREA ARE NOT ACCURATE, THE PARKING AREA HAS 2 UMMARKED ENTRIES. I know this as I passed it a few times. There is an Ashram right behind the parking area along rte 63. You will be blown away by the start of this hike at only 200 meters in.
One of the best hiking areas nearby. Although the elevation is not that high by New England standards, it towers over the surroundings, and there are a few good steep sections hiking up. Mt Toby is also a mini waterfall paradise, with 2 distinct waterfalls on the east side, and 3 distinct waterfalls on the east side.
That was a great hike up to the Tower. Some of the roads are flat but the majority is uphill and some paths get a little steep. The woods looked beautiful with running streams along side of you. If you make it to the top there isn't much of a view unless you climb the tower.
Great park to hike around and enjoy for the day. Firetower, Roaring Falls, and the caves on the East side are highlights. Nothing is too hard to get to and easily accomplished in a day.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place, but with the 14 inches of rainfall in Sunderland this past month (07/2023), the main trail leading up to the fire tower was super rocky and washed out.”
“NOTE: THE ADDRESS AND PARKING AREA ARE NOT ACCURATE, THE PARKING AREA HAS 2 UMMARKED ENTRIES.”
“Although the elevation is not that high by New England standards, it towers over the surroundings, and there are a few good steep sections hiking up.”
“Beautiful place, but with the 14 inches of rainfall in Sunderland this past month (07/2023), the main trail leading up to the fire tower was super rocky and washed out.”
“Some of the roads are flat but the majority is uphill and some paths get a little steep.”
“There are plenty of picnic tables at the summit and the tower although not open at the top is accessible so you can get a good 360 panoramic view of the area.”
Plan your run at Mount Toby State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteeco.umass.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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