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Mt. Pollux Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Running trail in Amherst, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mt. Pollux Conservation Area'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 offering kid-friendly hikes and picnicking.
What runners say about Mt. Pollux Conservation Area
“This is the most beautiful spot for both sunrise and sunset!”
Amazing view of the valley and hills for being such an extremely short and easy walk to the top from the parking area. That parking is very limited, however. ALWAYS carpool, especially if you're going at sunset during nice weather. There will be others there and it's a small area.
Very nice hill place thing for star gazing. There was a negative wind chill when I went there and the moon was quite bright but its also just a really cool place to look out at the valley even when conditions aren't ideal.
Great views of the Pioneer Valley. There is a small parking lot, rarely full, and a couple of benches located about a quarter mile up the hill from the lot. It's a peaceful spot, and very much worth a little side trip.
Beautiful mountain top (hill) meadow. Lovely views, birdsong, monarch butterflies and more. Short walk from paved lot.
Trail conditions & character
“Amazing view of the valley and hills for being such an extremely short and easy walk to the top from the parking area.”
“There is a small parking lot, rarely full, and a couple of benches located about a quarter mile up the hill from the lot.”
“There is a small parking lot, rarely full, and a couple of benches located about a quarter mile up the hill from the lot.”
Plan your run at Mt. Pollux Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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
- Websitekestreltrust.org
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.
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