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Sweet Alice Conservation Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 24 Google reviews · Running trail in Amherst, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sweet Alice 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.
What runners say about Sweet Alice Conservation Area
“Beautiful hiking area, some paths are a little challenging going uphill and around.”
“Fairly well marked and clear, this is a great alternative trail system connecting to Norwottuck Mtn than the Notch.”
“Quiet but we definitely enjoyed hearing the Holyoke air raid siren at noon.”
As an aging hiker with minor knee problems, it's a joy to find a local hike not too far from my house that's easy on the knees! What a wonderful little trail this is! Follow the yellow blazes, avoid the power line access trails and come back via the Kestrel Pond Loop trail (not really a loop.
Great trail. Not uncommon during certain times of the year to see a Blue Heron near the lake or a turtle sunning along the path. Wild Columbine blooms in some places along the trail. I should note there is a gun range nearby that can sometimes be heard while walking around the trails.
Beautiful hiking area, some paths are a little challenging going uphill and around. But in the Fall the surrounds are beautiful, with plenty of trees and flowing brooks.
Considering I was guiding folks for a full moon hike (see Adventure East) in October of '21, the paths are many and varied terrain. Fairly well marked and clear, this is a great alternative trail system connecting to Norwottuck Mtn than the Notch. Kestral Land Trust abuts, with a pond and programs.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hiking area, some paths are a little challenging going uphill and around.”
“Quiet but we definitely enjoyed hearing the Holyoke air raid siren at noon.”
“Follow the yellow blazes, avoid the power line access trails and come back via the Kestrel Pond Loop trail (not really a loop.”
“Fairly well marked and clear, this is a great alternative trail system connecting to Norwottuck Mtn than the Notch.”
Plan your run at Sweet Alice Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
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3,000-acre lava rock range with thickets of forest, 30 miles of hiking trails & winter sports.
Mt. Pollux Conservation Area
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Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hikes and picnicking.
Chmura Road - Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails
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