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71-722: The 114-mile (183 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail crosses the summit ridge of Northfield Mountain; a series of shorter hiking trails, cross country ski trails, a cross-country running course, and rock climbing routes are also located on the mountain and its ledges. Northfield Mountain is located at the confluence of the Connecticut River and Millers River . A waterfall, Briggs Brook Falls, plunges from its southeast side. Engineering studies began in October 1964, with early site preparation starting three years later. In 1972 its 1,080- megawatt hydroelectric plant became operational as

142-474: A few state park campsites with facilities along the trail. However, camping is discouraged in many areas. Campfires are generally prohibited, except in established fire rings in state park campgrounds. Trail descriptions are available from a number of commercial and non-commercial sources, and a complete guidebook with topographic maps is published by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Weather along

213-644: A map and compass. Hikers should contact the Berkshire Section of the AMC or review on-line updates for the latest trail relocations. As the crow flies, the M&;M Trail route is never more than a mile or two from a public road; however, cliffs and steep terrain on the Metacomet Ridge and on Mount Monadnock and other peaks make access much more difficult in some areas. There are several primitive lean-tos and campsites, and

284-572: A more rapid rate that the basalt layer above it. Mount Toby is also part of such a geologic layer cake. The bottom layer is composed of arkose sandstone, visible across the Connecticut River on Sugarloaf Mountain in Deerfield, Massachusetts . The middle layer is composed basalt ; it is most visible as the geology of the Pocumtuck Ridge , to the northwest of Mount Toby. The top (youngest) layer

355-467: A number of calcium-loving plants uncommon in Massachusetts. Many bogs, ponds, and reservoirs lie cupped between trap rock ridge shelves, demonstrating the value of these ridges as important aquifers and wetland ecosystem habitats. Because the trap rock ridges generate such varied terrain, they are the home of several plant and animal species that are state-listed or globally rare. Other ecosystems on

426-410: A number of locations. Hunting is permitted in some areas, in season. Much of the trail is also suitable for cross country skiing or backcountry skiing , and some sections are open to mountain biking and horseback riding . Potential trail-use hazards include poison ivy and deer ticks (which are known to carry Lyme disease ). Poisonous snakes are considered extremely rare or extinct along

497-449: A period of 20 million years. Basalt is a dark colored rock, but the iron within it weathers to a rusty brown when exposed to the air, lending it a distinct reddish appearance. Huge slopes made of fractured basalt scree , such as the one beneath the cliffs on Bare Mountain, are common. Erosion occurring between the eruptions deposited deep layers of sediment between the lava flows, which eventually lithified into sedimentary rock , such as

568-510: A seasonal migration path for raptors . Viewsheds from the ledges include agrarian land, suburbs, small towns, river corridors, the eastern Berkshires ridgeline, metropolitan Springfield , and the skyline of the University of Massachusetts Amherst . Where open to public access, the remaining 66 miles (106 km) of trail follows an elevated plateau of 400 million year old metamorphic rock punctuated by occasional monadnocks . The terrain

639-515: Is 1,300 feet (396 m) from bank to bank at the southern terminus of the Robert Frost Trail and is navigable by power boat. Seasonal spring flooding replenishes the nutrients in the surrounding agricultural land. The Robert Frost Trail, blazed with orange rectangles, is considered easy hiking with occasional rugged sections. It is open to hiking , snowshoeing , picnicking , and other passive activities. Swimming and fishing are possible at

710-637: Is a 47-mile (76 km) long footpath that passes through the eastern Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts . The trail runs from the Connecticut River in South Hadley, Massachusetts to Ruggles Pond in Wendell State Forest , through both Hampshire and Franklin County and includes a number of scenic features such as the Holyoke Range , Mount Orient , Puffer's Pond, and Mount Toby . The trail

781-513: Is a dark colored rock, but the iron within it weathers to a rusty brown when exposed to the air, lending the ledges a distinct reddish appearance. Basalt frequently breaks into octagonal and pentagonal columns, creating a unique "postpile" appearance. Huge slopes made of fractured basalt talus are visible beneath many of the ledges; they are particularly visible along the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail on Bare Mountain . The basalt ridges are

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852-481: Is a popular swimming hole . The Robert Frost Trail passes through land in the following incorporated towns: Hadley , South Hadley , Amherst , Granby , Belchertown , Pelham , Shutesbury , Leverett , Sunderland , Wendell and Montague . The Robert Frost Trail might be divided into three general geo-ecological landscapes. Both the Holyoke Range and Mount Toby were formed 200 million years ago between

923-582: Is a rural and largely wooded, post-glacial landscape with sparse viewpoints, deep ravines, and a few bare mountain summits. The trail follows the western edge of this plateau in a northerly direction, then jogs east along the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border before turning north again to reach Mount Monadnock. Prominent features on or easily accessible from this part of the M&M Trail include, from south to north, Rattlesnake Gutter (a boulder-filled chasm), Ruggles Pond in Wendell State Forest ,

994-482: Is also well known for its fossils, especially dinosaur tracks, which have been discovered in several locations near the ridges that the M&M Trail traverses. The Metacomet Ridge hosts a combination of microclimates unusual in New England . Dry, hot upper ridges support oak savannas , often dominated by chestnut oak and a variety of understory grasses and ferns. Eastern red cedar , a dry-loving species, clings to

1065-639: Is composed of Mount Toby Conglomerate. Both Mount Toby and the Holyoke Range are considered among the most biodiverse areas in New England. The trap rock Holyoke Range hosts a combination of microclimates including dry oak savannas , moist ravines dense with eastern hemlock and cooler climate plant species, and talus slopes, rich in nutrients, support a number of calcium-loving plants uncommon in Massachusetts. Fern and orchid species are particularly prolific on Mount Toby; forty-two of forty-five possible native fern species grow there as do rare orchids such as

1136-536: Is geologically related to the higher White Mountains of New Hampshire, farther to the north. The terrain is rugged with many woodland ledges and ravines. The uplands support transitional forests of species common to both the oak-hickory and northern hardwood forest types. Ravines support significant stands of eastern hemlock . Tree and shrub species also include sugar maple ; red maple ; gray, black, paper, and yellow birch ; white ash ; black oak and red oak ; striped maple and mountain laurel . A third of

1207-408: Is geologically related to the higher White Mountains of New Hampshire, farther to the north. The terrain is rugged, with deep ravines and isolated mountain peaks called monadnocks . Notable monadnocks along the M&M Trail include Mount Grace and Mount Monadnock. Other mountains on this section of the M&M Trail, including Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Orient, and Northfield Mountain, represent high points on

1278-527: Is just beneath the summit of Mount Norwottuck. The summit of Norwottuck is made of basalt; directly beneath the summit are the Horse Caves, a deep overhang where the weaker sedimentary layer has worn away at a more rapid rate than the basalt layer above it. The Horse Caves are located a short distance off the M&M Trail via the Robert Frost Trail. The sedimentary rock of the Connecticut River Valley

1349-569: Is located just off the M&M Trail on Little Monadnock Mountain in Rhododendron State Park , New Hampshire. The trail is blazed with white rectangles. It is regularly maintained, and is considered easy hiking, with sections of rugged and moderately difficult hiking along the Holyoke and Mount Tom ranges. Mount Monadnock is regarded as a challenging hike for novice hikers during favorable weather conditions. Guidebooks recommend hikers take

1420-439: Is named after the poet Robert Frost , who lived and taught in the area from 1916 to 1938. Although only 47 miles long, the Robert Frost Trail takes in a diverse patchwork of habitats, terrain, and scenery. The trail traverses trap rock Metacomet Ridge with its microclimate ecosystems; wetland habitat; ponds; farmland; deep ravines; wooded ledges; river banks; reservoirs; historic mill ponds; and dense forests. One segment of

1491-471: Is not fordable; the trail terminates where it meets it (one must walk or drive to the Northampton Route 9 bridge or arrange for boat passage to the opposite bank). Snow is common in the winter and may necessitate the use of cross country skis or snowshoes. Ice can form on exposed ledges and summits, making hiking dangerous without special equipment. Snow and ice tend to linger on Mount Monadnock well into

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1562-868: Is the most prominent peak of southeast New England. At 3,165 feet (965 m) high, it is 1,000 feet (300 m) higher than any mountain peak within 30 miles (48 km) and rises 2,000 feet (610 m) above the surrounding landscape. Its bare, rocky summit provides expansive views. The M&M Trail passes through land located within the following incorporated towns. In Massachusetts (from south to north): Southwick , Agawam , Westfield , West Springfield , Holyoke , Easthampton , Hadley , South Hadley , Amherst , Granby , Belchertown , Pelham , Shutesbury , Leverett , Wendell , Erving , Northfield , Warwick , Royalston ; and in New Hampshire: Richmond , Fitzwilliam , Troy , and Jaffrey . The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail receives its name from

1633-404: Is to picture a layer cake tilted slightly up with some of the frosting (the sedimentary layer) removed in between. A good example of this layer-cake structure can be found on the Robert Frost Trail beneath Mount Norwottuck at the Horse Caves. The summit of Norwottuck is made of basalt; directly beneath the summit are the Horse Caves, a deep overhang where the weaker sedimentary layer has worn away at

1704-742: The Holyoke Range . Abrupt vertical cliffs with visible talus slopes and frequent viewpoints are common throughout. Views are generally to the west on Provin Mountain, East Mountain, and the Mount Tom ranges; and to the north on the Holyoke Range. The Connecticut River cuts through the ridgeline between the Mount Tom and Holyoke ranges in Holyoke, Massachusetts , and the Westfield River separates Provin Mountain from East Mountain in Westfield . Historic features along

1775-599: The Metacomet Ridge of the Pioneer Valley and the upland plateau of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. One common denominator, evidence of recent glacial activity , can be found throughout all parts of the M&M Trail. Such evidence includes glacial erratics , glacial scouring, glacial striations , deranged drainage , mountain notches, U-shaped valleys , highland swamps, and roches moutonnées , so called "sheepback mountains" because they often resemble

1846-676: The Metacomet Trail in Connecticut , of which it is a logical extension, and from Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire . The name Metacomet is derived from Metacom , the 17th-century Native American leader and son of Massasoit of the Wampanoag tribe of southern New England . The term Monadnock is an Abenaki -derived word used to describe a mountain. It has come to be used by American geologists to describe any isolated mountain formed from

1917-524: The Millers River , Farley Ledges , Briggs Brook Falls, Northfield Mountain and reservoir (a hydroelectric reservoir carved out of a mountain top), the historic Hermit Cave, Crag Mountain , Mount Grace , Highland Falls, and Royalston Falls . In New Hampshire, the trail crosses the summits of Little Monadnock Mountain (in Rhododendron State Park ), Gap Mountain , and Mount Monadnock . All three of these peaks have exposed summit ledges. Mount Monadnock

1988-522: The Mount Orient ledges, Atkins Reservoir, Cushman Brook Ravine, Puffer's Pond, and the Leverett Knobs. The ledges of Mount Orient and the swimming beach at Puffer's Pond are popular locally. Harkness Brook, Amethyst Brook, and Cushman brook offer shaded brookside walking and cascades. Lawrence Swamp is a major local wildlife habitat and aquifer. The northern section of the Robert Frost Trail traverses

2059-532: The Pioneer Valley region, and the 22-mile (35 km) Tully Trail in the Royalston area. Significant networks of shorter hiking trails intersect the M&M trail, most notably on the Holyoke and Mount Tom ranges, in Wendell and Erving State Forests , on Northfield Mountain , and on Mount Monadnock. The M&M trail is primarily used for hiking , backpacking , and in the winter, snowshoeing . Portions of

2130-438: The showy lady slipper and the ram's head lady slipper . The Holyoke Range is also an important seasonal raptor migration path. Mount Orient and the section of the Robert Frost Trail north of Mount Toby, from Stoddard Hill to Ruggles Pond, belong to an upland plateau composed of 400 million year old metamorphic rock , mostly schist , gneiss and quartzite . The plateau, averaging 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level,

2201-484: The Connecticut River. Rose Ledge and Farley Ledges are popular among rock climbers. Farley Ledge has been subject to recent conservation and climbing access initiatives. Hermit Mountain is the site of "Hermit's Castle," a state historic site where John Smith, a local recluse, made his home from 1857 to 1900. Northfield Mountains' geologic story can begin in the late pre-Cambrian Period. The ancient pre-Cambrian rocks are more than 600 million years old and are found only in

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2272-600: The Massachusetts/ Vermont border. This ridge, rising hundreds of feet above the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts, is a prominent landscape feature. Mount Tom , at 1,202 feet (366 m) above sea level and with vertical cliff faces of several hundred feet, is the high point. From south to north, the M&M Trail uses the ridges of Provin Mountain , East Mountain , the Mount Tom Range , and

2343-538: The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail leaves off. These trails extend the overall hiking possibilities another 101 miles (163 km) to the south (along the Metacomet Trail and its logical extension, the Mattabesett Trail ), and 50 miles (80 km) farther north into central New Hampshire. Other long hiking trails that intersect the M&M Trail include the 47-mile (76 km) Robert Frost Trail (Massachusetts) in

2414-886: The Mt. Holyoke Range , the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests , the Amherst Conservation Commission, the State of New Hampshire , and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . In 2000, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail was included in a study by the National Park Service for inclusion in a new National Scenic Trail . This study, completed in 2006, is available on-line at the New England Scenic Trail website. It

2485-595: The Robert Frost Trail is located within the bottomlands of the Connecticut River Valley, a relatively flat landscape with occasional rounded hills. The underlying strata is sedimentary rock, and the area has a long history of successful agriculture dating back to pre-colonial times. Soils are rich enough to support a commercial tobacco crop. The area is characterized by wetlands, meandering brooks with deeply cut banks, agricultural land, and patches of northern riverine forest and red maple swamp. Tree species include willow , American elm , and sycamore . The Connecticut River

2556-405: The Robert Frost Trail on Mount Toby, plunges 100 feet (30 m) over ledges in a series of pools, chutes, and cataracts. Cranberry Pond, a glacial kettle pond , is popular for non-motorized boating and ice skating. The Pigpen is a 20 feet (6.1 m) wide by 15 feet (4.6 m) high natural rock enclosure overshadowed by steep ledges, while Ruggles Pond, the centerpiece of Wendell State Forest,

2627-567: The Robert Frost Trail weaves over and around the trap rock Holyoke Range several times. It follows the northern slopes of the range from Mount Holyoke to Taylor Notch, along the ridge line, descending south to Lithia Springs Reservoir, before climbing again to the ridgeline, where it goes north of Mount Hitchcock and Bare Mountain , then crosses to the north slope of the range before summiting Rattlesnake Knob (the eastern peak of Mount Norwottuck ), and Long Mountain. Microclimate ecosystems, rare plant habitats, vernal pools, caves, and abrupt cliffs are

2698-586: The Robert Frost Trail. Although the trail environs are black bear habitat, problem encounters with bears are rare. Guides, maps, and trail descriptions are available from a variety of sources, most notably the town of Amherst Conservation Department, and the Appalachian Mountain Club . Publications are available for purchase at the Amherst town hall and at local bookstores and hiking outfitters. However, most trail maps are out of date. Published in 2004,

2769-581: The Western Berkshires of Massachusetts and in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Metacomet-Monadnock Trail The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail (M&M Trail) is a 114-mile-long (183 km) hiking trail that traverses the Metacomet Ridge of the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts and the central uplands of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire . Although less than 70 miles (110 km) from Boston and other large population centers,

2840-415: The barren edges of cliffs. Backslope plant communities tend to be more similar to the adjacent Berkshire plateau containing species common to the northern hardwood and oak-hickory forest forest types. Eastern hemlock crowds narrow ravines, blocking sunlight and creating damp, cooler growing conditions with associated cooler climate plant species. Talus slopes are especially rich in nutrients and support

2911-410: The conglomerate rock Mount Toby is composed of. The resulting "layer cake" of basalt and sedimentary sheets eventually faulted and tilted upward. Subsequent erosion wore away the weaker sedimentary layers a faster rate than the basalt layers, leaving the abruptly tilted edges of the basalt sheets exposed, creating the distinct linear ridge and dramatic cliff faces visible today. One way to imagine this

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2982-418: The demise of these businesses by shifting tourism to more remote and exotic locations. Many of these properties were eventually bought, taken, or donated for inclusion in various state parks. The terminus of the trail, Mount Monadnock , barren from 2,000 feet (610 m) to its 3,165 feet (965 m) summit and known for its fine views and rugged topography, was once mostly wooded. Fires deliberately set in

3053-457: The early 19th century by nearby farmers concerned with wolves denning in blowdown snags resulted in the denudation of the mountain. The fires burned so hot that the soil was destroyed and subsequently washed away. Since then, the summit has recovered to the degree that it appears natural and scenic, although it is still very barren and reminiscent of the alpine peaks of the White Mountains to

3124-580: The efforts of the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Much of the trail (but not all) is a portion of the New England National Scenic Trail . The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail extends from the Connecticut / Massachusetts border through Hampden , Hampshire , Franklin , and northwestern Worcester counties in Massachusetts, and Cheshire County in New Hampshire . The southern terminus of

3195-538: The end of the Triassic period and the beginning of the Jurassic . The Holyoke Range, part of the Metacomet Ridge that extends 100 miles (160 km) south to Long Island Sound , are composed of basalt , an extrusive volcanic rock . This basalt ridge is the product of several massive lava flows hundreds of feet deep that welled up in faults created by the rifting apart of North America from Eurasia and Africa over

3266-538: The exposure of a harder rock as a result of the erosion of a softer rock that once surrounded it. The M&M Trail was designed in the 1950s by the late Professor Walter M. Banfield of the University of Massachusetts Amherst as an extension of the 50-mile (80 km) Metacomet Trail in Connecticut. The route was constructed utilizing newly blazed paths, abandoned farm roads, and existing hiking trails (many of them several hundred years old) where available. Portions of

3337-470: The fare. Also located on this trail section are the Horse Caves, an overhang of sedimentary rock said to have been used as a bivouac by rebels during Shays' Rebellion . The middle section of the Robert Frost Trail traverses the Connecticut River Valley in the vicinity of eastern Amherst , south Leverett , and abutting towns. Highlights along the way include the 1,000-acre (4.0 km ) Lawrence Swamp, Pomroy Pond, Harkness Brook Ravine, Amethyst Brook,

3408-505: The largest such facility in the world. FirstLight Power Resources also manages recreational resources on the mountain as part of their agreement with the state of Massachusetts. A cross-country ski area is located on the mountain; it includes groomed trails, warming huts, and ski instruction. The 114 mile (183 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail traverses the mountain, as do a number of shorter trails. FirstLight also offers camping at nearby Barton Cove, environmental programs, and boat tours of

3479-426: The north. Vegetation has begun to slowly reclaim some of the ledges and ravines, but the process of soil generation on windy slopes will likely take many hundreds of years. As described in #Conservation and maintenance of the trail corridor below, the M&M Trail is part of the New England National Scenic Trail . The geology and natural environment of the M&M trail can be divided into two distinct sections:

3550-461: The northern part of the M&M Trail. The high, exposed ledges of Mount Monadnock support several alpine and sub-alpine species of plants, including mountain ash , cotton grass , sheep laurel , mountain sandwort , and the mountain cranberry . Krummholz , trees stunted by harsh weather, are found on Mount Monadnock, as are several alpine bogs . The northernmost stand of native rhododendron (growing naturally, not planted) in eastern North America

3621-438: The official trail guide only mentions the west Holyoke range section of the trail to be in development. Other online resources acknowledge that the trail guide is out of date, but fail to provide updated information on this new section. A patchwork of state land, town land, and privately owned land, the Robert Frost Trail is managed and maintained by a local cooperative effort. Partners include town governments, private landowners,

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3692-522: The product of several massive lava flows hundreds of feet deep that welled up in faults created by the rifting apart of North America from Eurasia and Africa . These basalt floods of lava happened over a period of 20 million years. Erosion occurring between the eruptions deposited deep layers of sediment between the lava flows, which eventually lithified into sedimentary rock . The resulting "layer cake" of basalt and sedimentary sheets eventually faulted and tilted upward. Subsequent erosion wore away

3763-454: The route is typical of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire , with slightly warmer temperatures in the Connecticut River Valley versus the upland plateau to the east. Conditions on exposed hill tops and summits may be harsher during cold or stormy weather. Weather atop the exposed and isolated 3,100-foot (940 m) summit of Mount Monadnock can be much more severe than conditions below; high winds are common year round and winter storms on

3834-530: The route on Mount Monadnock and the Holyoke and Mount Tom ranges date back as far as the 18th century. Early trail-building was supported by various summit resort hotels popular in the 19th century. Such resorts once stood on Mount Holyoke, Mount Nonotuck, Mount Tom, and Mount Monadnock (at the Halfway House site). Most of them had burned down or had become defunct by the early 20th century and never recovered. Encroaching development and modern transportation hastened

3905-510: The route, with the possible exception of the warm, dry microclimates on the Metacomet Ridge. Poison ivy is native to the M&M Trail ecosystems, but it occurs with less frequency north of the Holyoke Range, and does not thrive on Mount Monadnock at all. Many water sources along the trail flow through inhabited areas or swamps and may be contaminated. Except during the winter, trap rock ridges tend to be dry, leaving long stretches of trail with no dependable water source. Various portions along

3976-464: The shape of a sheep in profile. The extremely steep south and/or east faces of these hills were carved by the movement of glacial ice down lee slopes. The ridge that forms the spine of the M&M Trail across Provin Mountain, East Mountain, and the Mount Tom and Holyoke ranges was formed 200 million years ago during the late Triassic and early Jurassic periods and is composed of trap rock, also known as basalt , an extrusive volcanic rock. Basalt

4047-509: The southern sections of the M&M Trail include the northern riverine community which supports species such as willow , American elm , and sycamore ; this ecosystem can be found along the Westfield and Connecticut rivers. North of the Holyoke Range, the M&M Trail traverses an upland plateau composed of much older metamorphic rock , mostly schist , gneiss and quartzite . The plateau, averaging 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level,

4118-465: The spring. Biting insects can be bothersome during warm weather. Parasitic deer ticks (which are known to carry Lyme disease ) are a hazard. The trail passes through black bear habitat (especially the northern portions), although problems with bears are rare. More likely are problematic encounters with feral and domestic dogs. Skunks , raccoons , and porcupines are common and active after dark. Venomous snakes are considered extinct along most of

4189-625: The steeply ravined edges of a dissected plateau . The upland plateau section of the M&M Trail supports transitional forests of species common to both the oak-hickory and northern hardwood forest types. Ravines support significant stands of eastern hemlock , and stands of white pine are common throughout. Tree and shrub species also include sugar maple ; red maple ; gray, black, paper, and yellow birch ; white ash ; black oak and red oak ; striped maple ; mountain laurel ; and, on exposed dry ledges, pitch pine . Northern boreal species, particularly red spruce , become apparent on peaks in

4260-471: The summit can be life-threatening. Lightning is a hazard on exposed peaks and ledges during thunderstorms. High flooding is common during rainy periods on the portions of trail that dip into the Connecticut River Valley and the Westfield River Valley , sometimes obliterating the trail. The Westfield River can be forded only during dry periods, and even then not without risk. The Connecticut River

4331-629: The summit of Mount Toby , Stoddard Hill, and Dry Hill. Features along the route include the Mount Toby firetower, Cranberry Pond, the Pigpen, a historic sawmill and dam, and Ruggles Pond in Wendell State Forest. Mount Toby , regarded as one of the most biologically diverse locations in New England, is a conglomerate rock massif unique in Massachusetts. The firetower on its summit provides panoramic views. Roaring Falls, located 0.25 miles (400 m) off

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4402-627: The trail are road walks due to private ownership; contacting the AMC will provide the latest updates. Hikers seeking 'on the ground', current information regarding the status of the M&M trail should read hiker journals available on the Internet, such as Trail Journals.com The M&M Trail passes through public land (state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas), land managed by conservation non-profit organizations, private land under conservation easement, and unprotected private land via permission of individual land owners. Significant threats to

4473-523: The trail are suitable for, and are used for, trail running, mountain biking , and cross-country skiing . Site specific activities enjoyed along the route include hunting , fishing , horseback riding , boating (on the Connecticut River), bouldering , rock climbing , and swimming . The southernmost 40 miles (64 km) of the M&M Trail traverse a northern section of the trap rock Metacomet Ridge which extends from Long Island Sound to

4544-410: The trail follows a narrow greenway that successfully weaves through a small suburban development; another passes through a revegetated landfill; and yet another follows a mowed path along railroad tracks. The Robert Frost Trail has undergone periodic extensions to its length. The most recent included routing the trail over the western half of the Holyoke Range; a proposed northern extension would bring

4615-489: The trail include the Horse Caves on Mount Norwottuck , the ruins of the 19th-century hotel Eyrie House on Mount Nonotuck , and the refurbished Mount Holyoke Summit House on Mount Holyoke . The Mount Holyoke Summit House has been restored as a museum, open during weekends in the summer. The trap rock ridges and talus slopes are also home to several unique microclimate ecosystems that support species of plants that are unusual or endangered in this part of New England , and are

4686-427: The trail is considered remarkably rural and scenic and includes many areas of unique ecologic, historic, and geologic interest. Notable features include waterfalls, dramatic cliff faces, exposed mountain summits, woodlands, swamps, lakes, river floodplain, farmland, significant historic sites, and the summits of Mount Monadnock , Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke . The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is maintained largely through

4757-582: The trail is located in southeast Southwick, Massachusetts , at Rising Corner Road and is identified with a kiosk. Geographically it begins near the gap between West Suffield Mountain and Provin Mountain, southwest of the city of Springfield ; the northern terminus is located on the summit of Mount Monadnock in southern New Hampshire. The Metacomet Trail in Connecticut and the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail in New Hampshire continue where

4828-553: The trail to the Deerfield River . Outdated internet and print sources still describe the trail as either 33 or 40 miles (53 or 64 km) long. The 110-mile (180 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail intersects the Robert Frost Trail several times, as do a lengthy network of smaller trails (many managed by the Amherst Department of Conservation), allowing for a variety of loop-hike possibilities. The southernmost section of

4899-524: The trail, its ecosystems, and its viewshed included quarrying (especially on the trap rock ridges) and suburban sprawl . The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is maintained by volunteer efforts largely facilitated by the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club . Many groups are invested in preserving the pathway and viewshed of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, including The Trustees of Reservations , Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust , Friends of

4970-403: The weaker sedimentary layers a faster rate than the basalt layers, leaving the abruptly tilted edges of the basalt sheets exposed, creating the distinct linear ridge and dramatic cliff faces visible today. One way to imagine this is to picture a layer cake tilted slightly up with some of the frosting (the sedimentary layer) removed in between. One of the best places to view this layer-cake structure

5041-514: Was designated in 2009 as part of the New England National Scenic Trail , which includes the Mattabesett and Metacomet trails in Connecticut . Some sections of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail are also designated as a National Recreation Trail (not the same as a National Scenic Trail). 42°33′N 72°27′W  /  42.55°N 72.45°W  / 42.55; -72.45 Robert Frost Trail (Massachusetts) The Robert Frost Trail

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