This Incredible Hike in Massachusetts Comes With The Biggest Surprise

Although other parts of New England are more known for their terrain, with Maine’s extensive coastline and rivers and New Hampshire’s mountains and lakes coming to mind, Massachusetts is still a popular hiking destination for many. Much of this is due to the fact that famous trails cut through the state, including the Appalachian Trail, and there is a wide variety of hikes to choose from (challenging, easy, short, family-friendly, etc.). But it is also because of hikes like the Mount Tom via New England Trail, which offers a hefty surprise at its summit. 

The Mount Tom via New England Trail is a 3.9-mile out-and-back trail that takes a bit over two hours to complete. The New England Trail, similarly to the Appalachian Trail, is a long-distance footpath for hikers that crosses multiple states. As such, this section of the trail is only a small part of the 235-mile-long path. And yet, this area of the trail offers a fun, challenging hike with multiple stunning lookouts and one big prize at the summit: an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Connecticut River Valley. 

Although the Mount Tom via New England Trail is well-maintained, it is also known to be a hike where you have to pay attention while on it. Starting off the hike, it’s easy to see why, with steeply inclined rocky areas and a few parts that require scrambling. Most hikers would agree that these areas are challenging but fun, and even young children can navigate the area with some supervision. Then, there are some steep areas with ledges off the mountain that serve as lookouts along the way up. As a result, although this trail offers a good workout on warm, dry days, rain can make the trail slippery and dangerous. This also means that during the winter, it is not recommended to climb unless you have spikes or crampons due to the ice and an increased risk of slipping.

The Mount Tom State Reservation is popular among hikers, runners, bikers, and snow-sport enthusiasts. It is also well regarded by bird watchers, especially for observing the patterns of birds of prey (hawks and falcons mainly, but others like vultures and bald eagles can be seen). This popularity lends itself to many facilities, including well-maintained trails, but it also means that parking can be limited at times, so plan accordingly. Something else to watch out for, especially when bringing children or dogs, would be snakes. The area is known to have copperheads and timber rattlers, both of which are venomous.

Truly, the Mount Tom via New England Trail is a hike you have to pay attention to, but it’s also one you want to pay attention to. The things that seem like hardships are often interesting or fun to deal with when one is prepared correctly. Overall, it’s a rewarding, enjoyable hike where you have to work hard for the views, but it doesn’t take too long, can be done with family and friends, and results in some gorgeous pictures.