Skinner State Park

February 19, 2020 Sunny

This state park in the town of Hadley surrounds Mount Holyoke and provides great views of the Connecticut River valley.

We started at the southern end of the mountain near an old cemetery, planning to climb the ridge to the north and return the same way. Immediately we hit some icy patches in the trail and had to step along the side at times.

After the initial ascent there was a strong western wind that blasted us the rest of the hike. The day was in the upper 30s with bright sun, but a cold front was approaching, ushering in the cooler air.

In a short time, you can already start to see the valley through the trees, and the trail hugs the side ledges, so there are many outcroppings that offer clear views.

Once we reached the sunnier and more sheltered areas, the wind died down and it was quite pleasant in the sun. A few patches had barren rock as you see below.

As we continued higher we found more traces of snow on the rocks and path, and came across a small “pond” that was completely frozen with thick ice. The kids loved sliding along this one.

Although I love to have scenic vistas, sometimes the trail was a little too close to the edge, as you see below. You could easily tumble off if you weren’t careful.

Finally we reached the historic “Prospect House”, which first opened as a hotel in 1851, but is now a viewing area within the park.

At the base of the hotel, you get awesome views to the northwest. On the center left in the distance, the small bump is Mt. Greylock (the highest point in Mass) and on the center right, you can see all the way to Mt. Snow in southern Vermont. In the foreground is the Connecticut River.

Although the building (now a visitor center) was closed for the season, we wandered around the outer deck to enjoy the views. Each side had a helpful map to help us spot near and distant landmarks.

Just before we left, we found this sign with the elevation. Mt. Holyoke definitely feels like a bigger mountain than 942 feet!

Since the trails were pretty icy and snowy, we decided to return via the paved road down the mountain and back to our car. The winding road was still icy in a few shady patches, but cleared as we rounded the last corner into the sun.

Below you can see the “Halfway House”. In the mid-1800s, tourists could take a steep, covered tramway up the mountain to the “Prospect House” hotel (climbing 365 feet over a 600 foot run). Unfortunately, the tram fell into disrepair and was demolished in the 1960s.

This park has plenty of draws – Mt. Holyoke and the Prospect House among them. The hike was really scenic and the views from the top are amazing.

Awesome views west and north across the Connecticut River valley most of the time. Loved reaching the old “Prospect House” hotel with panoramic views.
Would have been a great hike in the summer. The trails were too slippery in the winter.
It smelled like manure the entire time up the mountain, and when we got to the top there was some hotel that we couldn’t even go inside.
The view was nice from the mountain but the trail is okay.
I liked the view of all places on Earth. And I liked the hotel on top. And I liked the paths like stony steps.