Monthly Archives: October 2014

Western Mass, Site 41: Mt. Holyoke

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 41 Map: Mt. Holyoke icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 4.5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Westward view from an open ledge along the Seven Sisters portion of the M-M Trail in the Holyoke Range
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Lithia Springs Reservoir and the south side of the Seven Sisters from Black Rock
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Conglomerate Rock in Skinner State Park
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Summit House on top of Mt. Holyoke
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
A runner descends into Taylor Notch on the M-M Trail
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The M-M Trail / Halfway Trail just west of the summit of Mt. Holyoke
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Snowshoeing an open ridge portion of the M-M Trail on Mt. Holyoke in February (Note: As of 2015, the trail has been re-routed down off this particular stretch of the ridge in order to protect sensitive species habitat). 

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 40: Lake Bray

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 40 Map: Lake Bray icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 3.5-5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Bray Loop Trail along the east side of Lake Bray
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Lake Bray at Mt. Tom State Reservation
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Universal Access Trail at Lake Bray
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bray Loop Trail at Mt. Tom State Reservation
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridge over Bray Brook near the south shore of Lake Bray

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 39: Mt. Tom

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 39 Map: Mt. Tom icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 8 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Ridgerunning the M-M Trail along the cliffs of Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
M-M Trail at Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Cascade Brook at Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Running along the M-M Trail above the western cliffs of Mt. Tom in April
(photo by Ben Kimball copyright 2015)
The rocky and rooty (but switchbacky and fun-to-run) Kay-Bee Trail at Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Running on Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Running on Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Late afternoon on a mid-summer Mt. Tom trail run
photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Ridgerunning on Mt. Tom
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Trail along the western shore of Whiting Reservoir near the south end of Mt. Tom

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 38: Mineral Hills

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 38 Map: Mineral Hills icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 4 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Summit Trail across the crest of Mineral Hills
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Old quarry at the Mineral Hills Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Marsh Marigold in bloom during early May at the Mineral Hills Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Trailside bench near the high point at Mineral Hills Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Trail at Mineral Hills Conservation Area
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Intersection signs at Mineral Hills
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridges over a wet area along the access trail into Mineral Hills Conservation Area from Sylvester Road

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 37: Fitzgerald Lake

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 37 Map: Fitzgerald Lake icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Boardwalk section of trail at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Fitzgerald Lake
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Boggy Meadow Road at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Lakeside trail at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridge on the western half of the Loop Trail near the eastern edge of Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Along the western end of the Lake Trail at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridge along the Halfway Brook Trail in the northeastern section of the site
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the Marian Street Trail
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the Marian Street Trail near junction with the spur trail to the wildlife blind

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 36: Amethyst Brook

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 36 Map: Amethyst Brook icon_pdf

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Spring 2017: Recent timber operations on the southwest side of Mt. Orient have significantly changed the appearance of the forest there, but the Robert Frost Trail is still well-blazed and easy to follow. 

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Bridge over Amethyst Brook.
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
View across the Pioneer Valley to the Holyoke Range from the ledges of Mt. Orient.
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Amethyst Brook
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Robert Frost Trail along Amethyst Brook
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Into the woods by the community gardens near the trailhead at Amethyst Brook
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Amethyst Brook along the trail at Buffum Falls Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the trail at the Buffum Falls Conservation Area

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 35: Puffers Pond

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 35 Map: Puffers Pond icon_pdf

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Spring 2017: Recent timber operations on the north side of Pulpit Hill have made it somewhat difficult to follow about a 0.25-mile stretch of the Robert Frost Trail there (just south of the powerline crossing). Take care when navigating there, and look for remaining orange blazes. 

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The Robert Frost Trail on Pulpit Hill above Puffers Pond
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The loop trail at Eastman Brook Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The trail around PuffersPond
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Boardwalk route at the Lower Mill River Conservation Area near Puffers Pond
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
The Robert Frost Trail on the north side of Pulpit Hill near Puffers Pond
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
More board bridges at the Mill River Conservation Area
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Woodland path along the Mill River below Puffers Pond
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Ellsworth Barnard Trail loop at Eastman Brook Conservation Area

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 34: Sugarloaf Mountain

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 34 Map: Sugarloaf Mountain icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 4+ Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
South Sugarloaf and the Connecticut River from North Sugarloaf
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the trail on the east side of North Sugarloaf
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
View of the Connecticut River and the Holyoke Range from South Sugarloaf
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Westward view from the open ledge near the summit of North Sugarloaf
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Running at North Sugarloaf Mountain
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Southern end of the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail at South Sugarloaf Mtn.
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
A section of smooth doubletrack trail at North Sugarloaf
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2015)
Singletrack at North Sugarloaf Mtn.
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Pocumtuck Ridge Trail near the summit of South Sugarloaf Mtn.

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 33: Mt. Toby

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 33 Map: Mt. Toby icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Mt. Toby Trail Run (an annual trail race tradition)
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Robert Frost Trail on Cranberry Ridge at Mt. Toby
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Running up Tower Road at Mt. Toby
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
About halfway up Tower Road on Mt. Toby
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The gentle lower section of Tower Road at Mt. Toby
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Springtime cascades along Gunn Brook on the west side of Mt. Toby
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Cranberry Pond below Mt. Toby

BONUS SITE: Bull Hill (Mt. Toby south) (Sunderland)

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.

Western Mass, Site 32: Wendell State Forest

This map is intended to be used in conjunction with the site profile text in the TRAIL RUNNING Western Massachusetts guidebook (Kimball 2015, UPNE).

Site 32 Map: Wendell State Forest icon_pdf

Suggested Route Distance: 5.5 Miles

Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Late afternoon on the lower portion of the Lookout Trail at Wendell State Forest
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Whale Head rock at Wendell State Forest
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Ruggles Pond Loop Trail at Wendell State Forest
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
At one of the “Look Out” ledge vistas along the ridge at Wendell State Forest
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
The Metacomet-Monadnock (M-M) Trail / New England Trail (NET) at Wendell State Forest
Photo by Ben Kimball (copyright 2014)
Along the Carlton-Dirth Trail at Wendell State Forest


BONUS SITE: Mormon Hollow loop at Wendell State Forest

To purchase either a hardcopy or ebook version of the Trail Running Western Massachusetts guidebook (May 2015), please visit a local bookseller or click here (Amazon), here (Barnes & Noble), or here (the publisher).

All photos copyright 2014 by Ben Kimball unless otherwise noted.