The New England Trail Proposal--Trail Tour

Trail Tour

East Branch
~In Rhode Island
~In Massachusetts
~In New Hampshire

West Branch
~In Connecticut
~In Massachusetts
~In New Hampshire

North Branch
~In New Hampshire
~In Quebec

West Branch: Massachusetts
Section W-8: Connecticut border to Connecticut River via the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

This section of the proposed New England Trail would follow the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail over the high, rugged cliffs of the Metacomet Ridge in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is an established footway. It features miles of scenic vistas, rare microclimate plant communities, woodland, as well as several historic sites.

W-8.0: Provin Mountain
Provin Mountain is a 5 mile long traprock mountain ridge. The mountain offers cliff top views to the west, rare plant communities, and woodland. Several underground reservoirs are located on the north side of the mountain.

W-8.1: East Mountain
East Mountain, 9 miles long, offers the most extensive cliff ledge walking in Massachusetts. Several reservoirs are located on the flanks of the mountain. Snake Pond, a scenic kettle pond, is located near the ridge crest. The trail also passes Bearhole Reservoir at the base of East Mountain.

W-8.2: Mount Tom to notch
The Mount Tom Range is a popular outdoor recreation resource. Much of the range is located in the Mount Tom State Reservation. A number of hiking trails traverse the park. The mountain boasts views from 600 foot high west facing cliffs. A narrow notch splits the range in two; it is traversed by a seasonal auto road.

W-8.3: Notch to Mount Nonotuck
Mount Nonotuck is part of the Mount Tom Range. The mountain offers views of the Connecticut River 700 feet below and ruins of an old hotel, Eyrie House. Goat Peak, also located in this section, has a raptor observation platform, open to the public.

W-8.4: Oxbow Lake & Connecticut River
The Oxbow Lake is a horseshoe-shaped body of water that became dissociated from the Connecticut River in the mid 1800's. Hikers who wish to continue hiking the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail must arrange passage over the river via boat, or travel north to the Route 9 bridge in Northampton.