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▪ Trail Descriptions
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West Branch: Massachusetts Section W-11: Mount Toby to Ruggles Pond This section of the proposed New England Trail follows the trails of Mount Toby over the highlands of the Mount Toby Range (part of the Metacomet Ridge) then northeast into the metamorphic hills of central New England. W-11.0 Mount Toby Mount Toby (1269') is considered to be the one of the most biologically diverse plant habitats in New England. Nearly every major tree species in Massachusetts is represented on the mountain, as well as 42 of 45 possible types of indigenous ferns, and several rare orchids. One of the most unusual mountains in the area, Mount Toby is composed of "pudding stone"--also known as conglomerate--a sedimentary stone composed of cemented bits of gravel, stone and sand. Much of the mountain is part of the Mount Toby Demonstration Forest. The New England Trail would skirt the ledges on the south side of the Mount Toby range, ascend to the summit where there is a fire tower, then descend to Roaring Falls, one of Massachusetts' most attractive waterfalls. W-11.1 Cranberry Pond W-11.3 Montague Wildlife Management Area From Cranberry Pond to Ruggles Pond, the
Robert Frost Trail passes through the Montague Wildlife Management Area.
Features include ledges, steep hills, deep woodland, cascading brooks, and the Pigpen,
an enormous natural rock enclosure. Dry Hill, a high point, offers views to the
west. Ruggles Pond, a highland lake, is a popular swimming and picnic area. Nearby are rocky overlooks, a backpacker's shelter, and a small waterfall. From Ruggles Pond, the proposed New England Trail would follow the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail north.
Resources New England Trail Proposal Maps of this section Other sources Appalachian
Mountain Club Berkshire Chapter
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