West Branch: Massachusetts
Section W-13: Crag Mountain to the
Tully Trail via the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
This section of the proposed New England Trail
would follow the Metacomet-Monadnock
Trail through the Northfield Hills region of north-central
Massachusetts. It would include the summits of several monadnocks as well as
dense forests, highland swamps, and cascading brooks.
W-13.0 Crag Mountain
Crag Mountain offers expansive views of the region from its bare,
quartzite peak. The panorama includes the Millers River Valley north to Mount
Monadnock,
with a fine bird's eye view of the Northfield Reservoir. The quartzite that
makes up this peak was formed when quartz sandstone was compressed by tectonic
forces beneath the earth's surface. The result --quartzite-- is an exceptionally
hard and weather resistant stone.
W-13.1 Upper Bald Hills and Stratton Mountain
The Metacomet Trail crosses over a series of
high, steep and mostly wooded monadnocks with deep, wooded ravines.
W-13.2 Mount Grace
Mount Grace is the most prominent summit in north central Massachusetts.
Although mostly wooded, there are fine views from several ledges and an outstanding 360' degree panorama from the fire
tower on the summit.
W-13.3 Highland Falls
A scenic waterfall located east of Mount Grace.
W-13.4 Mayo Hill and White Hill
Another series of monadnocks with mostly
wooded summits. The Tully Trail diverges from the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail on
White Hill. The proposed route of the New England Trail would follow the Tully
trail south then north again, rejoining the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail at
Royalston Falls.
Resources
Appalachian
Mountain Club Berkshire Chapter
Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
Massachusetts
Department of Conservation and Recreation
NPS
brochure for National Scenic Trail proposal
U.S.
Congress New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act
Quabbin
to Cardigan Conservation Collaborative
Mount
Grace Land Conservation Trust
Franklin Land Trust
North
Quabbin Woods project
North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership
Western
Massachusetts Access (rock climbing)
Erving
State Forest
Mount Grace State Forest
|
