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What’s so Great about Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts?

Sometimes you just need to go high up and look around you. Therefore, these amazing viewpoints in Western Massachusetts will satisfy any craving for a top floor outdoor room with a view.

Viewpoints are perfect for gaining a new perspective. Want a scenic vista to marvel at the fall colors of New England? Need a dark sky to watch the Perseids meteor showers? Have a desire to see the distance landscape? Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts will provide all this and more.

Here are my favorite places for a scenic view in Western Massachusetts. All are accessed by hiking trails. Some you can drive to if your hiking shoes are gathering dust in the back of your closet. Visiting viewpoints in Western Massachusetts is the New England equivalent to peak bagging elsewhere. So visit them all.

Mount Holyoke

A historic summit house, a historic view, and a historic river valley are some of the highlights of a visit to Mount Holyoke.

Summit House

The mountaintop hotel was built in stages in the 1800s. Guests arrived by taking the covered inclined tram from the Half Way House to the top. Likewise, tourist resorts were built on other neighboring New England peaks, but the restored Summit House is the only one remaining in the area.

The view preserved in history is the Oxbow of the Connecticut River. Landscape painter Thomas Cole captured a thunderstorm moving toward the Oxbow in his famous masterpiece painted from Mount Holyoke.

The Connecticut River Valley has a fascinating geologic history. It was once the site of a glacier-fed lake named Lake Hitchcock. The lake eventually receded leaving a fertile, stone-free bottomland that became an agricultural paradise. In addition, fossil footprints of dinosaurs are found in many places in the valley.

Panoramic view from the Summit House

The clockwise panoramic view from the porch of the Summit House starts with Mt. Tom to the south. Then the Oxbow of the Connecticut and Mitch’s Island come into view. The farm fields of the Meadows in front of the city spires of Northampton are next. Finally, your view crosses the Connecticut River and the Calvin Coolidge bridge to take in the many mountains to the north. Local mountains you can see are Mount Sugarloaf, Mount Toby, and Mount Warner in the foreground.

See 4 states at this viewpoint in Western Massachusetts

The top of Mount Holyoke will give you a glimpse at 4 New England states on a clear day. From the parking lot, look south past the city of Springfield, MA to see the skyscrapers of Hartford, CT on the horizon. From the Summit House porch, a glance to the west will show Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusett. The ski hills of Vermont are visible to the north. Finally, the rounded top of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire can be seen to the northeast.

There are several trails to hike up Mount Holyoke. Popular ones include the Taylor’s Notch trail and the M&M trail up the ridge. I describe my favorite Mount Holyoke summit hike in this post. Check out all the details here.

Related Post -> Best Hikes in the Holyoke Range

Mount Sugarloaf

View from Mount Sugarloaf

Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield rises above the agricultural fields of the Connecticut River Valley like a lump of reddish-brown clay. The loaf of brown sugar that graced the dinner table of colonists was the origin of the English name. However, the Native American name for the mountain system may be more appropriate. It was called Ktsi Amiskw or the Great Beaver. Looking at the mountain from a distance you can see the distinct head of the beaver in South Sugarloaf, with North Sugarloaf as the outline of the body. The beavertail is the rest of the Pocumtuck ridge.

A view from South Sugarloaf takes in the mosaic of farm fields in the area. The tobacco barns of the valley perched next to fields of broadleaf tobacco are for curing the big leaves used in cigar making.

Hatfield tobacco farm

A scan of the area from the summit starts with the church steeple of quaint Sunderland. The fire tower of Mount Toby hoovers above the town and the bridge across the Connecticut. To the south is a view of the entire Holyoke Range. UMASS occupies real estate in front of the Holyoke Range with the library tower dominating.

Mount Sugarloaf panorama

Wonder what Julia Child, Louis Armstrong, Babe Ruth, Mona Lisa, and Blackbeard the Pirate all have in common? Their likenesses have all been cut into a cornfield at Mick’s Maze, a New England bucket list destination. Therefore, the view of one of these artistic mazes alone is worth the trip up the South Sugarloaf.

For more information on hiking or driving up Mount Sugarloaf, refer to this post for all the details.

Accessibility of Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts

Accessible picnic table on Mount Holyoke

Since not everyone can hike to these high places, I provide accessibility information about the viewpoints listed here. Both Mount Holyoke and Mount Sugarloaf have seasonally open roads to drive to the top. There are accessible picnic tables and restrooms as well. Check beforehand about what is open. Parking fees are waived for anyone with a handicapped, Purple Heart, or disabled veteran license plate or placard. Seniors can also get a reduced fee lifetime parking pass ahead of time to visit Massachusetts state parks.

Mount Warner

Mount Warner viewpoint

This viewpoint in Western Massachusetts is an isolated hill rising above the agricultural plain surrounding it. From Point Lookout, a vantage point on Mount Warner, the Connecticut River, and the whole Pocumtuck ridge come into view.

Getting to the top of Mount Warner involves a pleasant hike through a hemlock-hardwood forest and by boulders of various sizes left behind during the last glacial retreat. Dogs who like scenic views are welcome here.

The Salamander Crossing Trail, a 2.2 mile loop around the whole property, starts at the Trustees of Reservations trailhead on Mt. Warner Road.

The mountain is adjacent to Lake Warner, a great paddling pond mentioned here.

Visiting viewpoints in Western Massachusetts is the New England equivalent to peak bagging elsewhere. Click To Tweet

Bare Mountain

New England Peace Pagoda

A sighting of the Peace Pagoda is a highlight of a hike up to the summit of Bare Mountain. Looking to the north, sharp observers will be able to pick out the round mound of white in the distance in the hills of Leverett. The Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist shrine built entirely by volunteers to encourage world peace.

This bare-topped mountain has a lot to like. The hike is my favorite of the climbs in the Holyoke Range. You can be to the top in half an hour and see 360-degree views and 4 states from the mountain. If you look to the east you will see the Pelham Hills and the summit of Mount Norwottuck. Norwottuck is the name of the Native American people who lived in the area. The word means “the midst of the river” and is an apt description as the homeland of the people was focused around the Connecticut River.

Bare Mountain looking toward Norwottuck

From the summit, you can see a quarry below you. This area used to be Round Mountain, a peak as high as the surrounding mountains in the range. The basalt or traprock was mined starting at the turn of the century until the mountain was leveled. That’s a lot of gravel roads.

You can also see the Notch running through the mountain range. The Bare Mountain hike starts across from the Notch Visitors’ Center and follows the white-blazed M & M trail to the top. There is plenty of parking available. You won’t be by yourself climbing Bare Mountain on a nice weather weekend.

Mount Tom Range

View of Mount Tom from Mt. Holyoke

The Connecticut River separates the peaks of the Mount Tom Range from the rest of the Holyoke Range. They are identified from afar by the numerous radio and TV antennas on top. The ridge of the Mount Tom Range has several peaks, all with excellent views. There are 22 miles of hiking trails across the entire range. However, most people climb Goat Peak and enjoy the views from the lookout tower. Mount Tom, at 1201 feet, is the highest peak and has scenic vistas along the trail. The Metacomet/Monadnock (M & M) Trail, also called the New England Trail, will take you to the top.

Mount Tom is quite famous for the soaring raptors gliding above the peaks during fall migration. Visitors can sometimes see hundreds of hawks riding the thermal updrafts over the mountain.

Outdoor Pro Tip: To really enjoy the beauty of birds, get yourself a good pair of binoculars and a trusty bird book. You don’t have to spend a fortune when starting out. I recommend Celestron binoculars. They have incredible optics at a reasonable price. I use my Celestron Outland 10×42 binocs for bird feeder and window birdwatching. For the field, I take along my Celestron Nature binoculars. My recommended bird book is the Peterson Guide to Birds of North America. This classic guidebook, continually updated, has accompanied me for 50-plus years.

The main entrance to the hiking trails is on Reservation Road off Route 5 in Easthampton. Drive up the road for parking areas close to the peak trailheads.

Mount Tom Range view

Mount Pollux

View to the north

Named for one of the twin stars in the Gemini constellation, therefore, it makes sense that Mount Pollux is the perfect viewpoint in Western Massachusetts for having a clear view of the night sky. Plus, you can be at the top with less than a 5-minute walk.

A lone spreading oak marks the top giving plenty of space for open skies and panoramic views of the many mountain ranges surrounding it. A close view of the Holyoke Range gives you ideas of potential future hikes. Long Mountain and Mount Norwottuck with Rattlesnake Knob sandwiched between are enticing hiking destinations seen from this viewpoint.

Mount Norwottuck and Rattlesnake Knob

The tiny mountain packs a wallop for activities other than peak viewing. It’s known as the best place to watch a sunset in Amherst. Or you can picnic, watch birds soar, or go sledding in the winter.

Sledding on Mount Pollux

The entrance to the Mount Pollux Conservation Area is located on South East Street in S. Amherst. However, be aware that the parking lot is small and you are guaranteed to drive past the sign on your first visit.

Amherst College Overlook

For an expansive view toward the eastern side of the Connecticut River Valley go no further than the Amherst College campus. The Amherst College Sanctuary trails will bring you out to Tuttle Hill. Here is a view of the eastern end of the Holyoke Range and the Pelham Hills. The open field is a wonderful place to relax–a picnic table and chairs are provided.

Access the Sanctuary trails from the Norwottuck bike trail or South East Street in Amherst. People with mobility challenges can drive up to the viewpoint using the driveway to the Book and Plow farm at 425 South East Street.

Wrap-up of Amazing Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts

What’s better than a new highpoint in your life? These peaks offer the best viewpoints in Western Massachusetts. You could go to the library tower at the University of Massachusetts, hit the button for the 26th floor, and have a lovely view of the Connecticut River Valley. And while I do recommend that view, the time in nature to find the summits listed here is definitely worth it.

The views are marvelously different in every season. Make sure you have your camera for the fall foliage. And don your microspikes for a winter adventure. A night hike or being on top when the sun first rises is a wonderful way to build outdoor memories.

If you have amazing views you love, please mention them in the comments so we can all enjoy them.

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39 Comments

Poppy · August 15, 2020 at 6:26 pm

This is so pretty! If only I was in MA

MacKenzie - Rainbow Travel Life · August 15, 2020 at 6:58 pm

My grandparents used to live in MA, but I never got to explore it like this. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to see some of these views – I’ll probably start at Holyoke!

Sue · August 16, 2020 at 7:27 am

It sure is a beautiful area. I love the photos and panoramic views. I would love to go picnicking at any of the places mentioned.

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:16 am

    You will have to come for a visit. It’s been too long since you have been east.

Lindley · August 16, 2020 at 2:14 pm

Love this! I’ve never been, but it’s on my list

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:16 am

    Great. Please come and enjoy.

Carolina · August 16, 2020 at 7:14 pm

I lived in Rhode Island for a few years, but never got a chance to head up to Western Massachusetts. I would love to go back and explore more!

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:15 am

    Rhode Island definitely some beautiful places too. I hope you can get to Western Mass sometime.

Heather Markel · August 16, 2020 at 7:46 pm

Wow, you can tell how much you love this area. Beautiful photos and the hikes and views look gorgeous!

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:13 am

    I really do love the wilderness in my own backyard.

M.K. Dymock · August 17, 2020 at 7:40 pm

I really need to take a road trip through New England—especially in the fall.

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:12 am

    Fall in New England is unparalleled!

Farrah · August 18, 2020 at 12:36 am

There are so many gorgeous views/overlooks! I’d love to go visit someday! As far as MA goes, I’ve only really ever been to Boston!

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:12 am

    The rest of New England is definitely worth a visit.

Marina · August 18, 2020 at 12:38 am

All of those viewpoints are so amazing! It makes me wanna go there right now *w*

Tranquil Trekker · August 18, 2020 at 10:07 am

These look beautiful! I love rural New England!

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:11 am

    New England does deliver with natural beauty and charming villages

Cass · August 19, 2020 at 4:04 pm

I really do have a thing for viewpoints – always cool to know the best vantage points to see the world! massachusetts looks gorgeous

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:10 am

    There’s such a great perspective of nature from up high.

Kez · August 19, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Any hike with a view and I’m there! These views look utterly spectacular 😍

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:08 am

    They are even more spectacular in real-time.

Kelly · August 19, 2020 at 7:41 pm

Such a pretty area! I always thought of the East Coast as being quite flat, but its great to see that there are viewpoints like this 🙂 Would love to visit the one where you can see 4 states!

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Our mountain may not be as high as out west but they are marvelous in terms of beauty.

Megan Lawrence · August 20, 2020 at 12:23 am

I’ve never been to MA – this certainly makes me think I should plan to visit and do a few hikes. I love the views from Mt Sugarloaf.

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:07 am

    There is much natural beauty in the state. So many hikes too.

Zi @craving.adventure · August 20, 2020 at 4:15 am

Ahh love a good viewpoint! This area looks beautiful

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:06 am

    I agree that there is nothing like a great viewpoint.

Josy A · August 21, 2020 at 10:05 pm

Yeees! I always want to get up high and look around, so this sounds like the best parts of Massachusetts for me! What a lovely, green area.

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Shh, we think Western Mass is the best part of the state. Don’t tell the people of Boston (-;

Patti · November 10, 2020 at 12:42 pm

I love epic views and these are fantastic. I have yet to visit the MA area but i hope to one day, especially during Fall for that glorious fall foliage. Thanks for the list of these great view point spots.

    Karen · April 4, 2021 at 11:49 am

    I hope you get to MA someday and especially get to visit beautiful Western MA.

Mike · April 1, 2021 at 4:54 pm

Go to Mt Craig in Noirthfield, Ma. A hidden tresusure. Over looks all of Central Ma. And the Berkshires and NH., Vt. It is by far my favorite.

    Karen · April 4, 2021 at 11:48 am

    Thank you for reminding me about Mt. Crag. I haven’t been up there in a few years but it is an amazing viewpoint.

Erica · April 7, 2021 at 10:30 pm

What gorgeous viewpoints! I love your photos, they make it even more enticing to go! I especially appreciate that you also included accessible options and encouraged visiting in multiple seasons. I hope to enjoy your great advice!

Susan · April 8, 2021 at 8:13 am

Nice roundup of scenic places. And you added in some interesting tidbits like the farmer’s field and the comparison to the painting. Oh, and the accessibility bit is a nice addition. It’s one of those things that is often overlooked.

Julia · April 8, 2021 at 9:55 am

I’m always looking for new hiking areas and having a view makes trails so much sweeter! Hadn’t considered Massachusetts since it has neighboring states with great hiking… thanks for sharing!

Daphna · April 8, 2021 at 2:03 pm

What fabulous views! I actually grew up in New England but sadly haven’t explored Western MA too much.

Tom · June 19, 2021 at 1:24 pm

I was also going to mention Mt Craig as being overlooked. Also, what about Mt Greylock? And I’m not sure if it is still open to public, but on Mohawk Trail there is a fire tower that if I recall correctly, gives you view of CT, NY, VT, and NH. Lastly, glad you mentioned Peace Pagoda. It is like a piece of the Far East just plopped into the woods….. with koi fish ponds too! I first saw it in 1983-84, before the outdoor temple area burned down.

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