Lee Ann Gale
Explore a former working forest and trek to a summit that rewards with panoramic views from Mount Wachusett to Vermont's Green Mountains.
The ascent from the main entrance to the summit of Peaked (pronounced “pea-kid”) Mountain is a workout, a climb along a trail that is strenuous in places and gains 467 feet in elevation. But once you reach the top, the 1,227-foot summit provides spectacular views of undisturbed rural and forested landscapes in every direction: a sweep of rolling New England countryside with valley farms and small villages, mountains, hills, and even the distant city of Springfield.
At Peaked Tract, fire roads lead through quiet woods that attract songbirds, such as thrushes and warblers, as well as turkey vultures, hawks, and barred owls. Adjacent to Peaked Mountain and abutting Shenipsit State Forest at the Connecticut state border, you’ll find a 530-acre parcel of wildlife conservation land owned by a local partner organization, the Norcross Wildlife Foundation.
At the Miller Forest Tract, a second trail leads to and encircles Lunden Pond, where you can glimpse beavers, herons, and other wildlife drawn to the quiet waters; other trails at the Miller Tract lead to a historic hunting cabin.
FREE to all. Open sunrise to sunset.
Please note that parking lots are plowed in the winter, but may not be open for 24-72 hours following a storm.
138 Butler Road
Monson, MA 01057
E-mail: info@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From I-90, take Exit 63 to Rt. 32 South. Follow Rt. 32 to Monson and proceed 4.5 mi. Just before the soldier statue in Monson turn right onto High St. Take immediate left onto Ely Rd. Proceed 1 mi., then go straight at stop sign onto Lower Hampden Rd for 2 mi. Turn left onto Butler Rd. Continue 0.5 mi. to Miller Forest Tract entrance and parking (6 cars) on right or 1.2 mi. to main entrance and parking (20 cars) on left.
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you visit.
Remains of charcoal mounds and a collier’s fireplace indicate that Peaked Mountain was the site of a 19th-century operation that provided fuel for local iron smelters and forges. In the mid-1990s, local landowners Len and Roslyn Harrington began the process of securing their mountain property for posterity. Generous neighbors Richard Elliott and the Miller family, hundreds of other supporters, and the Town of Monson and the Norcross Wildlife Foundation also participated. Working with The Trustees, almost 1,000 acres were preserved. The Peaked Mountain reservation was formally introduced in October of 1999.
Great for families! Extensive marked hiking trails with nice views. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
– AI S, Trip Advisor
