Viewing Tower, Quabbin, Ware, MA

Update: Tower was still closed on July 4, 2009.

Original Post:

On our recent visit we learned that the tower is closed for renovations, with an expected re-opening date of June 30, 2009. The views pictured above are from the base of the lookout tower.

The vista from the top is of some of the many Quabbin islands - hilltops that have become hummocks on the water. It's often misty, and always very beautiful. Think Avalon.

A large parking lot is surrounded by a circular drive. Picnic spots are dotted along the edge, where scenery is the most lovely.

The walkway leading to the tower is short, and paved, so you could potentially take your stroller. There are also a number of trails leading from this spot. Several years ago we walked around the area quite a bit and found the paths difficult to navigate - if memory serves, we had a barely toddling little guy who couldn't keep his footing on the roots and rocks. We are looking forward to exploring this area again, this time with our baby in a backpack.

Quabbin (DCR site)

Winsor Dam (my post)

Quabbin Hike (my post)

Quabbin Fishing Area (my post)

Mt. Sugarloaf, Sunderland, MA

In the words of my children, "this definitely looks like a hiking zone." We parked way up at the top, so the only hiking we did was up the stairs of the observation tower. There are a number of beautiful picnic spots, including a large pavillion with tables beneath.
The summit is very parklike, and the kids had a great time romping around, inspecting bugs and rocks. The view made an initial impression on them, but they quickly forgot about it. My oldest, at 4, spent the longest time admiring the view, noticing that the cars were very small, and lo and behold, the road was small too. The observation tower was alluring as a castle hosting one red dragon and one blue prince.
Take 116 all the way through Sunderland and into Deerfield (over the blue bridge). A couple of intersections later turn right; immediately start looking for the brown DCR sign on your right hand side. The road to the summit has at least one secondary parking area that I noticed, perhaps there are more. There is a $2 parking fee.

Mt. Sugarloaf

Mt. Pollux, Amherst, MA

Update: How to Find It

OK. A couple of things. There are two roads, easily confused. One is called Mt Pollux and is NOT the street that leads to the parking area - it's a dead end and signed as such. If you were coming from South Amherst Common you would pass it first and continue 3/10 of a mile down the road to Mt. Pollux itself. Coming from Bay road, if you see the dead end you've already passed the entrance. Adjacent to the drive up to the parking area is a yellow house with a red metal roof. The street looks like it could be the driveway to this house, but of course keeps going. If you have not reached the parking area in about 20 seconds you are on the wrong street. There is only room for one car and tall grasses line the road and mid summer almost choke it.
Hope that helps!

Original Post:
Just off SouthEast St. in Amherst is a small road leading up a hill to a parking area with half a dozen spots. Leading up the hill is a path through a meadow (home to small yellow butterflies in number). At the top of the hill you have a 360 degree view of trees, mountains, and steeples. Several enormous shade trees and a few benches make this a divine picnic spot.

The Amateur Astronomers Association meets here.

Also,
Paneurhythmy - Meditative movement set to sacred music every Saturday, Sunday and holiday at 8 a.m., Mt. Pollux, South East St., Amherst. Free. 253-0628 or 549-1112.

Goat's Peak, Mt. Tom, Easthampton, MA

This is a nice two mile hike with a viewing tower at the top. There are actually two lookout spots, one with two benches overlooking a beautiful view of the valley (photo above), and the tower (photos below). Most of the walk is on a paved road (long closed to traffic, and in disrepair). Quite close to the peak the trail turns to a more typical nature trail. Our visit was in mid-March, so the road was snowy and icy and provided a workout. A large downed tree across the trail required a detour.
Restrooms were available at the Visitor Center adjacent to the parking area. It was closed on the day of our visit.

Mt. Tom State Reservation