Skinner State Park

Absolutely a beautiful park and wonderful ascent to the top of MT Holyoke and the Summit House. The 360 degrees panoramic view is breathtaking especially the CT River as it meanders through the South Hadley landscape below. Getting to the top is easiest by car and a challenge if you are determined to walk. There are numerous switch backs along the way as this is a very steep climb. The Summit House while no longer open do to funding issues is beautiful but there is a porch surrounding the house affording you good visibility on the sights below.

I recommend going to the Summit House and taking in the view. This plan, coupled with getting ice cream at Flayvors, or the North Hadley Sugar shack, could stretch into a full day. No, half of a day. Take the remainder and go home to and grill out and have a picnic with Steel Rail. Now that might be a full — er day.
Then watch Trailer Park Boys… I’m getting carried away.
The summit house is great. Go look at the river and the rest of the valley. Make fun of the Southwest Towers. Enjoy!

If you are a student here in the Berkshires and you want to show your family around, consider making a trip to Skinner State Park.
«Look, mom and dad! This area isn’t all farmland! There’s also a river! And a mountain!»
Parents seem to be pretty impressed with Skinner.
«This valley looks like it will be a good environment for Junior to go to college. So wholesome, outdoorsy, and clean. He’ll come back home at Thanksgiving 20 lbs lighter!» (Little do they know that Junior is planning on doing a few keg stands at UMass on Sat after they leave.)
Skinner State Park must be the highest point in the Connecticut River Valley. If you’re really athletic (or a sadist), go for a run up to the top– you’ll have a great view the entire way. Check out the Summit House, which was a very popular hotel in the 1800s. There are plenty of good vantage points at the top, along with picnic tables and grills. The best time to visit would be in the spring or in the fall.

Breathtaking view of the CT River Valley from the summit house. Picnic tables and those little grills if you want to go for lunch or dinner. Grassy areas if you want to sit on the grass. If you look around a little there’s some ledges you can sit on and enjoy a great view.