....

From The Mt. Tom Summit

I can easily say that the Mt. Tom Cliff hike is one of the best in the Pioneer Valley.  After a quick climb the the summit you get to stroll along the cliffs for about 2.5 miles with awesome views the whole way.

Start the hike by parking near the Mt. Joe coffee kiosk. The trailhead is across RT 141 where the guardrail ends.  The trail quickly makes it’s way to some power lines turn left and follow the trail along the power lines. The trail turns to the right leaving the power lines and starts a steep short 1/2 mile climb to the summit. The summit is a bit populated with antenna, other communication devices, and plenty of graffiti some dating back to the 1850′s. Originally a summit house stood atop Mt. Tom some parts of the original foundation from the 1890′s are still supporting the antenna farm.  Power buildings provide a nice hum on the summit, although a neat place not very peaceful.  On some large rocks just past the summit you can see some carvings in the rock form long ago…

J.A. 1850

Continue north on the M&M trail, the path remains mostly level and views from the cliff top are amazing.  Some parts of the trail force you eerily close to the cliff edge.  Some sections also require short scrambles up and down steep shale so small children and dogs might have a hard time with some sections. After about 2 1/2 miles of breathtaking views the trail descends it’s way to Christopher Clark Road.  Turn left onto Christopher Clark Road, in about 0.3 miles turn left onto Old Fire Road Trail to avoid a long road walk back to the parking area. In 1.8 miles the trail meets back up with Christopher Clark Road, turn right and a short road walk will return you to the parking area.

View from the cliffs

P.S. – A huge thanks to DeVito for the new hike icons!

Other Reading: