Crag Mountain (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crag Mountain |
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View from Crag Mountain; Northfield Mountain Reservoir in distance
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,503 ft (458 m) |
| Parent peak | Brush Mountain |
| Geography | |
| Location | Northfield, Massachusetts |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 400 million years |
| Mountain type | Arête; quartzite |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Metacomet-Monadnock Trail |
Crag Mountain is a cool peak in the Bald Hills area of eastern Massachusetts. It stands about 1,503 feet (458 meters) tall. This mountain is the most noticeable part of a larger peak called Brush Mountain. Crag Mountain has a narrow, sharp top that gives amazing views all around.
The mountain is made of a very strong rock called quartzite. Quartzite is a type of metamorphic rock, which means it started as one kind of rock and changed into another under heat and pressure. A long hiking path, the 114-mile (183 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, goes right over the top of Crag Mountain. You can find Crag Mountain in the town of Northfield, Massachusetts.
Water flowing from the west side of Crag Mountain goes into Fourmile Brook. This brook then joins the Connecticut River, which eventually flows into Long Island Sound. On the east side, water flows into Jack's Brook and Keyup Brook. These brooks lead to the Millers River, which also connects to the Connecticut River and then to Long Island Sound.
Exploring Crag Mountain
Crag Mountain is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. However, as of August 2018, the very top of Crag Mountain is closed to hikers who are just passing through on the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. This closure is because the landowner has asked for it.
Even with the closure, parts of the trail are still open. You can follow the white trail markers from Gulf Road heading south. This path goes to about half a mile from the summit. The summit itself has three special markers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
If you continue south, you will see orange trail markers. These lead to an open area at the top of the mountain. From this spot, you can see other famous peaks like Mount Monadnock and Mount Wachusett. You might even spot Stratton Mountain in Vermont to the northwest!
