Long Mountain (Hampshire County, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long Mountain |
|
|---|---|
Long Mountain from Mount Norwottuck
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 920 ft (280 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Amherst and Granby, Massachusetts. |
| Parent range | Holyoke Range / Metacomet Ridge |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 200 Ma |
| Mountain type | Fault-block; igneous |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Metacomet-Monadnock Trail |
Long Mountain is a cool mountain in Massachusetts. It stands about 920 feet (280 m) (280 meters) tall! This mountain is part of a bigger chain called the Metacomet Ridge. This ridge stretches a long way, from Long Island Sound all the way up to near Vermont. Long Mountain has five different peaks, with the tallest one being 920 feet. You can find it in the towns of Amherst and Granby, Massachusetts.
The 110-mile (180 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the 47-mile (76 km) Robert Frost Trail go right over the mountain. To the west, the Holyoke Range continues as Mount Norwottuck. To the east, it becomes Harris Mountain.
How Long Mountain Was Formed
Long Mountain is made of a special kind of rock called basalt. This rock is also known as "traprock." It's a type of volcanic rock.
The mountain formed about 200 million years ago. This was near the end of the Triassic Period. At that time, the North American continent was slowly pulling away from Africa and Eurasia.
As the land pulled apart, hot Lava flowed up from deep inside the Earth. This lava spread out and cooled into thick layers of rock. Later, big cracks in the Earth (called faults) and earthquakes caused these rock layers to tilt. This tilting created the steep slopes and rocky areas you see on Long Mountain today.
Plants and Animals of the Mountain
Long Mountain has many different types of environments. Some slopes are hot and dry. Other areas, like ravines, are cool and moist. There are also rocky ledges rich in minerals from the basalt rock.
These different spots create special "microclimates." A microclimate is like a tiny weather system in a small area. These unique conditions help many different kinds of plants and animals live here. Some of these species are not common in other parts of Massachusetts.
Fun Things to Do on Long Mountain
Long Mountain is a great place for outdoor adventures! There are several trails to explore. The most famous ones are the 110-mile (180 km) Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the 47-mile (76 km) Robert Frost Trail. These two trails follow the same path on the mountain.
Near the top, you'll find several rocky ledges. From these spots, you can enjoy amazing views of the Amherst area and the Fort River valley. It's a perfect place to take photos or just enjoy nature.
Most of Long Mountain is protected as part of the Mount Holyoke Range State Park. Local groups and private owners also help to keep the rest of the land safe.
The easiest way to start your hike to the summit is from Harris Mountain Road. Look for where it crosses the line between Granby and Amherst. You can get to this spot from Bay Road in Amherst or Batchelor Street in Granby. The trail heading west from there will lead you to the top!
