Mount Holyoke Range State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Holyoke Range State Park |
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Mount Norwottuck viewed from Bare Mountain
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 Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Amherst, Granby, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 3,729 acres (15.09 km2) |
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Established | Indeterminate |
| Visitors | 36,420 (in 2012) |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Mount Holyoke Range State Park |
Mount Holyoke Range State Park is a special place in Massachusetts. It's a large park owned by the state. This park covers the eastern part of the Holyoke Range mountains. It's a great spot for outdoor fun and adventure.
The park is right next to J. A. Skinner State Park. Skinner Park covers the western side of the Holyoke Range. Both parks are managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. This group helps keep the parks safe and fun for everyone.
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History of the Park
Mount Holyoke Range State Park wasn't created all at once. It grew over many years. People wanted to protect the beautiful Holyoke Range. So, the state started buying land there a long time ago.
The effort to protect this area really picked up in 1975. Since then, more land has been added to the park. This helps keep the mountains and forests safe for nature and visitors.
Fun Activities at the Park
Mount Holyoke Range State Park offers many exciting things to do outdoors. It's a perfect place for families and friends to explore nature.
Hiking and Trails
The park has many trails for hiking. You can also go horseback riding on some paths. In winter, these trails are great for cross-country skiing.
Two famous long-distance trails pass through the park. These are parts of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the Robert Frost Trail. They offer amazing views and challenging walks.
Visitor Center and Picnics
Near "The Notch" on Route 116 in Amherst, you'll find a visitor center. This is a good place to start your adventure. You can get maps and learn more about the park.
The park also has nice spots for picnicking. You can bring your lunch and enjoy it surrounded by nature. There is also some hunting allowed in certain areas, but with strict rules.
