Seven Sisters (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seven Sisters |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,005 ft (306 m) (highest point) |
| Parent peak | 42° 18' 17"N, 72° 33' 11"W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Hadley and South Hadley, Massachusetts. |
| Parent range | Holyoke Range / Metacomet Ridge |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 200 million yrs. |
| Mountain type | fault-block; igneous |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Mount Holyoke auto road + Metacomet-Monadnock Trail |
The Seven Sisters are a cool group of small mountains in Massachusetts, United States. They are part of the Holyoke Range and are found in the Pioneer Valley. These mountains are actually a series of rocky hills, or "knobs," made of a type of rock called basalt. You can find them between Mount Holyoke and Mount Hitchcock. Even though they are called the Seven Sisters, there are actually more than seven peaks!
These mountain knobs offer amazing views from their clifftops. You can also see beautiful oak savanna woodlands. The tallest "sister" mountain is about 1,005 ft (306 m) high. It stands about 800 ft (244 m) above the valley below. The area is very rugged and hilly. If you walk along the whole ridgeline, you will go up and down a lot. The total change in elevation is about 3,700 ft (1,128 m). A famous path called the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail goes right through the Seven Sisters. This trail is also part of the longer New England National Scenic Trail.
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What are the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters are a unique part of the Holyoke Range. They are made of basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock. This rock formed about 200 million years ago. The mountains were created by a process called fault-block formation. This means large blocks of the Earth's crust moved up or down along cracks called faults.
Exploring the Mountains
The Seven Sisters are a popular spot for hiking and enjoying nature. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding Pioneer Valley. You can see far across the landscape from the clifftops. The area is home to different types of trees and plants. It is also a great place to see local wildlife.
The Seven Sisters Trail Race
Every spring, a challenging event called the Seven Sisters Trail Race takes place here. It is a twelve-mile (19 km) running race. Runners go "out-and-back" along the rugged trails. This race is known for being very tough. It often leaves runners tired and sometimes with small scrapes or bruises. You can learn more about the race at its official website: http://www.7sisterstrailrace.com/.
Protecting the Mountains
In the late 1990s, there was a plan to build houses on the Seven Sisters. But many people and groups wanted to protect these beautiful mountains. Several non-profit organizations and local governments worked together. They managed to stop the construction. They also helped buy the land to add it to the J.A. Skinner State Park. This helped keep the ridgeline safe for everyone to enjoy.
A Fun Coincidence
It's interesting that the Seven Sisters mountains are close to two of the famous Seven Sisters Colleges. These are a group of historic women's colleges in the Northeastern United States.
