At the western end of the Mount Holyoke Range, J. A. Skinner State Park is more than 400 acres of forest on the slopes and summit of Mount Holyoke. The park offers hiking and picnicking, as well as outstanding views of the Connecticut River Valley. Visit the Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition for information about rock climbing at Skinner.
From the summit here in 1836, Thomas Cole painted his masterpiece of American landscape painting, “View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm,” which shows the Oxbow of the Connecticut River. The painting is now a visitor favorite at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also on Mount Holyoke is the Summit House, a historic landmark that in the 1800s served as a popular mountain-top hotel. It is open for tours and programs on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, offering historical displays and special events. The park is named after Joseph Allen Skinner, a wealthy businessman who donated the hotel and land to the state in 1940.
Please note: The summit is accessible by automobile from May through mid-October, and year-round by walking the road or hiking along the trails.
10 Skinner State Park Road
Hadley, MA 01035
413-586-0350