15 Best Mountains in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is among the New England states in the Northeastern USA. It is one of the best states in the US to live or tour, but not the cheapest. Many fun facts about Massachusetts State exist, even though mountains are inclusive.

You would be surprised to know that this city boasts some of the most wooded mountains in the US. Yearly, these mountains attract millions of locals and tourists who enjoy their beautiful vistas.

The history of the United States cannot be complete without including the mountains in Massachusetts. Moreover, the Native American tribes hold some of them in sacred awe.

Whether it is for hiking, driving, biking, or skiing, these stunning mountains are a beauty to behold. Make sure you check them out on your next visit to this charming state.

Here are the best mountains in Massachusetts.

Mountains in Massachusetts

1. Saddle Ball Mountain

In Berkshire County is Saddle Ball Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Aside from Mt Greylock, this mountain is the highest in four outcroppings along the southern ridge of the Mount Greylock Range.

Moreover, the Appalachian Trail traverses this ridge, heading north towards the peak of Mt Greylock. Here is an opportunity to enjoy Mount Greylock without dealing with the crowd around the summit.

While the trail starts easy as it goes downhill, getting to the Cheshire Harbor trail becomes rough because of its sharp elevation. You will have to return via a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

At the peak of Saddle Ball Mountain are lovely vistas of Mt Greylock, upstate New York, and the flora and fauna of Massachusetts. Views of diverse trees and lightly wooded areas await you at the end of the hike around the Jones Nose trail.

Try to get your feet to this mountain in the springs because you can’t miss the sight of blooming wildflowers in the meadows.

2. Lenox Mountain

Lenox Mountain is a 2,126-foot mountain in the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, providing hiking, biking, and a panoramic view of the wider surroundings. It is one of the renowned mountains in Massachusetts.

Its trails can be hiked any time of the year, with many interesting people coming and going. If you are ready to hike, this is an opportunity to feel on top of the world. From the scenic views to the thrills of being on top of the mountain, Lenox is a must-visit.

If you are driving, you can park toward the end of Osceola Road and hike the road extension. Then, turn left and move up to the fire tower, and you will find yourself on top of Lenox Mountain.

Besides, the place is well-maintained and great for touring. It could be strenuous to get on top if you are not used to this particular mountain. But you will be rewarded with jaw-breaking views.

3. Thunder Mountain Coaster

This downhill mountain features excellent and skiable terrains. It serves Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut residents and is one of the longest mountain coasters worldwide.

Thunder Mountain Coaster also boasts an Adventure Park, a rustic farm, a restaurant, and an Inn and Wedding Center with facilities to host your events. The summertime is the best time to bring the kids and friends to ride down the mountain in a fun way.

Of course, the coaster is safe and allows a free ride down the mountain. But look out for sharp curves and narrow tracks even though they add more thrill to the experience.

This Mountain Coaster provides fabulous scenery, making it a perfect fall sight. It is a beautiful getaway for everyone and is reasonably priced, with discounts for certain people. Come and have a blast at this Berkshire East, year-round entertainment Mountain Coaster.

4. Monument Mountain

The name ‘Monument Mountain’ is derived from the old stone monuments the Mohicans used to leave on the mountain as tributes to the spirits of their ancestors. To the Mohican tribes, this mountain was sacred. However, to a layperson, it is a hiking area for locals and tourists of Massachusetts.

The summit (called the Peeskawso Peak) has experienced over 20,000 hikers. Interestingly, authors Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne, who were notable devotees, were entranced by this mountain. It may be a place of inspiration.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Massachusetts, hiking the Monument Mountain Summit is one of them. Its trail is moderate to difficult and covers nearly four miles.

From the peak, view the magnificent scenery of the Housatonic River Valley. Enjoy the best views of the Mohican stone offerings and watch bald eagles soar across the valleys.

5. Mount Watatic

At the endpoint of a 22-mile trail called the Wapack Trail rests Mount Watatic. The trail runs through the Wapack Mountains, and the mountain goes as high as 1,832 feet.

Hikers enjoy going to this mountain in Massachusetts because of how easily accessible it is. You can hike it in winter, but it can be covered in snow between November and April.

If hiking to the mountain’s peak, consider taking the Class 1 Wapack Trail because its elevation is gentler. It also has an easy four-mile loop around the mountain, offering the best picturesque views.

6. Mount Fitch

The third-highest summit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is Mount Fitch. It stands at 3,110 ft and rests between Mount Greylock and Mount Williams.

While the Appalachian Trail traverses through the heart of Mt. Fitch, it does not get to the summit. To be considered part of the trail, the Appalachian Trail Club necessitates a peak up to 200 ft from another, and Mt Flitch is less than 200.

Intermediate and advanced hikers will have a great day hiking here, but beginners may find it a little challenging. Nevertheless, some shorter side trails are scattered all over the place for beginners if they want to drop off the loop.

7. Mount Norwottuck

The Mount Norwottuck and Horse Caves Trail is a four-mile loop that commences and finishes at the Notch Nature Center in Amherst. It is the tallest along the Holyoke range, with stunning views of Belchertown to the east, Granby to the south, and Amherst and Sunderland to the north.

Standing on the summit of this mountain gives you a view of the Pioneer Valley. The hike starts from the trail with white/blue/red blazes and splits off to track the white blazes along the M&M trail.

Following it brings you to the top of Mount Norwottuck and gifting you the panoramic views of Amherst and Sunderland. Continue heading south and navigating attractions until you arrive at the Horse Caves. From there, head towards the red blazes and return to the park.

The trails are moderate to hard but take only about two hours to cover. Mount Norwottuck is exciting to hike between November and March as long as you enjoy the snow.

Offering the winter view of the Pioneer Valley is one of the perks it provides to its happy hikers this season. But that does not mean other seasons are not thrilling. The summer is the easiest time to visit and explore the areas around the mountain.

8. Mount Misery

Mount Misery Conservation is a great hiking location for residents of Lincoln and the neighborhood. It is a 284-foot hill on Route 117 and the Bay Circuit Trail around the Sudbury River.

This mountain has the charming Sudbury River, a network of well-marked, groomed trails, marshy spots, and gorgeous ponds with budding lilies. If you want to escape the crowds at Walden Pond, Mount Misery provides peaceful trails by the woods.

It is a beautiful place to explore. You can park at South Great Road (Route 117) and move east towards the Bay Circuit section to the eastern property boundary. If you are at the edge of the woods, proceed north to locate the Bay Circuit Trail.

Head left, and another left to make the last twisting path to the peak of Mount Misery. You can also find your way through Terrapin Lake, heading northeast towards a steeper trail that leads to the summit of the mountain.

Besides, the parking space is small. Go early to secure a suitable space or park at the nearby canoe dock parking. Always snap or video the trails so you don’t get lost. Google Maps does not help it, but you will undoubtedly enjoy hiking.

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9. Mount Holyoke Range State Park

A seven-mile ridgeline characterizes this 3000-acre Mount Holyoke Range State Park. It also has woods, streams, wetlands, and thickets. There are also over 30 miles of blazed trails that visitors can explore.

The breathtaking mountain here has excellent trails and scenic views that attract people from different areas. Some of the tracks are easy, while those with bits of rocks are challenging to hike.

Everyone loves the feeling the destination gives, including the kids. The guides are good at explaining every landmark. You can start your exploration from the Center in Amherst and move to the Summit house.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Northampton, surrounded by hills, the University of Massachusetts, the Connecticut River, and buildings overlooking Mt Holyoke Range State Park.

10. Peaked Mountain

Come to Peaked Mountain and explore former working woods as you hike to a summit that offers panoramic views of Mt Wachusett to Vermont’s Green Mountains.

The hiking trail is well maintained, having some parts moderately steep and others rocky. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes to get to the top. You wouldn’t want to miss the beautiful views of the surrounding world from the mountain peak, would you?

The vistas are even more gorgeous during the fall, with several spots to view. Just know that you will not have the mountain all to yourself because many other people are as fascinated about hiking as you.

For safety purposes, take pictures of the trail you will follow before embarking so you can always recollect. Another perk of Peaked Mountain is that the trails are dog-friendly, well-maintained, and well-marked.

You may meet people who ride on horses along the way, but the walk is well worth it. Peaked Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains in Massachusetts.

11. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is one of Massachusetts’s most comfortable and fun mountains, especially for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, or biking.

This 3,000-acre mountain is 2,005 ft tall, providing lots of natural and recreational opportunities. The trails are marked, and people can join hiking clubs to learn more about the surrounding areas.

In addition, it houses pockets of old-growth woods that have lived over 350 years. The state prohibits anyone from interfering with or manhandling any of the trees, and they can be fined if found guilty.

You can hike and bike on the trails in summer and ski in winter. A large ski resort is provided on this mountain, and people can ski on 25 trails during winter.

Families can have fun driving their cars to the mountaintop and walking up the viewing towers. No matter the side you explore, a great attraction awaits you.

12. Mount Greylock

This mountain, located in Mount Greylock State Reservation, is the tallest in Massachusetts. It has excellent outdoor activities for all ages, year-round. People visit Mount Greylock for many reasons, including skiing, hunting, cycling, hiking, and camping.

It has the Appalachian Trail running for 90 miles, so you can hike for a long time. The AT shelter is an excellent location to camp overnight if you are coming from a far location.

The famous author Herman Melville lived nearby and greatly loved Mount Greylock, so he had a unique deck in his house for viewing the mountain whenever he decided to.

Those who want a break from the trail or to refuel their stomach can walk towards the nearby town of Adams. When you get to the top of the mountain, it is easy to get down. Thus, people of all ages can hike.

13. Mount Tom

On the eastern slope of Mount Tom in Holyoke is a 73-acre Trustee property called Little Tom. It is highly wooded with an out-and-back trail, a vernal pond, and the Woodland Trail. Mount Tom is one of the top mountains in Massachusetts.

Mount Tom is a perfect choice if you are looking for a mountain in Massachusetts with easy-to-hike trails. It is a great hiking trail for beginners and those who want to challenge themselves. But intermediate-to-advanced hikers will enjoy it the most.

During winter, you may find it challenging to climb Mount Tom. But with snowshoes, it is easier to do so. Hiking early in the morning will offer lovely views of many birds along the trail.

Don’t forget to take in the vistas of Easthampton from the mountain peak. It is a superb place to hike or drive around and enjoy the landscapes.

14. Mount Wachusett Ski Area

Visiting Mount Wachusett Ski Area will make you understand why East by SKI Magazine voted it as the most accessible ski resort. It is conveniently nestled in Massachusetts’s heart and takes less than an hour from Boston, Providence, and Worcester.

This mountain ski area is small and perfect for a family hangout in the Berkshires. All ages can visit: kids, teenagers, seniors, and people with special needs.

However, it is essential to know that expert skiers may not enjoy this place because there are only a few trails. Mount Wachusett Ski Area costs some money but is worth the financial investment.

Aside from skiing, the owners host special events and famous fall festivals for those who want to have a feel of the mountainside on their great day. You will love to visit here every day of winter because of the vibes it brings.

15. Mount Williams

Mount Williams is located on Mt Greylock State Reservation and is an excellent location for fun hiking in Massachusetts. It is another Taconic Range summit just north of the famous Mt Greylock. It is accessible to hikers of all levels.

You can start from Pattison Rd through the Appalachian Trail to the pinnacle. The trail is marked with white blazes, and the wooded summit with a sign. It is a continuous hike and a good workout on your way up; you will enjoy it better as a group.

Moreover, if you are an experienced hiker, you can challenge yourself by taking the Mt Flitch Loop trail. It goes over Mounts Greylock, Saddle Ball, and Williams.

Dogs are welcome to join the fun at Mount Williams if they are on a leash. Fall is the best season for hiking on this mountain to enjoy the vistas more.

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Plan Your Trip to Massachusetts

There are a thousand and one fun things to do in Massachusetts, but hiking, biking, or driving in any of the mountains in Massachusetts is something you don’t want to miss.

You don’t have to go above and beyond to figure out the best of them to visit this summer. That is why we have listed the above for you. Fun awaits you!