Peaked Mountain, Monson, MA - The Trustees of Reservations
Central MA
Peaked Mountain
Monson
425 acres
Lee Ann Gale
Lee Ann Gale
Explore a former working forest and trek to a summit that rewards with panoramic views from Mount Wachusett to Vermont's Green Mountains.
Share
Plan Your Visit
Overview
Ideas for Your Visit
Admission & Hours
Directions & Contact Info
Property Map
Regulations & Advisories
Overview
The ascent from the main entrance to the summit of Peaked (pronounced “pea-kid”) Mountain is a workout, a climb along a trail that is strenuous in places and gains 467 feet in elevation. But once you reach the top, the 1,227-foot summit provides spectacular views of undisturbed rural and forested landscapes in every direction: a sweep of rolling New England countryside with valley farms and small villages, mountains, hills, and even the distant city of Springfield.
Ideas for Your Visit
At Peaked Tract, fire roads lead through quiet woods that attract songbirds, such as thrushes and warblers, as well as turkey vultures, hawks, and barred owls. Adjacent to Peaked Mountain and abutting Shenipsit State Forest at the Connecticut state border, you’ll find a 530-acre parcel of wildlife conservation land owned by a local partner organization, the Norcross Wildlife Foundation.
At the Miller Forest Tract, a second trail leads to and encircles Lunden Pond, where you can glimpse beavers, herons, and other wildlife drawn to the quiet waters; other trails at the Miller Tract lead to a historic hunting cabin.
Admission & Hours
FREE to all. Open sunrise to sunset.
Please note that parking lots are plowed in the winter, but may not be open for 24-72 hours following a storm.
Directions & Contact Info
138 Butler Road
Monson, MA 01057
E-mail:
info@thetrustees.org
Get
directions on Google Maps
From I-90, take Exit 63 to Rt. 32 South. Follow Rt. 32 to Monson and proceed 4.5 mi. Just before the soldier statue in Monson turn right onto High St. Take immediate left onto Ely Rd. Proceed 1 mi., then go straight at stop sign onto Lower Hampden Rd for 2 mi. Turn left onto Butler Rd. Continue 0.5 mi. to Miller Forest Tract entrance and parking (6 cars) on right or 1.2 mi. to main entrance and parking (20 cars) on left.
Property Map
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or
download a trail map
before you visit.
Regulations & Advisories
Hunting is not permitted at this reservation.
Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties
Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and their waste must be removed from the reservation.
Please note that parking lots are plowed in the winter, but may not be open for 24-72 hours following a storm.
PHOTOGRAPHY
: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property.
Click here
for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
Before Setting Out
Prior to Setting Out
A few things to keep in mind before your adventure begins.
Hike Trustees
The Trustees Hiking Challenge: With over 100 places and hundreds of miles of trails to explore, join our free challenge to get you hiking and exploring M...
Guidelines for Dog Walkers
Trustees properties that allow on-leash or off-leash dogs, as well as guidelines when walking your dog.
More to Explore
Land Conservation & Stewardship
Seeking, protecting, and caring for Massachusetts’ most special places
Advocacy
Together with our members, government officials, and partners, The Trustees strives to implement smart, effective public policies that help protect the s...
Summits & Views
Wondering if the long trek up our mountains and hills is worth it? The rewarding views from these summits never disappoint!
Upcoming Events
View more
Friday, May 1
Friday, May 1
Full Moon Hike at Peaked Mountain with Adventure East
Peaked Mountain | Monson
Join Adventure East for an exciting evening under the stars as we enjoy a hike lit by the full moon.
Tuesday, July 28
Tuesday, July 28
Full Moon Hike at Peaked Mountain with Adventure East
Peaked Mountain | Monson
Join Adventure East for an exciting evening under the stars as we enjoy a hike lit by the full moon.
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, September 27
Full Moon Hike at Peaked Mountain with Adventure East
Peaked Mountain | Monson
Join Adventure East for an exciting evening under the stars as we enjoy a hike lit by the full moon.
Sunday, November 22
Sunday, November 22
Full Moon Hike at Peaked Mountain with Adventure East
Peaked Mountain | Monson
Join Adventure East for an exciting evening under the stars as we enjoy a hike lit by the full moon.
History
Remains of charcoal mounds and a collier’s fireplace indicate that Peaked Mountain was the site of a 19th-century operation that provided fuel for local iron smelters and forges. In the mid-1990s, local landowners Len and Roslyn Harrington began the process of securing their mountain property for posterity. Generous neighbors Richard Elliott and the Miller family, hundreds of other supporters, and the Town of Monson and the Norcross Wildlife Foundation also participated. Working with The Trustees, almost 1,000 acres were preserved. The Peaked Mountain reservation was formally introduced in October of 1999.
The View From Here
See What People Say
Great for families! Extensive marked hiking trails with nice views. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
AI S, Trip Advisor
Discover More Places
View more
Woodlands & Parks
Rock House Reservation
West Brookfield | Central MA
Discover a small, serene pond beyond a jumble of giant boulders forming a "house....
Woodlands & Parks
Quinebaug Woods
Holland | Central MA
Trace the banks of the serene Quinebaug River and keep your eyes peeled for frogs...
Woodlands & Parks
Tantiusques
Sturbridge | Central MA
Follow a loop trail through quiet woodlands, then visit the site of a former lead...
Join The Trustees
Enjoy 120 sites featuring inspired trails, historic homes, beautiful gardens, farms, summer camps and more.
Become a Member
Lend a Hand
Join a community passionate about a sustainable future and engaged in diverse projects across the state.
Volunteer
Support Our Work
We rely on your generous support to protect the irreplaceable landscapes and landmarks of Massachusetts.
Donate
Follow Peaked Mountain
Recommended on