This 5 mile section of the M-M Trail starts at Rt. 2 in the Farley section of Erving, MA just above the Millers River (elevation 400 feet) and climbs to the foot of Crag Mountain. You reach an elevation of 1250 feet. Total net climb is 850 feet. The hike takes you along scenic Briggs Brook and the ledges of Hermit Mountain for a bird's eye view of the Millers River.
The trail crosses the Millers River on a bridge and ascends the streets of Farley. It enters the woods at the intersection Cross St. and Wells St., in the northwest corner of the village. Very shortly after beginning you are rewarded with a great view from the base of Briggs Brook.. The brook drops of nearly 250 feet in a series of cascades..
After criss-crossing the brook several times you climb to within sight of the rocky dyke surrounding Northeast Utilities' pump storage reservoir. Now, descend to Packard Brook (1.5 miles). You can now make a side trip to Hermit's Cave or ascend to a series of ledges on the south side of Hermit Mountain, 2.3 miles (map at right) for some excellent views of the Millers River. Be on the look out for red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures and other large birds soaring above the valley on thermals.
The trail now turns northward. You reach Mountain Road at 4.3 miles. On your left is the gate to the Northfield Mountain facility - hikers are not allowed inside but parking is available. Continue north on the paved road until you reach the Erving-Northfield line. From here there is bucolic view of Crag Mountain. The trail turns east into the woods, crosses a stream, climbs a hill, and reaches South Mountain Road at about 5 miles. A short distance east, on the south side of this road, is the well kept 19th century South Mountain Cemetery. This is a good place to stop and have lunch before retracing your steps for the net downhill hike back to Farley.
