This is a very scenic section of the M-M trail. From Route 202 it climbs to the edge of East Mountain, travels along its ridge, and then descends to Cherry Street. A one-way distance of 3.4 miles. Or, you may wish to do a shorter 4 mile loop that covers an interesting part of the M-M trail. It begins at the visitors center parking lot of Holyoke Community College.

From Route 202 to Tower:

Parking is available on several cutouts along Route 202. You pick up the M-M trail on the north side of the Route 202 opposite the McLean Reservoir. After going up and then down a small hill you cross Apremont Way (you are now on the map). Go north from the wood road and climb to the ridge of East Mountain. From the top, there are views to the south and west. The trail continues along the ridge and reaches a tower at 2.5 miles.

From Holyoke Community College - Tower

Leaving the visitors parking area make your way downhill to the wood road on the west side the Physical Plant Building. Continue on this road southwest for 200 meters, then north for 500 meters, then southwest again for 300 meters. Take the trail on your right and steadily climb about 800 meters to the tower.

Common Route - Tower to Cherry Street:

On the left side of the trail, about 100 meters north of the tower is an unusual erratic boulder - precariously balanced on bare rock.

The trail then goes downhill and turns southwest through a small valley (or large reentrant) with steep hills on either side. You climb up to the top of a series of ledges. Great views to the west, north, and south. Go northeast along the ledges and descend steeply onto West Cherry Street.

To return to Holyoke Community College turn right onto West Cherry Street. Continue east past the Holyoke Revolver Club. Follow unpaved (and now closed)Cherry Street until it becomes a paved road. Take your first right onto George Frost Dr. and follow it to the parking area.