Begin at The Notch Visitors Center on Rt 116 in Amherst, MA - just north of Amherst-Granby line. The M-M Trail (shown in red) takes you to Mt. Norwottock, the highest peak of the Holyoke Range, past historic Horse Cave and onto Rattlesnake Knob for a magnificient view of Long Mountain. Return along the north slope of the mountain on the Robert Frost Trail (shown in purple).

From the Notch Visitors Center to the top of Mt. Norwottock

The Robert Frost (orange blazes) and M-M (white blazes) Trails are joined as you begin your hike. Follow the trail east, as you descend under electrical transmission lines. Soon the Robert Frost Trail diverges and you begin to climb south to the ridge line. Follow the ridge line, for 0.6 miles, over a series of smaller hills, until you reach the summit. Here you will have panoramic views. To the north is Amherst. On a clear day, Mt. Monadnock, NH is visible.

From Mt. Norwottock to Rattlesnake Knob

Descend steeply through a series of large cliffs. Soon you'll come to Stu's Overlook for a pretty view of Rattlesnake Knob and Long Mt. Continue among the cliffs and climb down through a large cleft in the rocks into the Horse Cave. In 1787-8, Daniel Shays and his followers hid here after their raid on the Springfield Arsenal

Continue east. After 0.2mi the Robert Frost Trail rejoins the M-M Trail. Soon they are joined by the Cuddleback Trail (yellow blazes). Just before the M-M Trail steeply descends go north 100' on the Cuddleback Trail to the ledge of Rattlesnake Knob for an excellent view of Long Mt.

Retrace your steps for the return hike. Follow the orange blazes of the Robert Frost Trail for an easy, relatively level, 1.5 mile walk back to the Notch Visitors Center.