This is the most spectacular section of the M-M trail in Massachusetts. The distance from Route 141 to Route 5 is about 6 miles. If you wish, you can divide it into two shorter sections: From Route 141 to the parking area off Smiths Ferry Road (about 3 miles) and from Smiths Ferry Road to Route 5 (about 3 miles). For both sections, or for the entire hike, you may return by using the paved and fairly level Christopher Clark Road which parallels the M-M trail. This auto road through Mt Tom Reservation provides easy hiking, fine scenic vistas, and passes by unusual and interesting rock formations.
Parking is available on a cutout on the west side of Route 141 about 0.25 miles south of the Christopher Clark Road entrance to Mt Tom Reservation. You pick up the M-M trail on the east side of the Route 141 and soon begin climbing Mt Tom, arriving at the summit at 0.85 miles. This peak has several transmission towers and good views of the Berkshires, the Connecticut River, Springfield and even Hartford, CT. As you hike along the edge of talus cliffs (you are now on the map), for the next 2 miles, the views to the west, north and south are breathtakingly beautiful. After reaching Whiting Peak you steeply descend and arrive at Smiths Ferry Road. At this point you may loop back to Route 141 via Christopher Clark Road or continue on to Mt. Nonotuck.
There is a small fee to drive into the Mt Tom State Reservation from May through October. Park by the headquarters north of Smiths Ferry Road. The M-M trail continues along the east side of a marsh and climbs to Goat Peak. Climb the fire tower for fantastic views. From here you can see as far as Mt Greylock and Mt Monadnock in NH. This is also an excellent spot to watch the hawk migration in September. Rejoin the M-M trail at the base of Goat Peak and continue north for 1 mile to the parking area below Mt Nonotuck for views of the Oxbow.
After a short climb to the summit you can explore the the complex of ruins of the Eyrie House, once a hotel.
Now you can return to Smiths Ferry Road via Christopher Clark Road or continue north on the M-M trail, descending to Route 5.