This 1.65 mile section of the M-M Trail climbs steadily about 740 feet from Route 47 (near the Hadley - South Hadley line) to the summit of Mt. Holyoke and Summit House. The open peak offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River and the Pioneer Valley as well as facilities for picnicking. There is also a monument to the airmen who lost their lives when their B-24J crashed into the mountain in 1944. Return via the auto road, passing the Halfway House , and making two short side trips to see some interesting boulders.
From Route 47 to the Summit House:
From south on Rt 47 turn left onto Old Mountain Road (from north on Rt 47 turn right onto Dwight Avenue). Continue to the park gate where parking is available. Walk SSW on the dirt road (Dwight Avenue) for about 0.5 mi and look for the entrance to the M-M Trail on your left. The trail ascends along the SW face of Mt. Holyoke. You will pass along the top of several trap rock cliffs overlooking the river and the valley. Of special interest is an area called Titan's Piazza. It's a terrace surrounded by large cliffs with some very pretty views of the Connecticut River Valley. When you reach the top you will visit the Summit House and be treated to spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. A short walk north beyond the summit leads to the airmen monument.
From the Summit to Route 47 via the Automobile Road
After visiting the summit continue NE on the M-M Trail. Descend about 100' down the NE face of Mt. Holyoke until you reach the automobile road. Turn left and continue walking down the road. As you approach the Halfway House look for a small trail on your right (just before a gate). Follow it 1000 feet to Conglomerate Rock, a large erratic boulder left by retreating glaciers. Retrace your steps back the road.
Continue down the road. Opposite the Halfway House look for the blue blazed Devil's Football Trail on your right. Follow it to a huge pyramidal boulder know as the Devil's Football. Continue on an uphill trail back to the road. Then downhill along the road to the parking area.