Mt. Warner Reservation, Mt. Warner Rd., Hadley, MA 01035

Mt. Warner Reservation, Hadley, MA  01035 

Statistics: 
5.8 miles from 'home.' (Northampton)
Mt. Warner: Trustees of Reservations Property
Last visited:  10/21/14
Website for details:  Trustees of Reservations Mt. Warner

Mt. Warner is a quiet walk through the woods on rambling hillsides 5.8 miles from the Northampton/Hadley MA line.This new, 500 acre Trustees of Reservations property
sits near Lake Warner and the Connecticut River, but does not link up to either body of water. The land is beautiful, with ups and downs. There is no specific ‘scenic’ site.

A single main loop trail of approximately 2 miles took me 1 ¼ hour to complete. There are a number of side trails that are for authorized access only and can be somewhat ‘confusing’ in terms of following the official loop. However, signage is placed at appropriate intersections. I found this important in explaining the side tracks versus the main loop.

I enjoyed the afternoon walk so close to home and with the sunlight filtering through the fall colors.  However, since I also walk with energetic and sometimes restless children, I would not pick this as a walk that might keep the kids from complaining, “Are we there yet?” I also would be hesitant to have them “run on a bit ahead” because of the evident side tracks that can resemble the regular trail too much. I actually got sidetracked myself. This is more what I would term a meditative walk for those who love outdoor beauty close to home. 

Directions:  Take Route 9 from the Coolidge Bridge over the Connecticut River into Hadley MA. (Exit 19 off I 91 north).  Follow it to Hadley center (about 2 miles), turn left at the light (Route 47--River Drive). Follow Rte. 47 to stockwell Rd. (about 5 miles), Turn right, go to the end, turn right again onto Mt. Warner Road.  You will see the Trustees of Reservations sign about 1/4 mile up the road on the left.  Turn left into the parking area which holds about 8-10 cars.   

W. Sydney Stern