Monument Mountain, Great Barrington Mass.

Indian Monument Trail and Squaw Peak Trail. About 4 miles total, out and back

Beginner Hike. Moderately Trafficked. Parking lot and trailhead is located right off of Route 7.

1,642 feet tall with about 688 feet of elevation gain.

This is a great hike for those who want to graduate from nature walks (what I consider walks in the woods with no elevation gain). The elevation is very gradual until approaching the Squaw Peak trail which is .62 miles from the peak. Along the way hikers will see old rock slide formations, various beautiful foliage (during September-November), and a gorgeous 360 degree view of the Berkshires at the peak. Also important to note that the peak is a little bit rocky (a lot of boulders at the top) so a little climbing may be necessary. It is also possible to see as far as Mt. Greylock and even some of the Catskills of New York.

I also found out that along with the rich Native American History associated with the mountain, Herman Melville was said to have met Nathanial Hawthorne and also wrote Moby Dick on Monument Mountain.

GPS: 515 Stockbridge Road

Great Barrington, MA 01230

U.S.

The trailhead is towards the left hand corner of the parking lot. On season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) it is $5 for parking.

-Eric