New England National Scenic Trail - NET

Views From the NET: MA Section 16 - Erving Ledges, & Hermit’s Castle

This 7-mile section of trail passes through the towns of Erving and Northfield, MA. A notable aspect of this section is that the south portion runs along the ledges of Northfield Mountain. There are many stunning views along these ledges, and a connecting trail that leads to the “Hermit’s Castle”. The “Castle” is more so a small cave, it lies under the ledges and was inhabited by Scottish immigrant John “The Hermit” Smith during the 19th century.

The northern portion of the trail consists of hemlock forests with plenty of interesting sights to find in the early summer, including Mountain Laurel, Carolina Rose, Partridgeberry, and Hemlock Varnish Shelf Mushrooms 🍄‍🟫.

It can be accessed through parking on Mountain Road and Gulf Road in Erving, MA. Hiking from Mountain Road provides a low-grade day hike through the hemlock forests to the beautiful view from Erving ledge, and access to the Hermit Castle trail if you’re looking for an extra challenge.

📸Thank you to Benji van der Hulst, AMC NET Outreach Assistant, for these wonderful snapshots of MA Section 16!

Calling all Bark Rangers! "Raise the woof" and join NPS for Bark in the Park celebration at Springfield Armory National Historic Site on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Picnic with your pup, complete a Bark Ranger activity booklet, get a treat at the pup cup station, make a bandana and more!

The AMC NET Outreach Assistant will share maps and insights into dog and human friendly sections of the Trail! Make sure to stop in at the museum and get your passport book stamped with the NET stamp.

For more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=784C8EB2-DF18-B2D1-C407BD413613C9B1

Have you wondered how hiking trails are maintained? Do you ever notice rock steps on your hike and wonder who put them there? Do you want to learn about trail sustainability in a changing world?

Join Appalachian Mountain Club staff on June 13 for a scenic morning 4-mile loop hike to Mount Norwottuck & the Horse Caves on MA Section 8 to learn about the importance of trail crews work in protecting public land.

To register for the hike: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000017NDp2AM/act00020724

We hope to see you on the trail!

Views From the New England Trail: MA Section 19 & Royalston Falls

This is MA Section 19 of the NET. It is the northernmost section of the trail and runs concurrently with the Tully Trail, protected by the Trustees of Reservations for over 70 years.

It can be accessed through parking on MA Route 32. This section of the NET descends into the Falls Brook area, which flows into the nearby Royalston Falls. It is a great spring hike, especially on a rainy day where you’ll see the brook and waterfall at their peak.

If you stay on the NET you’ll hike up to the New Hampshire state line, making your way onto the Metacomet-Monadnock trail, with 18 miles to the summit of Mt. Monadnock. If you keep down the Tully Trail, you will end up at Royalston Falls. The hike to Royalston Falls makes for a good in-and-out hike, with a round trip of about 1.5 miles. Dogs on leash are welcome as well.

For thru hikers, there is a lean-to shelter a mile into the section with four bunks and nearby water access. As with other overnight sites, reservations for the shelter are available via the NET website.

📸 Thank you to Benji van der Hulst, AMC NET Outreach Assistant, for these wonderful snapshots of Section 19 & Royalston Falls!