In northwestern Massachusetts, in the Berkshire Range, is the Mohawk Trail State Forest. A beautiful 6,500 acre nature reserve with hardwood hardwoods, deep ravines and its historic Indian Walking Trail.
The park’s signature hiking trail The Indian Trail can be quite difficult due to some steep inclines. The trail has mountain climbs at each end, something novice hikers should be aware of. The trail itself is framed in beautiful witch hazel and mountain laurel. Although not well marked, the trail itself is well-trodden that visitors should have no problem staying in the main passage.
To find the trail head north from the parking area along the park path. You’ll know you’re getting closer when you pass a designated camping area, and even closer when you climb a natural stone stairway until you reach a T-junction. This junction is the official Indian Trail. On the left is Clark Mountain on the right Todd Mountain.
The eastern part of the trail towards Todd Mountain is the most difficult section of the trail, as it includes some serious climbing. As you head east and begin to ascend, be careful on wet, leaf-covered stone as it is notoriously slippery. Arriving at the top of Mount Todd at approximately 1,700 feet presents an opportunity to take in the eastern and southern views of rural, forested valleys of Massachusetts.
If you head west from the T-junction, your path is a bit smoother. Gentle rolling hills and pleasant mountain laurels guide your way. Just a few hundred feet west of the junction is a fine view of the Cold River. As you get closer to Clark Mountain, your outward journey is about to end. When you come to a couple of stone foundations obscured by brush, travelers may want to designate this area to return to. Although the trail continues a bit more, it ends abruptly and unceremoniously in an empty field. Having visited both mountains and returned, the hiker will have traveled four and a half miles.
Though not as historic or heavily traveled as The Indian Trail, to the southeast you’ll find Thumper Mountain Trail. Thumper Mountain Trail offers some nice advantages, first, it is adjacent to the campground and easy to access. Second, it offers a true ‘loop hike’ that many find more rewarding. Running for about a half mile out and back, this is a pretty ideal trail for families hiking or camping in the area who have younger children. Although there is a gentle climb, the trail itself is quite forgiving.
A very easy to find trailhead starts where the camp road ends and is even indicated by a wooden post. The gentle climb to the top of Thumper Mountain begins. This trail offers a bit more hemlock and white pine than other trails in the area, however there aren’t as many unobstructed photo opportunities as tourists would like, so take them where you can. At the summit you’ll find a nice south-southwest view of Cold River.
Although the park offers lodging for campers, it is always best to call ahead and check availability.
