498. MA NET - Hadley/South Hadley: Cubs in the Cave

Now hopping over to the east side of the CT River (via the route 9 bridge off I-91 exit 19), we first thought to plant these three little bears just west of the Notch near Bare Mtn. However, there are already plenty of boxes around that area, so we decided to give these bears a nap on the "quieter" west side of the Holyoke Range, closer to the CT River, accessed by following route 9 and Bay Road easterly, then curving several miles southerly on route 47 (from where Bay Road continues east). To start out on the right foot, find the dirt road across from the small cemetery on route 47 (about a mile south of the usual Skinner Park entrance which bypasses this portion of the NET). Turn west on this one-way dirt road (Old Mountain Rd), and park shortly near the M&M/NET trailhead on the right.

Take the "Polish" trail (white and red) up the hill, passing the Mount Holyoke College cabin on your left. Bear left uphill, when the red-blazed Dry Brook Trail goes straight and downhill. Continue climbing under and around past the power lines, towards the top on rock with some flow lines still visible (somewhat like the basalt on Hawaii, but millions of years older!;-). The trail levels off for a bit passing a large cliff face on your right. Continue up to a 2-trunk horizontal "sitting tree". Actually, Pete says it reminds him more of a playground swing, so swing right past the "swinging tree" and up the bare rocks to a vista over the farms and river below. Shortly thereafter, in the next dip, spot a tree with 4 white blazes. At this tree, the current NET now turns right. You, however, should continue straight ahead on the old, discontinued trail about 20 steps to a tree with a browned-out trail blaze. Then, bear slightly left 3-4 steps to a tree which still has a white blaze on its back side. Take 3-4 more steps forward from the left side of this tree, and then 10 steps left (c. 310 degrees) on a small path. Turn and look about 250 degrees left to a rocky area. About halfway up the small basalt ledge to your left (about 10 cautious steps at around 250 degrees), find the three bears napping in their little cave behind a prismatic traprock door. Please be sure to replace them carefully and quietly so that they can continue their snooze! (However, if you still have plenty of energy, continuing another 4 miles or so along the M&M/NET to the Notch could possibly net you a dozen or more boxes!;-)

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