Round Top Hill in Chester Group Hike

#hikethehilltowns with us!

Round Top Hill Group Hike November 12th 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
GPS Location: 42.252857, -72.984717 Trailhead

Hike Rating: Moderate (due to elevation) 3 miles total in and back, spoon loop. We will offer two ways up the mountain.

Round Top Hill is the highest peak in Hampden County at 1,780 feet and is the 5th highest peak in Massachusetts.  This property was permantly protected in 2015 through a Conservation Restriction held by Hilltown Land Trust, by a gracious donation.  Hilltown Hikers are the land stewards of this infamous mountain, a popular attraction of peak baggers and nature lovers alike. This high elevation forest is unique including shag bark hickory, scrub oak, a plentiful variety of wild flowers and sedge grasses.  There are five benchmarks at the summit.  The summit has a new vista that has been cleared offering views to the West towards Russell and Mount Tom.  A new upper loop trail traverses the “round” top and offers views towards Otis.  All three nearest wind turbines can be seen from here.

We will meet at the trailhead, a large tree with a triangle carved into the bark on Unkamit’s Path on Round Hill Road.

We are offering two ways up the mountain from Round Hill Road and will split up into two groups. First option: Strenuous up the Unkamit’s Path (white blaze), up rocky outcrops, with views the entire way up, switchbacks get you to the summit quickly. Short but very steep.  Second Option:  Hike down Round Hill Road and enter the woods on the Fire Road Trail (orange blaze) and continue gradually to the summit.  This is the gentle way but keep in mind you are still hiking uphill for half a mile.  We will all go down the mountain on the Fire Road then walk back to our cars on Round Hill Road.

Parking is at Chester Blandford State Forest Parking Lot on Griffin Brook Road, Wright Memorial Cemetery on Round Hill Road, Park Knox Acres Trailhead.  Directions:  Version #1: Approach Round Hill Road from Route 20 in Chester go past Wheeler Oil and Walker Island Campground, turn left onto Blandford Road, take first left onto Round Hill Road.  Park Knox Acres parking lot will be on your right OR continue and Wright Memorial Cemetery will be straight ahead OR take a left at the cemetery and take your first right into the Chester Blandford State Forest (aka Griffin Brook Road) parking lot at end. Version #2:  Approach Round Hill Road from Route 23 in Blandford turn onto North Street at the Blandford Historical Society, pass the Blandford White Church, continue approx. 8 miles name of road changes to Chester Road, take a right onto Round Hill Road just after the welcome to Chester sign.  There will be a Hilltown Hiker sign at the corner of Round Hill Road where you turn in.  VERY IMPORTANT:  Do not attempt to enter Round Hill Road from Route 20, it is extremely steep and only 4WD vehicles can traverse it!

Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com OR Email us westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com  BOTH get you registered. Hike is free and volunteer lead, donations are appreciated!

NEW!  Become a Hilltown Hiker Member!  You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here: https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/product/membership/

See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com For more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter.  Search our hashtags #westernmasshilltownhikers #hilltownhikers and #hikethehilltowns Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249.

Be prepared for water, rocks, roots and mud on the trail.  Maps and bottled water will be provided.  We hike rain or shine. Friendly dogs are welcome!

Tees, hoodies, hats, window stickers, artwork, and puzzles will be for sale at the hike, the complete free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com 

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Mission Statement: Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.