Skinner
United States, Massachusetts
About Skinner
Skinner State Park protects 390 acres including the summit of Mount Holyoke and the historic Summit House, offering exceptional Connecticut Valley views.
Wildlife Ecosystems
The forested slopes support typical valley wildlife. Raptors utilize the ridge thermals.
Flora Ecosystems
Oak-hickory forest covers the mountain with exposed rock communities on summits.
Geology
Mount Holyoke consists of erosion-resistant trap rock (basalt), part of the same formation as Mount Tom.
Climate And Weather
The summit experiences more wind and cooler temperatures than the valley floor.
Human History
The Summit House has welcomed visitors since 1821. The views inspired Hudson River School painters including Thomas Cole.
Park History
Joseph Allen Skinner donated the property to the state in 1939.
Major Trails And Attractions
The Summit House provides historic exhibits and exceptional views. Trails climb from various directions. The summit road provides seasonal vehicle access.
Visitor Facilities And Travel
The Summit House offers restrooms and refreshments. The park is accessible from Route 47.
Conservation And Sustainability
Preservation maintains the historic Summit House while protecting natural resources.
Visitor Ratings
Overall: 52/100
Photos
3 photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Skinner is located in Massachusetts, United States at coordinates 42.28, -72.6.
To get to Skinner, the nearest city is Hadley (3 mi), and the nearest major city is Springfield (15 mi).
Skinner covers approximately 1.57 square kilometers (1 square miles).
Skinner was established in 1940.
Skinner has an accessibility rating of 88/100 based on visitor reviews. The park offers good accessibility features for most visitors.
Skinner has a wildlife rating of 45/100. Wildlife sightings are possible but may require patience. Check recent reviews for current wildlife activity.
Skinner has a beauty rating of 62/100 from visitor reviews. The park offers beautiful natural scenery that visitors appreciate.
Based on visitor ratings, Skinner has an accessibility score of 88/100 and a safety score of 85/100. These ratings suggest the park is suitable for families with children.
