For those of you who like exploring western MA, I recommend the 9-mile loop hike that starts from River Road near the Monroe/Florida town line. Audrey, Pat, my daughter, Cilla and I made the trip out Route 2 to do this hike. The brook was beautiful after all the rain, and the yellow beech leaves made the trails light up. We started in along Dunbar Brook and when we got to the bridge crossing, we turned left and went uphill to Raycroft Road. We had thought about going to the Raycroft Lookout, but decided to save that for another day.
So, off we went up the ridge to Spruce Mountain. We found a nice sheltered spot for lunch with some views off to the west at a rocky outcrop, and then we headed up to the true summit, which has limited views. Much to our surprise, we me another hiker who had bushwhacked over from Crum Hill. He told us that it was one of the ten highest peaks in MA! Off down the trail through more nice beech and birch woods to the road and Monroe Bridge to Dunbar Brook.
So, off we went up the ridge to Spruce Mountain. We found a nice sheltered spot for lunch with some views off to the west at a rocky outcrop, and then we headed up to the true summit, which has limited views. Much to our surprise, we me another hiker who had bushwhacked over from Crum Hill. He told us that it was one of the ten highest peaks in MA! Off down the trail through more nice beech and birch woods to the road and Monroe Bridge to Dunbar Brook.
