Mount Tom State Reservation in Holyoke, Massachusetts is filled with abandoned sites including an amusement park, a ski resort, a house atop the summit, and an old luxury hotel. Known as the Eyrie House, this was once a luxury hotel found at the summit of Mount Nonotuck. Read on to learn how you can see it by embarking upon the Eyrie House Ruins Trail.

Within Mount Tom State Reservation, you can take the 1.9-mile, moderate out-and-back Dry Knoll Trail.
Scott Jensen/AllTrails
The Dry Knoll Trail has a 646-foot overall elevation gain so its a pretty easy trail for most fitness levels.
The trail leads through the forest where you'll see plenty of beautiful woods...
Jeremy Feliciano/AllTrails
...as well as vibrant wildlife, eventually ending up at the mysterious Eyrie House ruins.
When you arrive at the site of the ruins, it's almost hard to imagine that a luxury hotel once stood here.
Scott Jensen/AllTrails
How's that for a unique place to spend the night?
In 1861, The Eyrie House was built atop the 821-foot summit of Mount Nonotuck, first as a three-story, 12-room hotel featuring five guest rooms.
Paul Nicosia/AllTrails
It was a place with breathtaking views and its mountaintop location allowed patrons to escape the summer heat.

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Over time, owner William Street expanded operations and added on, transforming the property into quite the destination.
Jonathan Fallon/AllTrails
It featured amenities such as a picnic grove, croquet court, roller skating, dining rooms, men’s and women’s parlors, and elevated walkways to give guests even better views. It became a premier destination.
Eventually Mr. Street started a couple of costly projects.
KTBNY/TripAdvisor
They included building a newer hotel on the property made of stone and adding an inclined railroad for easier access from the valley below. These projects were meant to attract even more customers.
In April of 1901, Mr. Street found that a few of his horses had died. Because the ground on the summit was rocky and hard, graves could not be dug, so he decided to cremate them instead.
Paul Cooper/Flickr
Once the cremation fire died down, he turned in for the night only to be awakened by a blaze that was reignited by the wind. The devastating fire destroyed Eyrie House and the property, leaving it in ruins.
Because he was underinsured and didn't have the funds to rebuild or finish the new hotel and railroad, Mr. Street abandoned the site, leaving what you see today.
Jennifer Miller/AllTrails
While at the summit, take a look at the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valley below. You'll understand why Eyrie House was built here in the first place.

For trail information, visit the Dry Knoll Trail page on AllTrails, and for more information on the history of Eyrie House, check out this self-guided walking tour.

Have you visited the Eyrie House ruins at Mount Tom State Reservation? If so, what was your favorite part? Tell us about your experience and share any photos you have in the comments!

Do you enjoy exploring ruins? If you said yes, then read this article about Bancroft Castle located on top of Gibbet Hill in Groton.

If you’re still in the mood for more Old Bay State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Fun in Massachusetts

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 14, 2023

Where can we find other great hiking trails in Massachusetts?

  • The Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord features walking trails, a wooden plank boardwalk, a pond, and several historic structures.
  • The Shining Sea Bike and Walking Path in Falmouth is a beautiful rail trail that extends all the way to Woods Hole.
  • The Knightville Dam in Huntington offers spectacular views of the river and forest below.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other popular hiking trails in Massachusetts.

Where can we find parks in Massachusetts?

  • Pulaski Park in Northampton is a compact urban park and true city gem located right along the city’s beautiful Main Street.
  • North Point Park in Cambridge is a city respite encompassing 14-acres of green space along the Charles River and features beautiful views, a boardwalk, a playground, and splash pad.
  • Boston Common in Boston is unique in that its 50 acres form the shape of a pentagon.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful parks in Massachusetts.

Where can we go for a romantic getaway in Massachusetts?

  • The Verb Hotel in Boston is a music-themed hotel has a cool vibe that also offers an accommodation in a Backstage Trailer.
  • The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River is not just the site of the infamous late-1800s murder, rather also now a comfortable bed and breakfast inn and museum.
  • The Addison in Rockport is a charming bed and breakfast inn designated for adults only and perfect for a romantic getaway.

Learn more about some of the other great spots for a romantic getaway in Massachusetts.

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125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA