Q-MoB Easy Fall Hike @ Whiting St Reservoir/Mt Tom (Holyoke, MA)

Scenic, flat 3 mile loop around reservoir, wetlands, forest, beaver habitat, all beneath rugged basalt cliffs of Mt. Tom
About this Event

11/15 Q-MoB Easy Fall Hike @ Whiting St Reservoir/Mt Tom (Holyoke, MA)

Whiting Street Reservoir Loop
Mount Park Rd
Holyoke, MA 01040

Scenic, flat 3 mile loop around reservoir, wetlands, forest, beaver habitat, all beneath rugged basalt cliffs of Mt. Tom, In the fall we get to enjoy:

• Wide-Open Panoramic Views: With the deciduous canopy completely bare by late November, "stick season" provides unobstructed sightlines across the water straight up to Mount Tom’s cliffs and the old Mountain Park ridgeline—views largely hidden by foliage during summer.
• Migrating Waterfowl: Late autumn is prime time for cold-hardy waterbirds. Expect to spot resting flocks of common and hooded mergansers, buffleheads, ring-necked ducks, and Canada geese floating out on the open water before ice forms
• Amazing array of eco-systems: Beaver habitat, forest, wetlands, basalt cliffs, deeper water and the diverse flora & fauna that may take more patience to see and hear, but are definitely present

WHAT TO BRING:

• Rain-gear & warm layers & hat & gloves in case it unexpectedly gets colder or wetter than you want
• Appropriate footwear (that can get muddy),
• Snacks & water
• If this is the 1st time you've ever been to a Q-MoB activity, it is FREE, or if you are low-income and request a scholarship or work-exchange/volunteer, but if you have been to Q-MoB events before Please bring $10-$20 Tax-Deductible Donation (paid or as cash or check made out to "Q-MoB," a 501(c)3 non-profit charity) or by donating $25/month, $35/mo $50/month, $75/month, $100/month or more -- so you never have to donate at Q-MoB activities again (all regular events are FREE for monthly donors)

WEATHER: Please check the weather in Holyoke from your home before you leave for the hike, so that you will be able bring the right clothes to deal with any last minute changes in the weather. Weather in Western Mass can change quickly and it's always good to be prepared for rain, wind, & unexpectedly cooler or hotter temps than were forecast the day before. We will only cancel the hike if there is a forecast of a thunderstorm or conditions are unsafe for driving or on the trail, and we will text you should this happen the day of the hike.

CARPOOLING/RIDE-SHARE: Carpooling is a great way to get to know your queer neighbor, save money on gas, and help to reduce your carbon footprint and save the planet. If you need a ride or are open to carpooling, please indicate that when you are registering, & our ride coordinator will try to match you with people nearby who are interested in carpooling or offering rides.

REACHING US DAY OF HIKE: If you have trouble finding us, will be late, or can't make it, please call/text the Hike Leader Kreature, who's phone number will be in your confirmation email, or you can SEND US A NOTE or call Q-MoB Info Line: 413-344-8162