Laurel Loop Day Trip in Amherst Massachusetts

Welcome to Laurel Loop in Amherst, Massachusetts

Tucked away in the base of Mount Holyoke State Range Park in Amherst, Massachusetts, Laurel Loop is a short, scenic nature trail that takes you through woodlands, by a stream and through rows of Mountain Laurel blooms in the late spring and early summer.

This trail is great for families with young kids and hikers of all levels, and you can extend your nature excursion by connecting to the trail taking you to Mount Norwottuck.

How to get to Laurel Loop in Amherst, Massachusetts (MA) |

Access the trail from and park for free in the lot at the Notch Visitor Center at 1500 West Street. There are plenty of marked parking spaces, and it’s a very quick walk up to the visitor center facility (there were also two port-a-potties behind the center when I visited in June 2023).

What to see at Laurel Loop

Start your hike by heading to the marked signs “behind” the visitor center kiosk. You can hike straight/right onto the trail or turn left starting your hike by going past the center (on your left) and into the woods.

Tip: Look for this sign a few steps past the kiosk and (always) follow the blue blazes to hike Laurel Loop. Going right, you’ll see blazes for two-to-three trails often.

I went straight/right and after a few paces on the dirt trail, rows of mountain laurel appeared as the path turned left.

As you continue hiking, you'‘ll see your first double blue blaze that indicates to turn right to follow Laurel Loop into the woods. Hiking during the evening is really scenic as the golden hour light blankets the trail.

Once you hike down a quick, decent decline, you’ll reach a t-shaped trail intersection where there are well-marked signs to connecting trails and, of course, a double blue blaze indicating a left turn. On this part of the trail you’ll see a pond on your right.

Tip: The woods are dense and lush so make sure you stay on the dirt path and look for glimpses of Mountain Laurel bushes behind the tree cover.

Soon after the pond and turning left at the double blue blazes, you’ll come into an uncovered portion with another field of Mountain Laurel blooms. This part of the path does have small rocks and roots sticking out so watch your footing.

The trail goes back into the woods before you see the Notch Visitor Center.

Tip: Wear bug spray on a spring or summer day as you are hiking in lush forest.

Laurel Loop is a scenic and fun trail with diverse nature, beautiful and dense forest and a little bit of elevation and descent to get the blood pumping. Exploring this trail is best in late spring and early summer when the blooms are peaking.

Dogs on leash are welcome in the Mount Holyoke State Range Park, and you can extend your hike by connecting with the New England Trail and/or Robert Frost Trail. Here is a helpful Mass.gov resource.

Have you hiked Laurel Loop or other trails in the Mount Holyoke State Range Park?

Leave a comment below with a tip or to help folks find fun spots.