Salamander Loop

The Salamander Loop, also known as Mount Warner Trail, begins at a small parking area off Mount Warner Road in North Hadley, Massachusetts, on land managed by The Trustees of Reservations. After entering the forest, follow signage for the Salamander Loop, which winds through a mix of oak and beech forest at lower elevations and evergreen stands higher on the ridge. Old cart paths and former logging roads provide a broad, easy tread throughout most of the route. Along the way, look for vernal pools and wetland pockets—especially in spring—that support frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians. One highlight is “Lou’s Rock,” a large glacial erratic located along the loop on the northwest side of Mount Warner. Horses should be ridden at a walking pace, dogs must be leashed and owners must remove waste, and bikes are prohibited in March and April when conditions are muddy. With gradual elevation gain and no technical terrain, this is a peaceful, family-friendly walk in the woods, especially rewarding for those interested in seasonal wildlife and forest ecology.