Sun-Baked Rock Letterbox LbNA #38733
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Add Location| Owner: | Creation Explorers  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Apr 5, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Belchertown |
| County: | Hampshire |
| State: | Massachusetts |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Found by: | Creation Explorers |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Mar 21, 2020 |
| Status: | FFFFFO |
| Last edited: | Apr 19, 2018 |
From Belchertown center take 202 North to Rt 9. Turn left onto Rt 9 towards Amherst. About 3 miles down on the right will be a dirt parking area where the M/M Trail crosses Rt 9, park here.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIME: 2- 21/2 hours round trip depending on how fast you walk
Start walking on the M/M Trail on the same side of the road as you are parked. The trail is well marked with WHITE BLAZES. Stay on the M/M Trail until you cross the brook 4 times, should take 35-40 minutes at a relaxed pace. Once you have crossed 4 times, you will shortly see that the forest changes, the tree cover overhead opens up and the trail becomes brighter. You will then start a steady uphill climb and then below your feet you will reach an area where the trail becomes rock. You will see a white blaze on a rock at your feet. From this blaze on the rock walk up the rock about 10 paces to the top part of the rocky area. Look slightly to your right and in front of you about 18 feet and you will see a tree covered in light green moss/fungi. Standing next to this tree look down the hill and you will see a fallen tree. It is pointing downhill. Two rocks on the sides of this fallen tree mark the spot where you will find the Sun-Baked Rock Letterbox.
We always use this rocky area as a resting spot when we hike here. Enjoy the warm sun on the rocks.
UPDATE 4/17/2018: Box was pretty damaged after 10 years under a rock so I repaired and replaced it. Over the years the M&M trail has suffered from many fallen trees and someone has painted over some of the white blazes with gray paint.. So, fair warning, the trail up to the letterbox now requires a little more attention to see the gray covered blazes and a little more care as you will need climb over and through some fallen trees. BUT it is still doable for sure. The name "Sun Baked Rock" was appropriate 10 years ago because the trees were much smaller and the sun actually did come through and warm this rock nicely. Not so much anymore :) Hope you enjoy the hike. It really is a beautiful area with several waterfalls along the way.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TIME: 2- 21/2 hours round trip depending on how fast you walk
Start walking on the M/M Trail on the same side of the road as you are parked. The trail is well marked with WHITE BLAZES. Stay on the M/M Trail until you cross the brook 4 times, should take 35-40 minutes at a relaxed pace. Once you have crossed 4 times, you will shortly see that the forest changes, the tree cover overhead opens up and the trail becomes brighter. You will then start a steady uphill climb and then below your feet you will reach an area where the trail becomes rock. You will see a white blaze on a rock at your feet. From this blaze on the rock walk up the rock about 10 paces to the top part of the rocky area. Look slightly to your right and in front of you about 18 feet and you will see a tree covered in light green moss/fungi. Standing next to this tree look down the hill and you will see a fallen tree. It is pointing downhill. Two rocks on the sides of this fallen tree mark the spot where you will find the Sun-Baked Rock Letterbox.
We always use this rocky area as a resting spot when we hike here. Enjoy the warm sun on the rocks.
UPDATE 4/17/2018: Box was pretty damaged after 10 years under a rock so I repaired and replaced it. Over the years the M&M trail has suffered from many fallen trees and someone has painted over some of the white blazes with gray paint.. So, fair warning, the trail up to the letterbox now requires a little more attention to see the gray covered blazes and a little more care as you will need climb over and through some fallen trees. BUT it is still doable for sure. The name "Sun Baked Rock" was appropriate 10 years ago because the trees were much smaller and the sun actually did come through and warm this rock nicely. Not so much anymore :) Hope you enjoy the hike. It really is a beautiful area with several waterfalls along the way.