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.

Within Mount Tom State Reservation, take the 1.9-mile, moderate out-and-back Dry Knoll Trail which has a 646-foot overall elevation gain.

Scott Jensen/AllTrails

The trail leads through the woods where you’ll see plenty of wildlife and eventually end up at the mysterious ruins of Eyrie House.

Jeremy Feliciano

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

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. It was a place with breathtaking views and its mountaintop location allowed patrons to escape the summer heat.

Paul Nicosia/AllTrails

Over time, owner William Street expanded operations and added on, transforming the property into quite the destination. 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.

Jonathan Fallon/AllTrails

Eventually Mr. Street started a couple costly projects like 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.

KTBNY/TripAdvisor

In April of 1901, Mr. Street found that a few of his horses died. Because the ground on the summit was rocky and hard, graves could not be dug, so he decided to cremate them instead. Once the cremation fire died down, he turned in for the night only to be awoken by a blaze that was reignited by the wind. The fire devastated Eyrie House and the property, leaving it in ruins.

Paul Cooper/Flickr 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.

While at the summit, take a look at the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valley below. You’ll realize why Eyrie House was built here in the first place.

Jennifer Miller/AllTrails

 

Scott Jensen/AllTrails

Jeremy Feliciano

Paul Nicosia/AllTrails

Jonathan Fallon/AllTrails

KTBNY/TripAdvisor

Paul Cooper/Flickr

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

Have you visited the Eyrie House ruins at Mount Tom State Reservation? If so, tell us about your experience and share any photos you have in the comments! For trail information, visit AllTrails and for more information on the history of Eyrie House, visit this webpage.

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

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Address: 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA