Essex County Highpoint Trip Report

Holt Hill (420 ft)

Date: September 12, 2003
Author: Gene Daniell

Mike Schwartz's access directions are OK except that it is exit 42A off I-495, not I-95, that one wants to take. Prospect Road is unobtrusively signed and is easily missed. One can also reach this area by following MA 125 north from exit 41 on I-93.

I would recommend that one park in the official lot, not at the fire lane. I think the "limited access" Mike refers to is the fact that the area is restricted to day use and there are houses nearby whose residents might report illegal use. The trails are not too well marked (the road to the summit is, of course, obvious but there are far more attractive routes) but a map is available free at the trailhead. If this very accurate and detailed map is used well, it is possible to follow the trails without too much difficulty. There is a small kettle pond not far from the parking area which should be visited if time permits.