Hampden County High Point Trip Report

Round Top Hill (1,794 ft)

Date: October 2000
Author: Mike Schwartz

This is an update to Denis Hanson's report, which will also get you to the summit with no problems.

From the two large brick buildings in the center of Chester, go 1.3 miles west on US 20 to a left turn onto Blandford Road. Follow it south past the buildings owned by the religious group, and turn left into gravel Round Hill Road at 2.4 miles. The cemetery is at 3.1 miles, and the road crests at 3.3 miles. I bushwhacked straight up the steep hill to the NW, but I intercepted the white-blazed trail mentioned by Denis, and decided to follow it uphill. It is well marked, and led directly to the summit, continuing over it to the north. I also found the BM and two reference marks. I had marked the spot where I intersected the trail on the ascent, but decided to follow the trail further downhill to see where it came out. To my surprise, it crossed the dirt road only a few feet from the crest. It's pretty obvious, but only if you're looking for it. The trail is slightly longer than the direct bushwhack, because it switchbacks up the grade, making for an easier hike. I'd definitely recommend it for the descent.