Hiking Massachusetts Peaks

Mass Public Peaks rank: #37
Elevation: 1,922 feet
Prominence: 226 feet
Isolation: 0.5 miles
Summit coordinates: 42°41’41.7″N 72°52’31.7″W
Town: Rowe, Massachusetts
Conservation Area: Pelham Lake Park

Links:
Todd Mountain on Peakbagger
Todd Mountain on ListsofJohn
Pelham Lake Park on AllTrails

General info: Todd Mountain (not to be confused with nearby Todd Mountain in Charlemont, also on this list), is part of the Hoosac Range in the northern Berkshires. Located in Rowe, Massachusetts, it is a prominent feature of Pelham Lake Park. The park, owned by the Town of Rowe, spans approximately 1,360 acres. While access to the lake and recreation facilities is restricted to Rowe residents, the mountain trail network is open to the public. However, parking can be challenging. The lake parking area is reserved for residents, but there are alternative options. I was able to secure permission to park at a private retreat center adjacent to the park after calling ahead. It may also be worth contacting the park office to inquire about public parking. The town’s trail map indicates there are roadside parking areas along the eastern side of the park, though I did not investigate these myself. Despite the parking challenge, this is a wonderful area for hiking, with trails in great condition and lovely wooded surroundings.

Historical Background: Long before it became a park, the Pelham Lake area was used by the Mahican, Wabanaki, and Nipmuc tribes for hunting and fishing. During the French and Indian Wars, settlers built Fort Pelham (built in 1744 and named after Henry Pelham, Prime Minister under George II) near Pelham Brook, giving the brook and lake its name. After Rowe’s incorporation (1785), the land around Pelham Lake was cleared for small farms, grazing, and logging, though it remained lightly settled. Water-powered mills operated nearby, but the lake remained largely untouched.

In the late 19th century, talc mining began, and a dam was built to expand Pelham Lake for mill operations. The business failed after a 1911 fire, and by 1925, the abandoned dam was deemed unsafe, nearly leading to the lake’s drainage. In 1927, Percy Whiting Brown, a local historian and philanthropist, purchased the property, repaired the dam, and protected the land from development. By the 1920s, Pelham Lake had become a popular summer retreat, with small cottages lining its shore.

In 1955, Brown formally donated 485 acres to the Town of Rowe, including Pelham Lake, surrounding forests, and parts of Adams and Todd Mountains. His deed stipulated the land be kept forever as a park and wildlife sanctuary, banning hunting and ensuring public access. The town accepted the gift in 1956, forming a Park Commission to manage the land. Pelham Lake Park remains town-owned, a testament to Brown’s conservation vision and Rowe’s commitment to protecting its natural beauty.

Recommended ascent routes:
Adams Mountain and Todd Mountain Loop: This was my route including Adams Mountain and Todd Mountain. The trails on Adams, Todd Mountain’s larger neighbor, are better worn and well-marked. The trails grew a bit hard to follow in places over Todd Mountain. But in all, this was a great hike, about 4.5 miles and 950 feet of elevation gain.

Nearby Mass 50 Highest Public Peaks: As noted, Adams Mountain is early paired with Todd in a day hike. Mohawk Trail State Forest with the other Todd Mountain, Clark Mountain, and nearby Negus Mountain is just a short drive away, though I wouldn’t recommend trying all these in one day.