[joejm66]

I have a two year old and an infant, so the family hiking is also in it's infancy. I do have a kid carry pack for my daughter and a Bjorn for my son. My wife and I (from NH, now in MA) have always camped/hiked in NH, but are interested in hitting western MA.
I haven't even begun my research into the area, so any help as to nice regions, camping, small hikes, interesting stuff, brewpubs, etc would be greatly appreciated to help me on my way.
I'll never stop going to NH and ME, but we need to broaden the horizons now that we have young minds to leave impressions on. Thanks

[silentcal]

I live in Western Mass.

Nice places to hike are Mt. Tom and Mt. Holyoke. Info on these areas are here:

http://www.mass.gov/...entral/skin.htm

The summit house for the above link is a really nice picnic destination. I've taken my young nephews there often.



http://www.mass.gov/...entral/mtom.htm

Mt. Tom Super nice views from the Ridgeline along the Metacomet-Mondanock trail. Goat Peak has a nice 360 degree view tower to catch view of the entire valley.


http://www.mass.gov/...entral/hksp.htm

Lots of nice hiking in this park as well. Mt. Norowottuck is one of my favorites. The Horse Caves are NOT caves but rock overhangs. Nice woods walking in this park.


As for campgrounds, I don't camp here at all. My sister does however and she really likes this place:

http://www.sunsetview.com/

The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield and Six Flags is in nearby Agawam.
Are you looking to going even further West out to the Berkshires? I have some ifo there if you need that.