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. Read on to learn how you can see it by embarking upon the Eyrie House Ruins Trail.

Within Mount Tom State Reservation, you can take the 1.9-mile, moderate out-and-back Dry Knoll Trail.

The Dry Knoll Trail has a 646-foot overall elevation gain so its a pretty easy trail for most fitness levels.

The trail leads through the forest where you'll see plenty of beautiful woods...

...as well as vibrant wildlife, eventually ending up at the mysterious Eyrie House ruins.

When you arrive at the site of the ruins, it's almost hard to imagine that a luxury hotel once stood here.

How's that for a unique place to spend the night?

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.

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.

Eventually Mr. Street started a couple of costly projects.

They included 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.

In April of 1901, Mr. Street found that a few of his horses had 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 awakened by a blaze that was reignited by the wind. The devastating fire destroyed Eyrie House and the property, leaving it in ruins.

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 understand why Eyrie House was built here in the first place.

For trail information, visit the Dry Knoll Trail page on AllTrails, and for more information on the history of Eyrie House, check out this self-guided walking tour.

Have you visited the Eyrie House ruins at Mount Tom State Reservation? If so, what was your favorite part? Tell us about your experience and share any photos you have in the comments!

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

If you’re still in the mood for more Old Bay State adventures, take a look at this video: