Mount Tom has a nice swimming beach and picnic areas. It is also a good hiking area with great views from the top, and interesting geology. This description follows the yellow trail beginning in the picnic area south of the entrance road, goes to the tower on the top, then returns down the other side of the yellow trail loop, ending near the beginning site. The trail is uphill all the way, but is not usually very steep. Just take your time, stop to look at the rocks, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views from the top.

When you leave the small picnic area at the beginning of the yellow trail, go straight ahead. Follow the yellow trail markers at the branch in the trail. Shortly after that, there is a curved area that appears to be dug out.

Beyond that area, in the woods, there is an outcrop of dark-gray gneiss. This is a rock with bandings of light and dark minerals, although here the rock is mostly dark hornblende, with lesser amounts of lighter plagioclase and quartz.

Rock Types Found on Main Trail: 

Metamorphic (Gneiss, Schist)

Rock Units: 

Amphibolite member in Ratlum Mountain Schist, Ratlum Mountain Schist

Minerals of Interest: 

Quartz, Garnet, Hornblende

Interesting Geologic Features: 

Quartz vein

Know Before You Go

• Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)

• Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information