Mount Ascutney State Park

3,144-foot high Mount Ascutney is just to the north of Springfield. Mount Ascutney State Park was built between 1935 and 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, the park offers camping, four trailheads and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. Visitors seeking a less-strenuous trek may drive up the 3.7-mile Mount Ascutney Parkway to a parking lot at an elevation of 2,800 feet. A hike of nearly one mile leads to the summit observation tower. Each summer hundreds of participants from all over New England compete in automobile, bicycle and running races up the auto road. With its two launching sites, the park is also a favorite of hang gliders.