It really varies! I personally have never been stuck at the bottom, with the gate locked but what I believe happens is, due to very limited parking( you are at the summit of a mountain ha! so that can’t be helped) I believe that once the parking spots are taken, they close the gate until more spaces open up. This park is closed in winter months but we have been up in November ( view is astounding anytime of the year)! I would advise you to arrive as early as possible before parking spaces get taken( go to their web site to check times) and “especially if you hope to get a scenic picnic table!” You can put items on the table to secure it and then walk around, hike some trails, walk around the porch of this beautiful hotel, taking in the view and just enjoy this lovely park.

This park is located on 10 Skinner State Park Road in “SOUTH HADLEY”, MA! It is very easy to find! Coming from Rt 1-91 , you would take a right getting off at the Amherst exit, take a right onto Rt 9 and head “towards Amherst” but you will then go into Rt 47! This park is “located in SOUTH HADLEY!” Once on Rt 47 you will head to Skinner State Park Road. This road will appear on your left( well marked). You can see the whole hotel located at the top of this mountain from all over, especially from 1-91! Have fun!