Chester & Becket Trail

The Chester & Becket Railroad was built in 1806 and 17, its sole purpose was to deliver granite from the Hudson & Chester Quarry, the present day named Becket Quarry run by The Becket Land Trust. It joined the Boston & Albany Railroad main near where Bay State Drive meets Route 20. The line ran over narrow wooden trestles and bridges: Robbins Trestle and over Cushman brook. There are many artifacts still present along the way. The Chester Becket Railroad entire route still exists today as we have hiked the entire length. There is ongoing fundraising by the Becket Land Trust for it to be put in the hands of the Trustees of Reservations and open this entire trail to passive recreation which would be Outstanding!!!

The finished section trailhead is located on Hampden Street and is also on the Chester Walking Map.

Our Chester Becket Railroad and Chester Historical Tour was amazing! Thank you to Dave Pierce Chester Railway Station , Rich Holzman, Bob Daley, Roseanne for the handcrafted walking sticks, Tom Barnes for the donation of Railroad Memorabilia and polished Serpentine, Debbie Daniels for Hilltown settlers treasurers, Emily Smith Lee for inviting us into the Feed Store and Riverside Inn, John Garvey and John Hultman of the Chester Historical Society and Jail, hike leaders Karen, Kim and Michele…and to all of you Hilltown Hikers. What a glorious day to be out, Chester is the #hubofthehilltowns and we will bring you so much more!

hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers #chesterma www.chesterrailwaystation.net www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com