Old John Knox Road in Blandford, part of the center of Chester Blandford State Forest has hidden away Hilltown History for over 100 years. Hiking in from the Beulah Land Rd entrance of the State Forest, we headed down an old cart path at the foot of Green Hill where Goldmine Brook starts as just a swamp. Cannon settled at the first cellar hole we encountered in 1857, a large homestead with several buildings and a very large well. Heading deeper in, crossing Goldmine Brook which is just a stream here, we arrived at the junction of old John Knox Road and the remains of a still, looks like some moonshine was crafted here. We found the Ward homestead just down the old road with it’s giant barn in impeccable condition with several out buildings. Over the years, these properties changed hands several times from 1857 to 1912. Of course we found a car abandoned on the old road, a sure sign that this road was used until the early 60’s. News is DCR is considering working on this section of the forest, GPS strongly suggested here, no blazing/no signage. This is a beautiful all hardwood area of Blandford that hikers would enjoy! Lyle ex-officio HH director joined us on this one!

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