“The Chester-Blandford State Forest lies in the towns of Chester and Blandford along the famed Jacob’s Ladder Highway.  The development of its 2,328 acres began in 1924, and its features now include 2 recreation centers, both with adequate parking areas adjoining the highway. Mica Mine Road and Gold Mine Brook, which run through the forest, are reminders of the days when the hills of Chester were pitted with small mines producing mica, emery, and corundum.”

“Boulder Park, at the eastern end of the forest, is primarily a picnic area. It has 42 tables, 25 fireplaces, and 2 pavilion shelters, built on a hillside along route US 20 overlooking the Westfield River. In the center of the park is a small swimming pool with a beach, bathhouse, and diving platform. A short distance to the west is a picnic and camping development, with a shelter, 45 tables, and 22 fireplaces, a number of which are placed at the 10 trailer and 12 tent sites. Trails lead from both parks to the Overlook, which provides a panorama of the Westfield Valley.”

“About a mile west of Boulder Park, at the junction of US 20 and Sanderson Brook Road, is a park area from which a number of ski trails, of varying degrees of difficulty, and a practice slope are easily accessible. Near the trails is a spring-house for drinking water.”  DCR report of CCC significant structures remaining in State Forests.

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