We are very excited to be a part of the Hilltown Destinations Map again this year!  All trailheads listed on the map and directory have coinciding trail maps available here on our website!

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We took advantage of the 50 degree weather on Saturday to trek again up to Round Top Hill, finished the trail maintenance, put up signage and then explored farther on Unkamit’s Path.  James started at Hampden Street in Chester, the rest of us started at the State Road entrance to Chester-Blandford State Forest and met at the top.  Also ran into a few others at the summit.   The entire section of the UP from State Road to Hampden Street is about a 2.5 hour journey.  Words and pictures do not do the epic views justice.

Working on the trail for our next group hike at Round Top Hill in Chester April 21st at 10am.

View below is viewing the Westfield River Valley and the Town of Chester. Gobble Mountain is straight ahead!

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I thought a mid-winter hike at the Keystone Arch Bridge Trail would be different from all the other “pleasant weather” adventures we have had at this historic place.  Turns out it was most definitely different!  The picture below is the beginning of the trail which was literally a bobsled track. The heavy snow, melt, then freeze turned the trail into a 12 inch or more thick ice block.  Spikes were mandatory…two hikers tried without…and survived!  It was an adventure and a beautiful warm sunny day, go figure!

Big News!

We are starting an email list! Send us an email at westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or click on the contact us link. Thanks and see you out there!

From our Silent Winter Solstice hike at the DAR Forest co-hosting with Hilltown Land Trust

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