🇺🇸Hike at the DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution, State Forest in Goshen. Many trails here and of the five miles we chose all were great, Long Trail, Black Bear, Porcupine Tilton Farm, Town Trail. Bike, Horse and Cross Country Ski trails too. Boat Launches and campgrounds. Excellent blazing and trail maintenance. Sights we saw was the balance rock (very impressive), Upper Highland Lake and the Fire Tower (only tower you can see 5 states). We spent 6 hours here and will definitely go back!🇺🇸

🇺🇸Only fire tower to view FIVE STATES, I was terrified, yes! You can climb it! Our field trip to DAR State Forest in Goshen today included a meet and great with the DCR District Patrol Massachusetts Fire Protection Control crew as they were making repairs to the tower!🇺🇸

From our Group Hike today at Upper Spectacle Pond and Otis State Forest, we hiked 3.8 miles to the pond and then further to the pond vista, then to the Webb Sawmill and old dam. After we went across Route 23 where the state forest continues and we were finding remnants of the CCC Camp and Recreational Hall. Thank you to all who came out today. Its great to be back out there with you all!#hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers
All group hike events during COVID-19 are posted on http://www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com and registration is through http://www.ticketleap.com

Crescent Mills Cemetery

The Crescent Mills Cemetery, located on Route 20 in Crescent Mills, is the family cemetery of the Gould family. The cemetery has approximately 10 plots of which only 4 or 5 are still legible. John Gould lived in Crescent Mills prior to the establishment of any of the mills.

The earliest stone which is still legible is from Matth(ew)? S. Gould, son of John and Mary Gould who died in 1802 at the age of 25.

There are also stones for John Gould and what appear to be 2 wives,both named Mary.
(Credit Bruce Cortis)

🐾Two Bridges Trail in Ashfield 5.4 miles in and back, we started at Chapel Brook Falls then continued towards the Buillitt Reservation which lies at the end of the trail, this is part of the Ashfield Trail system which connects all the trails in Ashfield. A historic grist mill and impressive cellar hole on this trail plus “the Pebble” which we had no idea what it was until reaching it. Trail is relatively flat with many bridges and gorgeous view at Buillitt. 🐾#hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers

Hunting Season is year round, please always wear bright colors anytime you are hiking!

2020-2021 MA Hunting Seasons

Black Bear
Sept. 8 – Sept. 26
Nov. 2 – Nov. 21
Nov. 30 – Dec. 12

Deer
Oct. 3 (Youth Hunt)
Oct. 29 – Oct. 31 (Paraplegic Hunt)
Oct. 19 – Nov. 28 (Archery)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 12 (Shotgun)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 31 (Primitive Firearms)

Wild Turkey
Oct. 19 – Nov. 28
April 25 (Youth Hunt)
April 27 – May 23

Chapel Ledges in Ashfield. One mile loop IF you can hike the steep climbers trail, this is a popular rock climbing destination, great view at the summit, intricate trail work best ever seen so far, a unique experience hiking on the edge of the ledges, this trail connects to Chapel Falls. Ashield Trails, and the DAR! #hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers