Super excited to have met Christy Butler at Chester on Track Saturday!! Purchased both his books; Rockachusetts and Erratic Wandering and Waterfall cards and poster. Check him out http://www.berkshirephotos.com #westernmasshilltownhikers

THE NEW #jlba #hilltowndestinations maps are here!!! #hikingtrail map on one side AND #businesslocator on the other side! FANTASTIC JOB Lyle Congdon and JLBA TEAM!!! Thank you!!

This is the third production of the #Destinations map and the best yet. This was just a dream of a project years ago and with the hard work and help of the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association team it is the Real Deal! 🌲Check out the QR code that takes you directly to westernmasshilltownhikers.com Maps Page!🌲

Come to the JLBA Booth and #westernmasshilltownhikers booth at #chesterontrack Saturday May 18th between 9am to 4pm to get your copy! See you then!

A sunny crisp morning made for an amazing hike on May 11th, it’s impossible to be in a bad mood when hiking! We completed the outer loop trail to the wetlands where we viewed the large beaver dam which completely held the pond on the left side. Beaver work here appears to be a full time job. Wonderful hiking for all levels and ages here.

Upcoming group event in Otis is a pleasurable easy hike through two rolling hills, beaver work is highly evident along the wetlands section and the old Dowd homestead is in remarkably good condition. Please carpool parking is limited at the trailhead.

On May 4th despite the drizzle we set out on a 5k at Littleville Lake tour. The low hanging clouds made for exceptional beauty. Many varities of birds were observed including one of the only pair of nesting bald eagle at the lake.

Update….Unkamit’s Path (white dot) trail up to the summit is very muddy in sections, please be prepared to get a bit dirty!  I have been cleaning up leaves, mud and windfall for the last two weeks, trail looks better than it has in years.  This is one of my favorite mountain hikes, a quick and steep twenty minutes gets you to the summit, amazing views of Chester Blandford State Forest and East in five.  Be prepared for the elevation, some climbing and mud and see you all there!

Weather looks to be chance of rain and 60 degrees for our group hike this Saturday, March 30th, perfect for hiking!  There is sure to still be ice on the Dynamite Box trail and its steep halfway through so please wear or bring your spikes.

The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee was delighted to help the Highlands Footpath (HFP) coordinate their first day of blazing. The segment selected runs along Gobble ridge with views of the Westfield River Valley and town of Chester below.
On March 26th an excited group made up of long time HFP advocates, a rep. from the Nature Conservancy and new highlands Footpath enthusiasts headed out of Chester center onto private property, with the blessings of the land owner. After a few hundred feet the HFP enters Chester Watershed land, the town of was delighted to give permission for the long distant footpath to follow a before unsanctioned Unkamit’s trail, now fully vetted, at this location, and celebrated by those who admire the spirit of adventure embraced by it’s creators. The trail leaves Chester watershed land near the summit and travels through Nature Conservancy property to the historic airway beacon. Efforts are underway to assess the beacon with the hopes of restoration.
Further blazing and trail creation lays ahead, we look forward to many wonderful workdays and explorations with all of you.!! Meredyth Babcock
“It’s all still there in heart and soul. The walk, the hills, the sky, the solitary pain and pleasure-they will grow larger, sweeter, lovelier in the days and years to come.”
– Edward Abbey