Black Panther Lost Ski Resort in Huntington
February 22, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Public Group Hike
Black Panther Lost Ski Resort Huntington
February 22nd at 10:00 am
Parking: Knightville Dam Ranger Station 201 Worthington Rd, Huntington, MA 01050
Directions: from Northampton take Route 66 to Route 112 Huntington, take a left on Knightville Dam Road, follow the road uphill to the Ranger station and top of Dam. From Westfield Route 20 West to Huntington Route 112, take a right on Knightville Dam Road.
Hike Rating: Moderate Plus, four miles in and back with inclines and some steep sections.
Keep in mind there will most likely be snow and ice and this route is not flat.
Be prepared for winter conditions, snow and ice gear recommended.
Join us at Knightville Dam where the largest ski resort in the Pioneer Valley once operated.
Constructed in 1937 on old Worthington Road at Burr’s Maple Grove Farm by Sid and Russell
Burr to be a skiing mecca for college students with two ski jumps, a 20 acre beginners area,
downhill ski races, cross country runs and slalom competitions. Silver cups were given to the
winners and the area attracted expert skiers. 4 tow lines brought skiers up the hill and lights
were installed along the slopes to offer skiing at dusk. Busses were provided from Springfield
and Westfield to the resort as well as a 300 car parking lot for day trippers. In 1940 the
Knightville Dam was built and the construction was shared with the ski resort to improve the
trails by grading with the heavy equipment on site. In 1942 the Army closed Black Panther
down in the name of national defense, shortly after a fence was erected to keep all away but
the Burr’s filed suit and won to re-open in 1946. In December of 1950, the Burr’s announced
their retirement; much larger ski resorts had opened in the Berkshires
increasing competition and ultimately Black Panther was lost in the
woods of Huntington forever.
Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles!
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Mission Statement: Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249