Chesterfield Gorge East Branch Trail
February 21 @ 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Chesterfield Gorge East Branch Trail
February 21st @ 11:00 am
Parking at the Chesterfield Gorge. 150 Ireland Street, Chesterfield, MA 01084 additional plowed parking at the snowmobile club here for a nominal donation.
Hike Rating: Moderate (due to length and winter conditions), flat ground with minimal incline/declines, approximately four miles in and back to mile marker two with an option for another two miles to the Dam and back. Crampons/cleats/snowshoes recommended. Please check back here for current conditions week of the event.
Join us for a hike along the East Branch Trail with an option to go the Baker Dam and Saw Mill Remains starting at the Chesterfield Gorge. The East Branch of the Westfield River in winter is a unique sight with ice blocks lining the edge. We will see animal tracks in the snow and experience the beauty of the woods in winter. Built in 1848 by Lemuel Baker, a saw mill was erected here at mile marker three on the East Branch Trail in Chesterfield. The mill used an undershot waterwheel to produce its power. A dam was located here but it no longer exists due to raging flood waters on the East Branch of the Westfield River however metal pins can still be seen on the rocks at the waters edge. After 21 years of use both the dam and mill were destroyed by flood waters in 1869 and were never rebuilt. We will hike along the wild and scenic East Branch trail along the river with rolling terrain into the Gilbert Bliss State Forest, passing an old quarry site to mile marker two with an option to add another two miles on to the old mill site.
Register
Please Register per vehicle on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs welcome. 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 and a snack!
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GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010
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 historical properties and tours, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts. Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. provides monthly, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups, non-profit organizations, libraries and schools. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249
IMPORTANT: For all activities, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather, including rain gear, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.” If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash! Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control, leashed or otherwise, and be prepared to pick up after your dog.
Adults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time.