Group Hike at the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail

#hikethehilltowns
Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Group Hike October 16th 10:00 am
GPS Location: 42.312190 -72.992314 Trailhead Hike Rating: Moderate 5 miles total in and back

Join us for our annual fall group hike of the historic Keystone Arch Bridge Trail in Chester
The hike will be narrated by Dave Pierce of the Friends of the Keystone Arches.
Enjoy Dave*s incredible narration as he tells of the history of the Arch*s creation, the first cluster of stone arch RR bridges built in America, located on the West Branch of the Westfield River. Construction of the 150-mile railroad was completed by 3,000 laborers in an incredible two and a half years, opening in 1841.

We will take you up close to ALL the stone bridges on the trail.  The 65 and 70 foot Arches have footpaths with viewing areas, these two keystone arch bridges located on Mass Wildlife’s Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Area in Middlefield and Becket have been named National Historic Landmarks this year! The Chester Railway Station Museum will be open after the hike located at 10 Prospect Street, Chester.   More info visit www.chesterrailwaystation.net www.keystonearches.com www.townofchester.net

Parking is at Chester Elementary School, 325 Middlefield Road, one mile from the trailhead(limited parking).  Hike will start at the trailhead at 10 am. Although the trail is easily traveled and well-marked, be prepared for water, mud, bridges, roots and rocks.  Maps and bottle water will be provided.  Please be aware that there are no facilities at the trail.  Plan for four hours hike time. More details are on Facebook and www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com. Friendly dogs are welcome!  hike is free, donations are appreciated!
For more information email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com

Tees, hoodies and hats and artwork, puzzles will be for sale at the hike, the complete free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.   #westernmasshilltownhikers.  Events, maps and photos located at www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com For more hike information email  westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Meetup, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter.  #westernmasshilltownhikers  Events, maps and photos located at www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com

Donate here:  paypal.me/hilltownhikers    Venmo:  @hilltownhikers

Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
We head up the trail at 10:00 am sharp!  See you all there!

.
OUR NEW SAFETY ORANGE HIKER T-SHIRTS ARE IN!

Park at Chester Elementary School, 325 Middlefield Road, Chester, MA 01011. there is very limited parking at the trailhead (10 vehicles). Please observe the no parking signs on the Road. 

We will be shuttling hikers from the school lot to the trail head before the hike whenever possible.  Please arrive early enough to walk to the trailhead if necessary (it is approx. 1 mile walk from school to trailhead)

Liability Waiver: As a condition of your
voluntary participation in this activity, you
acknowledge and agree to the following: this
activity involves inherent risks that can cause
property damage, injury, illness, disability,
and/or death to participants and/or others;
you assume all risk associated with this
activity; you are responsible for having the
necessary knowledge, skills, abilities,
clothing, and equipment to safely participate
in this activity; you know and will follow the
Hiker Responsibility Code described at
www.hikesafe.com;.the leader(s) of this
activity are volunteers; and you for yourself,
your heirs, executors, and administrators
release, hold harmless, and indemnify the
leader(s) and all members of this group from
any and all claims for property damage,
injury, illness, disability, and/or death –
including those caused by negligence and/or
other reasons.

https://mailchi.mp/9ce373352fae/fallhikethekeystonearches  

westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com/fall-group-hike-at-the-keystone-arch-bridges-trail/