Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Narrated Hike

#hikethehilltowns
Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Group Hike October 21st 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
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. The Chester Railway Station Museum, also a National Historic Landmark, will be open after the hike located at 10 Prospect Street, Chester.  For 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 at the trailhead we will shuttle hikers from the school).  Carpooling will start at 9:30 am please be at the parking lot by then!  Hike will start at the trailhead at 10 am.

Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided. Be prepared for rocks, roots, mud and some elevation. We will hike rain or shine. Friendly dogs are welcome. Suggestion donation is $5, hike is volunteer lead.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249

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See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com For more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, YouTube, TikTok Pinterest and Twitter.  Search our hashtags #westernmasshilltownhikers #hilltownhikers and #hikethehilltowns Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249.

Tees, hoodies, hats, window stickers, patches and photos will be for sale at the hike, the complete free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com 

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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