Knox Trail Hike in Otis with Tom Ragusa
September 20, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Tour
Guided Hike on the Knox Trail in Otis
September 20th@10:00 am
Parking: On Norton Road Extension near house #92 Otis, MA 01253
Directions: Take Route 23 East or West to the Center of Otis take Norton Road and bear right onto Norton Road Extension to end of road.
Hike Rating: Easy to Moderate 3 miles in and back with very little elevation
Join us on a journey on the original “Ye Trodden Path” to follow the footsteps of the men who saved our country. Narrated by Mr. Tom Ragusa, local historian, our journey will take us through a section in Otis stopping at each historical location along the way listening to Tom’s amazing stories. During the winter of 1775-1776 Gen George Washington held the high ground around Boston while the British were firmly in control of the city. If Washington had artillery, he could dislodge the British and retake Boston. The nearest available artillery was at Fort Ticonderoga, under Continental Army control, in up-state NY. Gen Henry Knox then was commissioned in Dec 1775, by Gen Washington to secure these artillery pieces and transport them from NY, through Massachusetts to Dorchester Heights outside Boston. To do this Gen Knox successfully crossed the Berkshire Mountains and large rivers in winter, with 59 pieces of artillery. When the artillery arrived in Boston in early March 1776, Gen Howe realized the hopelessness of his position and evacuated the city.
This is a Housatonic Heritage and Mass 250 special event!
Housatonic Heritage Events 2025 Housatonic Heritage Walks – Housatonic Heritage
In 2025 and 2026, Massachusetts 250 will commemorate the many battles across the state that led to America’s independence. Experience the birthplace of American Liberty, where history was made, and the future was forged. In Massachusetts, we are embracing our history, the untold and little-known stories; we are celebrating our independence and innovations from the past 250 years. Join us – from the hills of the Berkshires to the Blackstone Valley, from the North and South Shore to the Cape and the islands – as we commemorate big events and untold stories and celebrate the revolutions still to come. learn more at MA250 – A History of Possibility
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!
Want to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events. You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches and photos will be for sale by donation at the event. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
Donate here:
Via our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers
Via Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers
Via Venmo: @hilltownhikers
Via Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)
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 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
