The Hudson and Chester Granite Works
September 27 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Parking: Emery Street Chester at the Granite Saw Parking Lot across from the Ballfield. 9 Prospect Street, Chester.
Directions: From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee, take Rt. 20 east and drive 18 miles to the Chester center, turn left onto Main Street and bear right onto Prospect Street under the railroad and turn right to continue on Emery Street to the parking lot across from the ballfield. GPS 42.279570, -72.975155
Hike Rating: Easy 1 mile, mostly flat terrain on dirt
The Chester Granite Company was one of two granite finishing works in Chester for cutting and polishing stone brought down to the Historic Factory Village on the Chester and Becket Railroad which was built for this purpose in 1896. “Chester Blue Granite” was brought down the steep mountain railroad from the Hudson and Chester quarry, known today as the Becket Quarry in Becket. The finishing works burned down after many prosperous years in business making monuments and gravestones and has been private property since, until recently. In September of 2023 the Hilltown Hikers purchased this lot, including a twelve-foot shot saw and all the remains of its buildings and equipment. This was the second largest stone finishing plant in the state. The saw is still the largest historical stone cutting saw in existence. Tour the property on our newly created walking path with a guide and learn about the Granite Industry in Chester and Becket. Donations for the conserved Chester Granite and Polishing Works property are greatly appreciated.
This is a Housatonic Heritage special event!
Housatonic Heritage Events 2026 Housatonic Heritage Walks – Housatonic Heritage
Please Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers 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.