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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T213000
DTSTAMP:20260928T154845Z
CREATED:20260820T172258Z
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UID:77201-1792861200-1792877400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Sinister Haunted Trail
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nSinister Haunted Trail \nOctober 24th @ 5:00 pm until everyone goes home!  Kid’s Events kick off at 3:00 at the Ballfield \nParking:  47 Emery Street across from the Ballfield\, Chester\, MA  01011 \nDirections:  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. From Westfield take Route 20 West to the center of Chester\, turn right onto Main Street and under the underpass to Prospect Street. GPS 42.279570\, -72.975155 \nOn October 24th all the ghouls come out with no holds barred for the Sinister Saw Halloween Event where we light up the trail (in places\, the rest of it is dark scary woods) and the crazy clowns\, masked chainsaw men and evil witches will haunt this abandoned mill in Chester Factory Village including a complete sound show\, light show\, live props and gags. \nBe prepared for a spine tingling\, jump out of your pants walk thru the haunted woods! Join the Hilltown Hikers and our volunteers at our Granite Saw property. We will have a haunted trail complete with a 12-foot diameter cutting saw\, real tombstones\, haunted gags\, bloody ghouls\, skin crawling sound show\, zombies and more! What is lurking in those woods? Don’t worry\, we will make sure you get out….alive! \nAND THERES MORE! The Town of Chester invites all ghouls\, ghosts\, and goblins to gather at the Chester Ball Field on Emery Street for frights and fun! We’ll kick things off at 3 pm for the little ghouls with pumpkin painting\, face painting\, followed by a rag-shag parade. Cheer or compete in our inflatable race at 4:30 p.m. (all are welcome to participate!) Then sink your fangs into Trunk or Treat\, live music\, and a food feast while spooky spirits roam the grounds. Dress to impress (or terrify!) for our costume contests\, followed by an award ceremony with trophies and prizes for trunks and costumes. Warm your bones by the fire at the snack shack\, where free cider\, cocoa and popcorn await… We hope to see you all there! \nNo dogs please on the haunted trail. Donations are welcome to support the historical renovations to the Chester Granite Saw. Suggested Donation $5 Donate on www.hilltownhikers.com. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground. \nSPONSORED BY: The Town of Chester\, Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Chester Rec Committee\, Chester Fire Dept\, Chester Hill Association\, Chester Police Dept.\, Our Mother’s Kitchen\, Kosinski Farms in Westfield\, Mel’s Kitchen in Chester\, Hamilton Memorial Library\, Chester Scouts\, Gateway Farm and Pet\, Moltenbrey’s Market\, Chester Foundation\, Briggs Family\, Big Y\, Carms Restaurant\, Hilltown Ambulance\, Pease Store and the Chester COA. \nALL ARE WELCOME! Come down and set up a trunk (no registration necessary) and have a good time! \nEvent is volunteer organized and operated. Suggested donation to the Granite Saw is $5. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions or would like to volunteer as a live ghoul. \n  \n \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/sinister-haunted-trail/
LOCATION:Chester Granite and Polishing Works\, 9 Prospect Street\, Chester\, Ma\, 01011
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-Sinister-Saw-Halloween-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261122T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261122T143000
DTSTAMP:20260618T225736Z
CREATED:20260320T223408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T225736Z
UID:71805-1795345200-1795357800@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Jethro Jones Lost Gravesite
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nJethro Jones Lost Gravesite \nSunday November 22nd at 11:00 am \nParking: Blair Road\, Blandford\, MA 01008 near North Blandford cemetery. GPS 42.20280\, -72.98060  We will park on one side of the road and meet at the corner of Jones Road and Blair Road. \nHike Rating: Moderate 2 miles in and back\, moderately hilly with ups and downs\, rocks\, roots and dirt.  \nJoin our co-host The Blandford Historical Society for a hike honoring Revolutionary War veteran Jethro Jones. In April of 2021 we researched this lost cemetery and found its remains on a rise in Blandford on a once controversial road. The news of this reached direct descendant Jocelyn Jones\, his fourth great grand daughter.  Jones lived here after the revolution until his death in 1828 at age 95.  He\, his wife and other family members are believed to be buried at the same burial plot.  Jones never received a marker or flag because his burial location was unknown. This has now all changed…Jones is now memorialized and rightly so. This is a heartwarming story that Jones himself  over 250 years later would be proud of.  We will honor him and his family.  We will begin at the junction of Blair Road with Jones Road and hike up to the once lost small cemetery. We will learn about the life and work and service of Jethro Jones as we walk from the DAR historic marker for Jones alongside forest managed by Hull Forest Products up to the cemetery where Jones and his family are believed to be buried. We will learn about Jones’s history as one of the earliest documented African American toolmakers in colonial America\, as well as his military service during the French and Indian Wars and Revolutionary War. Blandford Historical Society will share info on the early history of North Blandford\, and Jones’s descendant Jocelyn Jones Arnold will share the story of finding her patriot ancestor.  This hike is free and open to all\, donations to the Hilltown Hikers and the Blandford Historical Society are greatly appreciated. \nRegister \nPlease 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! \nWant 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  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests 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. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\n \n \n  \nMission 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 \nIMPORTANT: 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. \nAdults 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. \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/71805/
LOCATION:Blair Road\, Blair Road near North Blandford Cemetery\, Blandford\, MA\, 01008
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Compress_20251013_080013_3495.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261219T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261219T150000
DTSTAMP:20260325T161937Z
CREATED:20260319T223436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T161937Z
UID:71756-1797678000-1797692400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Whistlers Cathedrals in Winter
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nWhistlers Cathedrals in Winter \nThe Keystone Arch Bridges \nDecember 19th at 11:00 am \nParking: 325 Middlefield Road Chester 01011 carpool from Parking at Chester Elementary School 42.29793\, -72.98323 \nDirections:  From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee\, take Rt. 20 east and drive 18 miles to the Chester center\, turn left onto Middlefield Road and Chester Elementary School will be on your right after 1.5 miles. \nHike Rating: Moderate 5 miles in and back\, ups and downs\, rocks\, roots and dirt. WEATHER will determine our route for this hike\, please check for updates here on the website. \nCarpool is required from the Chester Elementary School due to lack of parking at the Trailhead.  Carpool will start at 10:15 from the school parking lot. \nThis hike is narrated by Dave Pierce\, local railroad historian and responsible for the National Historic Designation of bridges and the Chester Railway Museum.  Please visit the museum after the hike. Construction of the 150-mile railroad was completed by 3\,000 laborers in an incredible two and a half years\, opening in 1841. Join us for a Historic narrative by Dave Pierce. Enjoy the incredible narration as Dave tells of the history of the Arch’s creation\, the first cluster of stone arch railroad bridges built in America\, located on the West Branch of the Westfield River. Learn how the stone bridges were built\, visit a quarry\, and the massive “cut”. We will take you up close to all of the stone bridges on the trail including the footpaths over and under the dry laid stone bridges. An optional hike to the Gator Arch will follow. The Chester Railway Station Museum will be open after the hike located at 10 Prospect Street in Chester\, a national historic landmark along with the 65 and 70 foot bridges. \n \nPlease 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! \nWant 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  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests 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. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\nMission 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 \nIMPORTANT: 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. \nAdults 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. \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/whistlers-cathedrals-in-winter/
LOCATION:Keystone Arch Bridges Trail
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bridge-pic.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270101T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270101T130000
DTSTAMP:20261019T211450Z
CREATED:20261019T205940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T211450Z
UID:78902-1798797600-1798808400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:First Day Hike at Sanderson Brook Falls
DESCRIPTION:First Day Hike at Sanderson Brook Falls in the Chester Blandford State Forest with the DCR\nJanuary 1st @ 10:00 am \nParking: at the Sanderson Brook Falls lot on Route 20 across from Bannish Lumber Chester\, MA 01011 Google Directions to Bannish Lumber in Chester. \nDirections: from Northampton take Route 66 to Route 112 Huntington\, take a right on Route 20 West to Chester\, Chester Blandford State Forest on your left approx. 2.25 miles. \nHike Rating: Easy to moderate with some uneven footing\, 2 miles in and back.  The spur trail to the waterfall slopes downward and is single track.  Crampons/walking sticks recommended if there is snow/ice.  \nCelebrate the New Year 2027 outdoors with the Hilltown Hikers and the Department of Conservation and Recreation and join the nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day\, hundreds of free\, guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. Hikers across America will be participating in First Day Hikes\, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. Last year nearly 55\,000 people rang in the New Year\, hiking over 133\,000 miles throughout the country! The Chester Blandford State Forest includes remnants of small mining operations and the 60-foot cascade at Sanderson Brook Falls. The state forest was established in 1924 when local lumber companies sold the land to the state. The trail is a wide gravel road which gently climbs upward. We will cross three girder bridges (dog friendly) and follow along Sanderson Brook then take the more narrow trail to the right which takes us to the bottom of the waterfall. We will hike rain or shine. Registration required.  Be prepared for winter conditions\, snow and ice gear recommended. Free Berkshire Destinations Waterfall posters\, New Years props\, photo booth and more! \nNOTE:  Registration for events typically opens up 30 days before the event. \nPlease 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! \nWant 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  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests 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. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/first-day-hike-at-sanderson-brook-falls-5/
LOCATION:Sanderson Brook Falls\, 648 US 20\, Chester\, MA\, 01011\, United States
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/First-Day-2026-flyer-e1760396509424.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270130T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270131T160000
DTSTAMP:20261005T193703Z
CREATED:20261005T183848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T193703Z
UID:78562-1801299600-1801411200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Railroad Hobby Show
DESCRIPTION:The Railroad Hobby Show is the largest railroad-themed trade show in America. The event occupies 350\,000 square feet in four buildings on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. The show covers all facets of the railroad hobbies – model railroads\, railroad art and photography\, railroad history and preservation\, tourist railroads\, railroad artifacts\, and railroad books and videos. \nThe Hilltown Hikers are proud to be a Historical Vendor at the show for 2027 displaying Hilltown History on our Chester Granite Property and History of the Chester and Becket Railroad.  Please visit our booth located in the Better Living Center Booth 21 at the Big E Fairgrounds January 30th and 31st.  Visit this link to get tickets and learn more about the show! \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/railroad-hobby-show-2/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/832040435_1729637948123400_5217263649248967506_n.jpg
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