BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Western Mass Hilltown Hikers - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Western Mass Hilltown Hikers REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T200000 DTSTAMP:20250709T224529Z CREATED:20250709T224457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T224529Z UID:64866-1753986600-1753992000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Huntington Summer Music on the Green Fundraiser DESCRIPTION:We will be at the 2025 Huntington Summer Music event on Thursday July 31st 6:30 to 8:00 pm with FOOD!\n\nYes! we are cooking and baking to fundraise for our non-profit organization. Come on down and listen to great LIVE music from the Hellcats on the Huntington Town Green on Route 20 courtesy of the Huntington Community Events Committee and the Huntington Cultural Council!  Bring your lawn chair and come out for great music and food!  Admission is FREE!\n\nRoute 20 Huntington Center on the town Green next to Stanton Hall.  24 Russell Road\, Huntington\, MA  01050 corner of Route 20 and Route 112.\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/huntington-music-on-the-green-fundraiser/ LOCATION:stanton hall\, 24 Russell Road\, Huntington\, ma\, 01050 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Huntington-Music-Fest-2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T150000 DTSTAMP:20250329T201907Z CREATED:20250123T235536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T201907Z UID:60000-1753524000-1753542000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Snow Hole Taconic Crest Trail Williamstown/Pownal VT DESCRIPTION:Snow Hole Taconic Crest\nJuly 26thth at 10:00 am\nParking: Petersburg Pass Parking Lot on Route 2 Williamstown\, MA 01267 Petersburg\, NY State Line Google Map Code PPFC+8V\nHike Rating: Moderate plus 5.8 miles in and back ridgeline hike with 872 feet of total elevation gain with options for less. \nJoin us for a hike along the scenic ridge trail known as the Taconic Crest to the “Snowhole” on the Taconic Mountain Range where MA\, NY\, and VT come together. This rare geophysical treasure is a 40-50-foot-deep bedrock chasm that holds snow and ice well into the warmest summer months. We will start at the lost Petersburg Pass Ski Resort founded in 1962 on the NY/MA Border. We will enjoy many scenic vistas on the trail maintained by the Williams College Outing Club inside the Memorial Forest and by the State of New York and the Taconic Crest Club. The start of the walk from the parking area is fairly steep\, but very short\, then we follow the Taconic Crest Trail over gently rolling terrain for approximately 1-1.5 hours passing the Shepard’s Well and Birch Brook side trails along the way. Bring your good camera\, head lamp and snacks\, we are hiking three states and enjoying the scenic vistas to Vermont! \nRegister \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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 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 \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/snow-hole-taconic-crest-trail-williamstown/ LOCATION:Petersburg Pass\, PPFC+8V\, Petersburgh\, NY\, 12138 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/for-snow-hole-flyer.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T140000 DTSTAMP:20250327T125923Z CREATED:20250123T235206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T125923Z UID:59996-1749895200-1749909600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Azalea Fields Pittsfield State Forest DESCRIPTION:with DCR Interpretive Coordinator Alec Gillman! \n \nWestern Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nAzalea Fields Pittsfield State Forest \nJune 14th at 10:00 am \nParking: Berry Mountain Vista Lot.  Pittsfield State Forest 1041 Cascade Street\, Pittsfield\, MA  01201.  Enter the State Park at Cascade Street and drive to the Berry Mountain Access Road\, dirt parking lot on your right. \nHike Rating: Moderate 3.36 miles ridgeline hike with 600 feet of total elevation gain with options for less. \nJoin DCR Interpretive Coordinator Alec Gillman on one of the most beautiful mountaintops to experience the best the Taconic Ridge has to offer…sixty five acres of wild azaleas. Berry Hill named for William Berry\, a Revolutionary War veteran who owned land here is filled with the sweet smell of blooms of many varieties of the pink wild flowers and at 2\,060-feet\, Berry Pond is the highest natural water body in Massachusetts. We will hike the Berry Pond shoreline and then follow the Taconic Crest Trail to Tower Mountain then return on the Pine Mountain Trail to visit Tilden Swamp with its bog vegetation. Our hike will start at the dirt parking lot known as the New York Overlook with commanding views of the Catskills and Albany. Berry Hill is also a well known hawk watching site and many different varieties of wildlife can be seen here at this high elevation. Come explore this hidden gem on the New York Massachusetts border\, one of our greatest State Forests filled with the most exciting trails and grand vistas! \nRegister\n  \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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 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 \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/pittsfield-state-forest-hike-in-the-azaleas/ LOCATION:Pittsfield State Forest CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Compress_20240809_073332_2309.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250609T100000 DTSTAMP:20250301T002747Z CREATED:20250213T200042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250301T002747Z UID:60681-1749132000-1749463200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Camping in Chesterfield DESCRIPTION:Camping Weekend in Chesterfield \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst time camper or a lover of sleeping under the stars….this trip is for you! \nAdventure awaits you at our camping event at the Indian Hollow private campground in Chesterfield\, Thursday June 5th thru Monday June 9th. This campground located in the valley of the East Branch of the Westfield River is only available to groups\, and only two at a time making this trip exclusive! \nWe welcome you to discover the beauty of nature here at the river\, the history of a forgotten valley once occupied by a village in colonial times and adventure hiking and paddling with over 11 miles of trails to discover. \nCamp on your own (the place is very large)\, or camp near friends; set up your tent and enjoy four full days of little to no cell service (there is a pay phone) and peace and quiet. We supply the firewood and someone always is eager to tend the campfire. Bring your own food and some to share with others. Bring your kayak\, inner tube or paddleboard and enjoy the beautiful untouched river far from any road (you can drive up on the grass and unload your gear). Come for one night\, one day or all nights! \nFacilities Include: Bathhouse with shower and flushing toilets\, hot water\, drinking water\, one power plug outside the bathhouse\, grills\, campfire circles\, pay phone. \nThis year we are at the NORTH LOOP ALONG THE RIVER \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease sign up by filling out the form below. \nDATE: Thursday June 5th at 2pm to Monday June 9th at 10am \nLOCATION: Indian Hollow Road\, Chesterfield\, MA \nCOST: Free for Hilltown Hikers Members/non-members $50 suggested donation DONATE HERE \nPREP: Bring your own food\, tent\, hiking gear\, inner tube/raft\, kayak\, water shoes\, fishing pole \nDIRECTIONS: Driving directions to the campground: Address: 200 Indian Hollow Rd\, Chesterfield\, MA 01012 From intersection of State Route 143 and South Street in the center of Chesterfield\, turn south on South Street. Follow for approx. 2 miles and turn right onto Indian Hollow Road. Follow Indian Hollow Road to the end\, campground gate is at end of the road.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVisit our Website\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGive to your local charity today!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWestern Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. \nPO Box 3 \nChester\, MA 01011 \nWe are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249 \nGUIDED GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMembers camp for FREE!  Non-Members suggested donation $50.00 DONATE HERE\n\n← Back Thank you for your response. ✨\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nWebsite\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nMessage\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Submit \n \n \n \nΔ\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/camping-in-chesterfield/ LOCATION:Indian Hollow Campground\, 200 Indian Hollow Rd\,\, chesterfield\, 01012\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Compress_20230612_083923_3811-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250524T140000 DTSTAMP:20250327T130040Z CREATED:20250123T234910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T130040Z UID:59993-1748080800-1748095200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Appalachian Trail to Goose Pond Cabin DESCRIPTION:  \n \nWestern Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nAppalachian Trail to Goose Pond Cabin Hike \nMay 24th at 10:00 am (approximately 4 hours) \nParking: Google Maps Address: Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway and Appalachian Trail Parking Area\, Route 20 Lee\, MA 01238 \nHike Rating: Moderate Plus 4.5 miles in and back with 450 feet of elevation gain \nJoin us on the Appalachian Trail in Becket where we will hike through Tyringham and Lee to the remote and beautiful Upper Goose Pond. We will hike on bog bridges\, pass an old saw mill and hike along the Greenwater Pond Dam and cross the now defunct Huckleberry Trolley Line to the Massachusetts Turnpike. We will climb the first of two spiral ramps accessing the footbridge that takes the A.T. across the Mass Pike (I-90).  The bridge also serves as a route for snowmobiles in the winter and soon there will be a new animal crossing bridge here.  After crossing the upper bridge\, we will climb until we reach the boundary of the Goose Pond Natural Area 0.9 miles from the parking area.  This area preserves the land surrounding Upper Goose Pond in an undeveloped state. There will be rock steps\, mountain laurel and roots on this section. We will reach the junction with the ½ mile blue-blazed access trail to Upper Goose Pond Cabin\, owned by the National Parks Service.  The Cabin is a popular destination for through hikers offering a pancake breakfast by the volunteer AMC caretaker from mid-May to mid-October.  We will enjoy the views of both Lower and Upper Goose pond from the cabin and then return back. \nRegister\n  \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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 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 \nMay 2025 Goose Pond pdf    Lee-AT-Trail-Access-Points pdf \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/goose-pond-appalachian-trail-becket/ LOCATION:Appalachian Trail Trailhead Parking Jacobs Ladder Scenic Byway Becket\, 7RVQ+5C\, Lee\, MA\, 01238\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Compress_20240621_080254_4524.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T170000 DTSTAMP:20250418T233334Z CREATED:20250418T233334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250418T233334Z UID:62611-1747472400-1747501200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Granite Saw Tours May 17th DESCRIPTION:Guided Tours on May 17th during Chester On Track 9am to 5pm!\nOur tour guides will be at 7 Prospect Street across from the Historic Chester Railway Station.\nThere is also a foot path entrance located across from Emery Ballfield on Emery Street.\nThis property is in phase TWO of its cleanup and presentation to the public! ON MAY 17th during Chester On Track we will be giving guided tours from 9am to 5pm at the one and only Chester Granite Saw and Finishing Works!\n\n\n\nThe Chester Granite Saw is a stone cutting and finishing plant established in 1870 in Historic Chester Factory Village. It was purchased by the current President of the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers September 2023 and donated to that non-profit to conserve and historically preserve the entire mill operation. It is open to the public dawn to dusk every day with a walking path that passes by the old buildings\, machinery and the ten foot diameter shot saw structure which is still standing today. The Hilltown Hikers and it’s volunteers are cleaning up this property after eighty years of abandonment by cutting back invasive species\, dead ash trees\, fallen trees and 8 to 12 inches of sediment that has covered its floors. This project is one of a kind in Western Mass as the first stone finishing plant in the area where granite and marble was brought to Chester to be cut and finished for monuments\, historical buildings and more throughout the country by rail on it’s own Boston and Albany siding which visitors can see today. Be a part of this historic project to be enjoyed by generations to come by donating or volunteering on www.hilltownhikers.com\n\n\n\n\nSupport us at –> https://hilltownhikers.square.site/\nWestern Mass Hilltown Hikers @topfans\n#hikethehilltownhistory Visit Massachusetts Explore Western Mass #hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers #discoverthehilltowns #hilltownhistory #flashhike #intheberkshires #nature #adventure #history #hiking #outdooradventures #visittheberkshires #mylocalMA #visitma #hilltownhikers #westernmass #hikingwithdogs\nVisit our blog for all of our adventures! want to come along on these hikes? Become a member at www.hilltownhikers.com\nHelp conserve the Chester Granite Saw\, our newest property!\nYou can mail your tax-deductible donation to Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, PO Box 3\, Chester\, MA 01011\nVenmo @hilltownhikers\nStay informed – join our mailing list https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/…/hilltownhikeremail\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/granite-saw-tours-may-17th/ LOCATION:Chester Granite Saw\, 9 Prospect Street\, Chester\, ma\, 01011 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/donation-flyer-saw.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T160000 DTSTAMP:20250304T163419Z CREATED:20250301T011541Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T163419Z UID:61193-1747472400-1747497600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Chester On Track 2025 DESCRIPTION:Saturday – May 17th\, 2025 | 9AM – 4PM | Rain or Shine\nOn May 17th we will be at Chester On Track on Riverfront Street with a very large display in two tents!  We will also have guided tours of our newest conserved property\, The Chester Granite Saw and Polishing Works. \nParade Begins at 10AM\nEvents All Day At Multiple Locations\nChester On Track takes place in downtown Chester right off of Rt 20\n\nFrom Mass Pike to exit 41 in Westfield\, bear right at the 1st traffic light and follow US202 to Franklin/Rte. 20 West (right turn at the CVS) and follow Rte. 20 West ~20 miles to Main Street on the right in Chester.\nFrom Mass Pike to exit 10 in Lee\, then take Rte. 20 East ~16 miles to Main Street on your left.\n\n\n\n\n\nActivities And Times Subject to Last Minute Changes\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGUIDED TOURS ALL DAY OF THE CHESTER GRANITE SAW!\nLocated on Emery and Prospect Street\, across from the Chester Railroad Station.  Come see Tom\, Frank and Greg and learn about the granite industry in Western Mass.\n \nChester Railway Station\nBlue Caboose\n\n\n\n\nMenu\n\n\n\n\n\nBreakfast Served 7am -10:30am\nLunch served 11:00am – 3:00pm\n\n\n\n\n\nInside The Station\n\n\n\n\n\nModel Train Displays\nPostal Cancellations\nStation Gift Shop\nSpecialty Vendors\nMUSIC\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Jenny Basset duo\nJanet Ryan Band\nThe 413’s and\nMark Franklin.\nIn case of rain\, Town Hall Stage\n\n\n\n\n\nStation Grounds\n\n\n\n\n\nRevolutionary War Re-Enactors\nHight Striker Game\nHand hewn woodworking demo\nWestfield River Wild & Scenic Fish Prints\nHam Radio and Morse Code demo\nCCC Camp Exhibit\nDelta Square Axe\, Rustic Tool Demo\nPioneer Valley Live Steamers\n\n\n\n\n\nDuck Race – 2PM\n\n\n\n\n\nStart: Hamilton Emery Company on Middlefield St.\nFinish: Under the Main St. Bridge.\n\n\n\n\n\nFood\n\n\n\n\n\n‘Autumn’s Bistro’\, Taco’s\, Cotton candy on the Ballfield\nBoy Scout Food Booth\nThe Cornerstone Church on Maple St*\nBlue Note/Classic Pizza on Main St\nChester Common Table on Main St.\nCarms Restaurant and Coffee Shop on Rt 20\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMain Street\n\n\n\n\n\nCraft Fair & Plant Sale\nFace Painting\nSteam “one-lungers” & Gas Engines\nChester Fire Dept. Duck Race 2PM\nTickets $5 each or 5 tickets for $20\nDrowsy Dragon Gourmet Treats\nKettle Corn\nFree Wagon Rides\nSheriff and Ambulance\nBoy Scout Food Booth\nJLBA “Hilltown Homeshow”\nBaptist Church Info\nMusic by Just Us (on the porch of Chester Inn)\n\n\n\n\n\nMaple Street\n\n\n\n\n\nClassic Cars\nAntique Tractors\n\n\n\n\n\nRiverfront Street\n\n\n\n\n\nAntique Fire Truck\nChester Fire Department\nHilltown Hikers\n\n\n\n\n\nChester Ball Field – The Fun Spot\n\n\n\n\n\nBounce House\nLawn Tractor Pulls\nHamden County Sheriff’s Equine & K-9\nFriends of the Library Story-Walk\nSteam Train Derby\nKiddy Train Rides\nBSA Archery\n4-H Juniors Water\, Soda\, and Candy bars\nAnd More Fun\, Games and Food\n\n\n\n\n\nHuntington Rd/Route 20\n\n\n\n\nHamilton Library\n\nBook and Bake Sale on the front lawn\nMineral Collection Open for Tours\n\nOld Jail House and Chester Historical Museum\n\nOpen for tours\n\n\n\n\n\n\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/chester-on-track-4/ LOCATION:Chester Railway Museum\, 10 Prospect Street\, Chester\, MA\, 01011\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/COT-Flyer-2025.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T140000 DTSTAMP:20250327T124624Z CREATED:20250123T234650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T124624Z UID:59990-1745661600-1745676000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Bidwell Outside The House Hike Monterey DESCRIPTION:Join Rob Hoogs from Monterey Historical for a 3.5 mile hike of the Bidwell House Trails and it’s history! \nBidwell Outside the House Hike\nApril 26th at 10:00 am (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours)\nParking: 100 Art School Road\, Monterey\, MA 01245\nHike Rating: Easy to Moderate 3.5 Mile Loop with very little elevation \nDirections:  From Mass Pike in Lee:  Take exit 10 (former exit 2) off I-90 (Mass Pike) signed US-20\, Lee\, Pittsfield\, and the Berkshires.\nGo left off the exit ramp (use middle lane at end of ramp) onto US-20 E\, then a quick right onto MA-102 W.\nAt the light across from Big Y\, turn left onto Tyringham Road (turns into Main Road in the town of Tyringham).\nGo 5.6 miles\, then right onto Monterey Road for 2.2 miles.\nTurn right onto Art School Road. Travel this country lane for 1 mile (turns to dirt halfway up)\, following the white signs for the Bidwell House Museum\, ending at the Museum.\nPark in the lower field (handicap parking available at top of driveway).\nFrom Great Barrington:  Take MA-23 East\, and continue for about 7.5 miles.\nIn Monterey Village\, turn left after the church onto Tyringham Road for 1.5 miles\, past Lake Garfield and up the hill.\nTurn left onto Art School Road. Travel this country lane for 1 mile (turns to dirt halfway up)\, following the white signs for the Bidwell House Museum\, ending at the Museum.\nPark in the lower field \nNOTE: Registration opens generally 30 days before event. \nJoin local historian Rob Hoogs on a hike through 18th and 19th century history following the 1760’s colonial\nRoyal Hemlock Road and visit several cellar holes and a charcoal hearth. We will also follow the beautiful\nLoom Brook and cross the Boston-Albany Post Road all while listening to the history of the land we are\ntraveling.  The Bidwell House was built circa 1760 for the first minister of Township No. 1\, the Reverend Adonijah\nBidwell (1716-1784). He arrived in 1750 to be the first minister of this frontier region\, which eventually\nbecame the towns of Monterey and Tyringham. The location of the house was the first town center of what\nwas originally known as Housatonic Township No. 1. The Bidwell House was the parsonage\, and the first\nmeeting house\, located at the crossroads of the Great Trail (the Boston-Albany Post Road) and Royal\nHemlock Road\, was a short walk from the house. Rev. Bidwell farmed the property from 1750 to 1784. His\neldest son\, Adonijah Bidwell Jr.\, developed the farm into a large and prosperous dairy farm\,\nexpanding the landholdings and building a compound of barns and out-buildings.\nHis tenure was 1784-1836. The grandson\, John Devotion Bidwell (1792-1867)\,\ncontinued to farm and also added a tanning yard. \nPlease Note:  Event does NOT include a tour of inside the house. \nRegister \n  \nBidwell April 2025 pdf flyer \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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 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 \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/bidwell-house-trails-monterey/ LOCATION:Bidwell House\, Monterey\, ma\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240824_122356-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250322T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250322T140000 DTSTAMP:20250217T223804Z CREATED:20250123T233807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T223804Z UID:59981-1742637600-1742652000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Berkshire Street Railway Great Barrington DESCRIPTION:Berkshire Street Railway Great Barrington\nMarch 22nd at 10:00 am\nParking: 817 South Main Street\, Great Barrington 01230 Great Barrington Historical Society\nHike Rating: Easy to Moderate three miles in and back \nJoin Gary Leveille\, published author and historian for a walk on the historic Berkshire Street Railway from Great Barrington to Egremont. At its peak in the early decades of the 20th century\, the Berkshire Street Railway operated an electric trolley car system that was one of the longest in the United States. The company ran trolleys within four states\, from Canaan\, CT through numerous Berkshire towns to Bennington\, Vt. and Hoosick Falls\, N.Y. Two spur lines brought service from Great Barrington to South Egremont\, and from Lee to Huntington. The trolley line had snowplows to clear the rails before most towns had highway plow trucks. As the automobile became more affordable and popular\, travel by electric rail declined. The company was further challenged by political/legal problems\, strikes\, coal shortages for generating electric power\, and several severe winters. The final trolley entered Great Barrington on January 28\, 1930. \nGary Leveille is the author of seven books including a best-selling history entitled Old Route 7\, Along the Berkshire Highway.  Gary has over 40 years of experience as a writer\, editor\, author\, photographer\, publisher and newspaper columnist. Gary was formerly a senior editor and editorial project supervisor for Hasbro Games. He has worked on numerous projects for Milton Bradley\, Hasbro\, Parker Brothers\, Disney\, National Geographic\, Antiques Roadshow and many others.  Gary is a columnist for the online Berkshire Edge newspaper where he produces the popular “Then and Now” photo history column. An avid local historian and researcher\, he is a member of the Great Barrington Historical Commission and serves on the Board of Directors of the Great Barrington Historical Society as well as the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area. Gary resides with his family in Lee. \nMarch 2025 Trolley pdf flyer \nRegister \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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 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 \n \nRegister \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/berkshire-street-railway-great-barrington/ LOCATION:Great Barrington Historical Society\, 817 South Main Street\, Great Barrington\, ma\, 01230\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BSRPC42-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250302T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250302T130000 DTSTAMP:20250212T184500Z CREATED:20250201T224748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T184500Z UID:60280-1740913200-1740920400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:How to Pack a Backpack Workshop DESCRIPTION:How to Pack a Backpack Workshop\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot sure what you need in your day pack? \nPacking too much stuff? Pack too heavy? Want \nto try out some different styles? \nFind out all you need to know for Day Hikes and Overnight Hikes and even multi-night hikes and backpacking in to tent or hammock during any season no matter the distance from hikers who have tried and experienced just about everything (including getting lost!) \nJoin us for an engaging Sunday afternoon class at the historic Chester Railway Museum\, 10 Prospect Street in Chester\, Mass where the Directors of the Hilltown Hikers will guide you through this hands-on experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your hiking skills while connecting with a supportive community of outdoor enthusiasts! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDATE: Sunday March 2nd \nTIME: 11:00am \nLOCATION: 10 Prospect Street\, Chester\, MA 01011 \nCOST: Free for Hilltown Hikers Members/non-members $25 suggested donation \nPREP:  Bring your pack! You can also try some of ours! \nThe Railway Station will have heat and bathrooms. \n\nClass is free for Hilltown Hikers Members/non-members $25 suggested donation. \nPlease email to register for class westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or fill out the form below: \n\n← Back Thank you for your response. ✨\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nWebsite\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nMessage\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Submit \n \n \n \nΔ\n \n\nPack your Backpack Class link to email advertisement for class \nWe are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249 \nGUIDED GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010 \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/how-to-pack-a-backpack-workshop/ LOCATION:Chester Railway Museum\, 10 Prospect Street\, Chester\, MA\, 01011\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pack-Class-Flyer-.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250223T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250223T160000 DTSTAMP:20250217T223941Z CREATED:20250212T185441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T223941Z UID:60633-1740312000-1740326400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Snow Day DESCRIPTION:Snow Day on Chester Hill \nWinter Fun! \n February 23rd Noon to 4:00 pm \nParking: 14 Ingell Road\, Chester\, MA 01011 \nDirections:  from Northampton take Route 112 to Bromley Road to Skyline Trail to Ingell Road. \nHike Rating: FUN! Be prepared for winter conditions\, snow and ice gear recommended. \nJoin us and the Chester Hill Association at the beautiful mountaintop property on Chester Hill graciously offered by our friends\, Rich and Shelley Holzman for an afternoon of snow fun! Bring your snow gear; snowshoes\, sleds\, inner tubes\, cross country skis\, boots and mittens to take advantage of the deep snow for some winter recreation. Warm up in the Carriage House with hot cocoa\, cookies and snacks or just come for the cocoa and great company. \nBe prepared for winter conditions\, snow and ice gear recommended.  \nwww.hilltownhikers.com \nWell behaved dogs are welcome. Registration not necessary.   Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15 to benefit the Chester Hill Association and the Hilltown Hikers. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, bags and patches 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!  \nMore details are on www.hilltownhikers.com. \nDonate here:  paypal.me/hilltownhikers  Venmo: @hilltownhikers or on the donate link on the website. Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site) \nWant to hike every weekend year-round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member and be a part of our flash hikes\, exclusive events and more! Flash hikes are announced on our private Group Messenger (Messenger App) text chat. Support the Hilltown Hikers! You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here: https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/product/membership/ \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 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 \nPlease keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.  \nGUIDED GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010 \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/snow-day/ LOCATION:14 Ingell Road\, 14 ingell Road\, Chester\, MA\, 01011 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20220227_153425-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250222T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250222T140000 DTSTAMP:20250131T175439Z CREATED:20250118T213102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T175439Z UID:59846-1740218400-1740232800@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Black Panther Lost Ski Resort in Huntington DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Public Group Hike \nBlack Panther Lost Ski Resort Huntington \nFebruary 22nd at 10:00 am \nParking: Knightville Dam Ranger Station 201 Worthington Rd\, Huntington\, MA 01050 \nDirections: from Northampton take Route 66 to Route 112 Huntington\, take a left on Knightville Dam Road\, follow the road uphill to the Ranger station and top of Dam. From Westfield Route 20 West to Huntington Route 112\, take a right on Knightville Dam Road. \nHike Rating: Moderate Plus\,  four miles in and back with inclines and some steep sections. \nKeep in mind there will most likely be snow and ice and this route is not flat. \nBe prepared for winter conditions\, snow and ice gear recommended. \nJoin us at Knightville Dam where the largest ski resort in the Pioneer Valley once operated.\nConstructed in 1937 on old Worthington Road at Burr’s Maple Grove Farm by Sid and Russell\nBurr to be a skiing mecca for college students with two ski jumps\, a 20 acre beginners area\,\ndownhill ski races\, cross country runs and slalom competitions. Silver cups were given to the\nwinners and the area attracted expert skiers. 4 tow lines brought skiers up the hill and lights\nwere installed along the slopes to offer skiing at dusk. Busses were provided from Springfield\nand Westfield to the resort as well as a 300 car parking lot for day trippers. In 1940 the\nKnightville Dam was built and the construction was shared with the ski resort to improve the\ntrails by grading with the heavy equipment on site. In 1942 the Army closed Black Panther\ndown in the name of national defense\, shortly after a fence was erected to keep all away but\nthe Burr’s filed suit and won to re-open in 1946. In December of 1950\, the Burr’s announced\ntheir retirement; much larger ski resorts had opened in the Berkshires\nincreasing competition and ultimately Black Panther was lost in the\nwoods of Huntington forever. \n \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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 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 \n  \nGet Tickets Here \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/black-panther-lost-ski-resort-in-huntington/ LOCATION:Knightville Dam\, Army Corps of Engineers Road\, Huntington\, MA\, 01050\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/black-panther-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250125T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250126T160000 DTSTAMP:20250115T230912Z CREATED:20241123T160547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T230912Z UID:58134-1737795600-1737907200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Hilltown Hikers at the Big E Railroad Hobby Show DESCRIPTION:The Railroad Hobby Show is an annual event sponsored by the Amherst Railway Society\, and the largest railroad-themed trade show in America. Twice\, the show has received the Walther’s Showmanship Award in recognition of our efforts to promote interest in railroads and model railroads. Learn more about the show here. \nThe Hilltown Hikers will be in the Better Living Center at Booth 21. The event features – operating model railroads\, railroad historical and preservation societies\, travel agencies\, as well as railroad art\, photography\, videos\, and books. Major railroad publications and model railroad manufacturers attend the show\, and many use the Railroad Hobby Show to introduce new products. \nHours:\nSaturday January 25\, 2025 – 9:00am – 5:00pm\nSunday January 26\, 2025 – 10:00am – 4:00pm \nLocation:  The show is located in the Better Living Center and the adjacent Young\, Stroh and Mallary Buildings at: \nThe Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds – Home of the Big E\n1305 Memorial Avenue\nWest Springfield MA. 01089 \nFor GPS Coordinates\, use the following info: 875 Memorial Avenue\, West Springfield\, MA as your destination\naddress (coordinates are 42 °05’38.88″N – 72 °36’42.36″W – Elev. 52′) to enter Gate 9. \nDirections:  From Vermont and Points North\nTake I-91 South to new exit 10B (old exit 13B)\, to Route 5 South\, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition – Home of the Big E. \nFrom Connecticut and and Points South (including NYC and Westchester County)\nTake I-91 North from routes 2\, 84 and 95 — Follow I-91 to Massachusetts to exit 3\, to Route 5 North\, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition – Home of the Big E. \nAlternate Routes from Connecticut and and Points South (from Southwestern Connecticut)\nTake Route 202 North to Southwick\, Mass. turn East on Route 57\, to Route 147 East to the Eastern States Exposition – Home of the Big E. \nFrom Hartford\nTake I-91 North to exit 42 to Route 159 North\, to Route 147 East OR take I-91 to exit 47 West\, to Route 190 West\, to Route 159 North to Route 147 East to the Eastern States Exposition – Home of the Big E. \nFrom Boston and Points East\nTake the Massachusetts Turnpike West to exit 51 (old exit 4)\, I-91 south to Route 5 South\, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition – Home of the Big E. \nFrom Points West – From the Berkshires\, West including Albany and upstate New York\nTake the Massachusetts Turnpike East to exit 51 (old exit 4)\, I-91 South to Route 5 South\, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition – Home of the Big E.\nTicket Information\nAdults: $18.00 per day\nChildren 15 and under: FREE Accompanied by an Adult\nEASTERN STATES PARKING: $5.00 per day (have cash ready) \nTickets will be sold on the grounds starting one hour before the show opens on each day of the\nshow to keep lines to a minimum. \nThe Amherst Railway Society has used proceeds from the show to support the work of many railroad-related nonprofit organizations. Since 1991\, the society has donated $814\,373 to railroad preservation and restoration projects all over the country. \nGet tickets for the show here. \nLearn more about the Amherst Railway Society at: amherstrail.org. \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/hilltown-hikers-at-the-big-e-railroad-hobby-show/ LOCATION:Big E Fairgrounds\, 1305 Memorial Avenue\, west springfield\, ma\, 01089 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/amherst-railway.png ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250119T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250119T150000 DTSTAMP:20250107T002642Z CREATED:20250107T002053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T002642Z UID:59528-1737291600-1737298800@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Learn GPS on your Cell Phone DESCRIPTION:Join us for a class to master GPS on your phone with the GAIA app! #HikingSkills #OutdoorAdventures\nlearn more here —>https://conta.cc/3DI7eW9\n\n\nDATE: Sunday January 19th \nTIME: 1:00pm \nLOCATION: 10 Prospect Street\, Chester\, MA 01011 \nCOST: Free for Hilltown Hikers Members/non-members $25 suggested donation \nPREP: Download the free GAIA app to your phone before the class if possible. Call or e-mail us if you need help. \nhttps://www.gaiagps.com/ \nThe Railway Station will have heat and bathrooms\, please dress for going outside for some interactive learning also! \n\nClass is free for Hilltown Hikers Members/non-members $25 suggested donation.  Please email to register for class westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com \nGAIA and Phone App GPS Class link \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/learn-gps-on-your-cell-phone/ LOCATION:Chester Railway Museum\, 10 Prospect Street\, Chester\, MA\, 01011\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gaia-gps-social.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250101T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250101T130000 DTSTAMP:20241219T193448Z CREATED:20241024T142527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T193448Z UID:57269-1735725600-1735736400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:First Day Hike at Sanderson Brook Falls with the DCR 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 2025 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.  \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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)   \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 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\nRegister \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/first-day-hike-at-sanderson-brook-falls-3/ 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/2024/10/Frist-day-hike-logo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241215T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241215T160000 DTSTAMP:20241119T010455Z CREATED:20241024T142208Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241119T010455Z UID:57267-1734262200-1734278400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:York Lake and CCC Ceremony 90th Anniversary DESCRIPTION:York Lake Hike and CCC Ceremony 90th Anniversary in Sandisfield 11:30 am December 15th \nParking:  Sandisfield State Forest in the parking lot by York Lake at the intersection Route 183/New Marlborough-Sandisfield Road\, and East Hill Road in Sandisfield\, MA 01230 GOOGLE York Lake\, Sandisfield\, MA big York Lake sign right on Route 57 just over the Sandisfield Town Line. \nDirections: from Northampton take Route 66 to Route 112 Huntington\, take a left on Route 20 East to Russell take a right on Route 23 to Blandford after Otis Reservoir take a left on Route 8 and take Route 57 to Sandisfield \nHike Rating: Easy to Moderate\, 2.2 mile loop around York Lake. We will then hike less than a quarter of a mile to the CCC Camp to take part in the DCR CCC Ceremony at 2:00. Come for the hike at 11:30 or come for the ceremony at 2:00\, or stay for both. \nJoin us for a two part day at the Sandisfield State Forest\, with 9\,500 total acres of forest including York Lake a shallow 35 acre man-made lake. Elevation of the lake is 1\,544 feet and is named after Samuel A. York\, a farmer from Cummington who was DCR Commissioner in 1933. The trail is 2.2 miles long around the lake with bridges\, wildlife\, Norway Spruce and Scotch Pine plantations. Once flat farmland of Township Number three\, Sandisfield was incorporated in 1762. \nOn December 16\, 1934 five young men from 196 Company\, Civilian Conservation Corps (this state forest) were killed in a truck accident on their way to church in Great Barrington. At 2:00 pm\, DCR staff dressed in era uniforms\, will hold a ceremony here including a wreath laying and taps as a 48 star flag is retired. CCC artifacts will be available for viewing. We will also visit the site of the old camp S-71 and its relics and learn about the Sandisfield “Beavers” who built York Lake. PLEASE NOTE: Registration not required for the DCR CCC Ceremony \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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)   \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 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 \nRegister \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/york-lake-and-ccc-ceremony-90th-anniversary/ LOCATION:Sandisfield State Forest\, Route 183\, Sandisfield\, ma\, 01230 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Compress_20231219_075701_1260.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241214T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241214T143000 DTSTAMP:20241117T154123Z CREATED:20231230T021212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241117T154123Z UID:47580-1734170400-1734186600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:The Becket Potholes DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike\nBecket Potholes\nDecember 14th @10:00 am \nParking: Along Captain Whitney Road (dirt road) in Becket 01223 42.283051\, -73.012397 \nDirections: From Route 20 in Becket take Wade Inn Road to Captain Whitney Road (dirt road)\, continue straight to the end.  Signs and staff will direct you where to park. \nHike Rating: Difficult 3 miles in and back with elevation\, loose rocks\, uneven footing \nJoin us for an adventure to a unique glacier melt outdoor museum. Located between Mount Gobble and Gobble Mountain in a gorge where massive waters rushed through the canyon as the glacial ice melted on its way to the West Branch of the Westfield River. Rocks were caught up in this melt in pockets under the glacial sheet\, these pockets carved bowls in the rock. The potholes here are both vertical and horizontal\, there are five in total in this specific area. The largest pothole is over one hundred feet in diameter. This is one of the most fascinating places we have been! Hike is short and moderate\, the gorge area to see the potholes and hike in them and around them is difficult. Uneven footing and loose rock\, requires some technical hiking including bouldering and very good footing. Not recommended for the occasional hiker. \nPlease 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! \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\, 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. \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)   \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 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 \n \nGet Tickets Here \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/the-becket-potholes/ LOCATION:Captain Whitney Road\, Captain Whitney Road\, Becket\, ma CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Compress_20221206_082314_4196.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241102T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241102T140000 DTSTAMP:20241014T231744Z CREATED:20231230T021047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T231744Z UID:47578-1730541600-1730556000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Dewey's Quarry in Washington DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike\nDewey’s Quarry in Washington\nNovember 2nd @10:00 am \nParking: On the side of New Lenox Road (dirt rough road) in Washington near 441 New Lenox Road in Lenox. \nDirections: From the intersection of New Lenox Road\, Roaring Brook Road and East New Lenox Road in Lenox continue into October Mountain State Forest on New Lenox Road (dirt rough road) where it crosses the Washington Town Line. There are several pull offs and we will guide you where to park. GPS 42.391623\, -73.226799. \nHike Rating: Moderate 4 miles round trip\, with ups and downs\, rocks\, roots and dirt\nJoin Tom Hoffman of the Washington Historical Commission to discover Chauncey Dewey’s Fire Stone Granite Quarry lost in the woods of Washington. Located in October Mountain State Forest off the beaten path\, we will see the ruins of this historical large quarry and learn about the Hilltown History. The stone was used for iron furnaces and lining lime kilns. The hearths for the furnaces were hauled out in pieces\, 20 or 25 making a hearth\, which weighed from 20 to 25 tons. This quarry was then leased in 1871 to I. S. Bartram of Sharon\, CT. The stone was known for its superior quality and it was said the hearths lasted much longer than any others\, it was shipped as far as Michigan\, Oregon\, Virginia and New York. We will also visit an old schoolhouse and several home sites of the early settlers. \nPlease 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 $10.  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! \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\, 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. \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)   \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 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 \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/deweys-quarry-in-washington/ LOCATION:New Lenox Road\, 441 New Lenox Road\, Lenox\, MA\, 01240 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Compress_20230509_072907_7598.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241026T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241026T200000 DTSTAMP:20241024T142751Z CREATED:20240918T161753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241024T142751Z UID:56140-1729958400-1729972800@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Sinister Saw Mill DESCRIPTION:Sinister Saw \nOctober 26th 4 to 8 pm \nParking:  10 Prospect Street and on 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 \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 sounds\, zombies and more!   What is lurking in those woods? Don’t worry\, we will make sure you get out….alive! \nNo registration is necessary\, all are welcome. No dogs please.  Donations are welcome to support the historical renovations to the Chester Granite Saw.  Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground.  The Chester Railstation across the street will be open for children’s events\, snacks and a bonfire. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, and YouTube. The Hilltown Hikers are a non-profit 501 c3 Massachusetts Corporation. Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. \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-saw-mill/ LOCATION:Chester Granite and Polishing Works\, 9 Prospect Street\, Chester\, Ma\, 01011 CATEGORIES:Flash Hikes,Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/14-a-Sinister-Saw-Halloween.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241019T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241019T143000 DTSTAMP:20240812T233601Z CREATED:20231230T020629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240812T233601Z UID:47574-1729332000-1729348200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Over and Under DESCRIPTION:October 19th@10:00 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.  Carpool starts at 9am\, please arrive by at least 9:40 to get a carpool to the trailhead. \nHike Rating: Moderate 5 miles in and back\, ups and downs\, rocks\, roots and dirt \nConstruction 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 arches. 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. \nPlease 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 $10.  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! \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\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale/donation at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n  \n\nREGISTER HERE \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/keystone-arch-bridges-trail-over-and-under/ LOCATION:Keystone Arch Bridges Trail CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Compress_20231022_074919_9990-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241017T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241017T203000 DTSTAMP:20240918T163328Z CREATED:20240918T162856Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240918T163328Z UID:56143-1729191600-1729197000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Otis Preservation Trust Event Featuring Hilltown Hikers DESCRIPTION:The Otis Historical Commission and Otis Preservation Trust (OPT) will host the first Notice Otis cultural event of the 2024-25 year October 17th at 7pm\, featuring “Western Mass Hilltown Hikers”. A question and answer session will follow the talk. Admission is free but pre-registration is required.\n\n\nPlease use the following link for Zoom registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/tZcpduqtqj0sGNOogE6TR03ODQKVK….\nVisit the Otis Preservation Trust\, Otis\, MA https://www.optin.today/pages/notice-Otis Preservation Trust\, Otis\, MA\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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/otis-preservation-trust-event-featuring-hilltown-hikers/ LOCATION:ma CATEGORIES:Flash Hikes,Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/otis-hist-logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241006T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241006T143000 DTSTAMP:20240812T233707Z CREATED:20240219T220146Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240812T233707Z UID:49235-1728219600-1728225000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:The Chester Granite and Polishing Works DESCRIPTION:October 6th@1:00 pm \nParking: Emery Street Chester at the Granite Saw Parking Lot across from the Ballfield \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. GPS 42.279570\, -72.975155 \nHike Rating: Easy 1 mile\, mostly flat terrain on dirt \nJoin us for a special Housatonic Heritage event! The Hudson and Chester Granite Company was one of two granite finishing works in Chester for cutting and polishing the granite 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 now. In September of 2023 the Hilltown Hikers purchased this lot\, including a ten-foot shot saw and all the remains of its buildings and equipment. Tour the property on our newly created walking path and learn about the Granite Industry in Chester and Becket. Donations for the conserved Chester Granite and Polishing Works property are greatly appreciated. \nPlease 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 $10.  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! \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\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale/donation at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n  \n\nREGISTER HERE \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/the-chester-granite-and-polishing-works/ 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/2024/02/saw-print.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240929T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240929T150000 DTSTAMP:20240812T233749Z CREATED:20240219T220502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240812T233749Z UID:49239-1727614800-1727622000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Chester and Becket Railroad Tour\, The Granite Line DESCRIPTION:September 29th@1:00 pm \nParking: On Hampden Street at the Chester and Becket Trailhead Chester 01011  Directions:  From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee\, take Rt. 20 east and drive 18 miles to the Chester/Becket town line\, turn right on Hampden Street to the trailhead. GPS 42.279567\, -72.988070 \nHike Rating: Easy 2.5 miles in and back\, mostly flat terrain on dirt \nJoin us for a special Housatonic Heritage event to hike on a section of the Chester and Becket Railroad. Built in 1896 as a 5.25-mile spur off the Boston & Albany Railroad to deliver granite from the Becket Quarries to the Chester finishing works. Both Chester and Becket issued bond stock in the quarry company to help in building this line because there was money to be made from the “Chester Blue Granite” for monuments and gravestones. This railroad was blasted out of the steep and winding side of the Walker Brook Valley. The first locomotive to run on this line was a wood burner\, eventually upgraded to a coal burning locomotive. We will see the remains of a wooden trestle still standing on the trail and also learn how this route was used in Chester’s Emery industry. Donations for the newly conserved Chester Granite Company Finishing Works property are greatly appreciated.  2024 Housatonic Heritage Walks – Housatonic Heritage \nPlease 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 $10.  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! \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\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale/donation at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n  \n\nREGISTER HERE \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/chester-and-becket-railroad-the-granite-line/ LOCATION:Chester and Becket Railroad\, Hampden Street\, Chester\, ma\, 01011 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20211030_113031-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T140000 DTSTAMP:20240812T233930Z CREATED:20231230T020450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240812T233930Z UID:47571-1726912800-1726927200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Bullard Woods Stockbridge DESCRIPTION:Bullard Woods Stockbridge \nSeptember 21st@10:00 am\nParking at 4 West Hawthorne Road\, Stockbridge 01266  Bullard Woods Trailhead\nHike Rating:  Easy 3.5 mile loop\, mostly flat terrain with bridges and tree roots on dirt. \nJoin us to walk among old growth trees and lakeside trails! In 1954\, this land was given to the Stockbridge Bowl Association by Mrs. William Norton Bullard\, one of the original members. Trails lead to the shoreline and continue to the Tanglewood connector and Gould Meadows The woods were originally part of the estate surrounding the Highwood manor house where Mr. and Mrs. William Norton Bullard lived. The house is now part of Tanglewood and is open to the public. Robert Leverett and John Knuerr\, assessed the woods in 2004. They identified a new state record white oak at 115.3 feet high\, 6.9 feet diameter . They also found a white pine that was more than 133 feet high\, a tulip tree 124.4 feet\, a shagbark hickory 114 feet and a black cherry at 100.8 feet. This hike is a true hidden gem with old growth\, Stockbridge Bowl and the music of Tanglewood playing nearby. \nPlease 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 $10.  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! \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  \nPlease Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Suggestion donation is $10\, event is volunteer lead.   As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles! \nFor more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale/donation at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n\nREGISTER HERE \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/bullard-woods-stockbridge/ LOCATION:ma CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Compress_20230809_074514_4755.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240802T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240804T160000 DTSTAMP:20240729T142803Z CREATED:20240729T142455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240729T142803Z UID:54424-1722614400-1722787200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Hilltown Hikers at the Littleville Fair DESCRIPTION:Littleville Fair 2024 \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/hilltown-hikers-at-the-littleville-fair-2/ LOCATION:Littleville Fairgrounds\, 15 Kinnebrook Road\, Chester\, MA\, 01011\, United States CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/littleville-logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240801T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240801T200000 DTSTAMP:20240725T141506Z CREATED:20240702T171710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240725T141506Z UID:53473-1722537000-1722542400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Great Discoveries at Agawam Public Library DESCRIPTION:Catch us at the Agawam Public Library!  Please register at  www.agawamlibrary.org   \nClick HERE to be directed to the registration page OR call the info desk at 413-789-1550 ext. 4 \nWe will be doing a presentation on Hilltown Hiking courtesy of the Agawam Public Library 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm \n750 Cooper Street in Agawam\, MA  01001 \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/great-discoveries-at-agawam-public-library/ LOCATION:Agawam Public Library\, 750 Cooper Street\, Agawam\, ma\, 01001 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aug-1st-Agawam-Library.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240720T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240720T140000 DTSTAMP:20240530T210236Z CREATED:20231230T015743Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240530T210236Z UID:47562-1721469600-1721484000@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Granville Gorge DESCRIPTION:#hikethehilltowns with us! \nGranville Gorge Southwick/Granville\nJuly 20th @ 10:00 am \nParking: Granville Gorge Main Lot on Route 57 in Southwick #372 MA-57 \nHike Rating:  Moderate approx. 3.5 mile loop with 600 feet of elevation gain\, Brook crossing \nWe will start this summer time hiking adventure crossing Munn Brook in the heart of the gorge in the greenery of a magical chasm surrounded by moss and clear flowing water and giant boulders. The Granville Gorge offers many hiking trails that are best discovered in the summer however the winter months create giant icicles on the gorge walls. We will hike approximately three and a half miles crossing the Granville/Southwick town border visiting the boundary stone and then up Drake Mountain with 600 feet of elevation gain to a grand vista. We will then make our way down to Drake Brook and follow it to the old Winchell Road where this was once a booming colonial village before the land was taken by eminent domain to build both Winchell and Granville Reservoir for water supply. The Winchell Reservoir was built in 1899. Its capacity was more than three million gallons to supply the growing City of Westfield. By 1929 the capacity of the Winchell Reservoir was inadequate for the city’s needs and was abandoned. We will visit the remains of the reservoir and where the gate house once stood. \nPlease Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Suggestion donation is $10\, event 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.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring hiking poles! \nBecome a Hilltown Hiker Member!   You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFor more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \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/granville-gorge/ LOCATION:Granville Gorge\, #372 MA-57\, Southwick\, ma\, 01077 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/received_1139497507265659-scaled.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240622T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240622T140000 DTSTAMP:20240527T202303Z CREATED:20231230T020313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T202303Z UID:47568-1719050400-1719064800@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:South Yokun Ridge West Stockbridge DESCRIPTION:#hikethehilltowns with us! \nSouth Yokun Ridge\, West Stockbridge\nJune 22nd @ 10:00 am \nParking: High Road Lot at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health\, North Gate House\, #35\nRichmond Mountain Road\, Lenox 01240. GPS 42.352078\, -73.321185 \nPARKING IS VERY LIMITED registration is per car so please try to carpool. Please register so we have enough room for parking please. \nHike Rating:  Moderate approx. three mile loop with uneven footing and elevation changes. \nWhen the early settlers came to the Berkshires\, they brought with them a desire to farm and create industry from the forests that covered the land. Industry such as charcoal for iron ore production\, oak for barrels\, chestnut for construction\, oak bark and hemlock for tanning of\nskins and wood for heating the new homes that were built and also hydropower from its many streams to power gristmills and saw mills\, these industries and farming lead to deforestation.  In the mid-1800’s three quarters of New England’s forests were cleared. Iron Mining proved to be good business but also stripped the land\, there were 17 iron mines in operation in 1825\, most located on the the Western side of the Yokun Ridge. This ore went to Richmond Furnace.  We will travel the Charcoal Trail starting on the High Road to discover the natural history of the Yokun Ridge and how the forest has regrown since the early 1900’s. Hike is a three mile loop including a stop at Olivia’s Overlook with views of Stockbridge Bowl. \nPlease Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Suggestion donation is $10\, event 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.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring hiking poles! \nBecome a Hilltown Hiker Member!   You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFor more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n \nREGISTER HERE \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/the-high-road-west-stockbridge/ LOCATION:North Gate House\, 35 Richmond Mountain Road\, Lenox\, MA\, 01240 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Compress_20240425_073942_2051-e1716841373476.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T143000 DTSTAMP:20240530T235433Z CREATED:20240329T161800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240530T235433Z UID:50591-1717236000-1717252200@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Knox Trail Sandisfield with the National Parks Service narrated by Tom Ragusa Special Event DESCRIPTION:#hikethehilltowns with us! \nKnox Trail Sandisfield\nJune 1st @ 10:00 am\nParking at Upper Spectacle Pond GPS 42.177071\, -73.118079  From Route 23\, turn onto Upper Spectacle Pond Road (Otis State Forest)\, turn left onto Webb Road park by the pond before the bridge.\nHike Rating:  Moderate (due to length)\, approximately 4.5 miles one way on a mix of forest roads\, side roads and open woods with no trail. The route is not blazed\, we will hike together as a group. Expect uneven ground\, roots\, mud\, and ups and downs. Carpool is required.   We will leave a few vehicles on Route 8 at the snowmobile bridge where we will end the hike GPS 42.178701\, -73.080937. \nNarrated by Mr. Tom Ragusa\, local historian and retired DCR\, he is an Otis resident and Knox Trail expert\, who has spent 12 years mapping the part of the 300-mile trail through Otis and Sandisfield.  Tom spent 42 years working for the Department of Conservation and Recreation before retiring \nDuring the winter of 1775-1776 General 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\, which was under Continental Army control\, in up-state New York. \nGeneral Henry Knox then was commissioned\, in December 1775\, by General Washington to secure these artillery pieces and transport them from New York\, through Massachusetts\, to Dorchester Heights outside Boston. To do this General Knox successfully crossed the Berkshire Mountains and several large rivers\, in winter\, with fifty-nine pieces of artillery. When the artillery arrived in Boston\, in early March 1776\, General Howe realized the hopelessness of his position and evacuated the city. We will visit historic sites including:  The West Gate\,  Webb cellar hole\, 4th division line\, Webb Sawmill\, Knox Trail CCC roadway\, Cleft in Twain Boulder\, Whaples Tavern\, Horse Paddock\, 200+yr old Yellow Birch\, The Gateway\, Mysterious Stone Piles\, The Monument of Stones\, Many Cellar holes\, Abiel’s Rock and more. \nWe will go back in time with Mr. Tom Ragusa in Otis to hike those same steps. Tom has spent 30 years working on achieving National Historic Designation for the Knox Trail.  This event is in collaboration with the National Parks Service\, Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Learn more at Massachusetts (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)    and  Springfield Armory National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) \nPlease Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Suggestion donation is $10\, event 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.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring hiking poles! \nBecome a Hilltown Hiker Member!   You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFor more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, Meetup\, YouTube\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n \n  \nREGISTER HERE \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/knox-trail-sandisfield-with-the-national-parks-service-narrated-by-tom-ragusa-special-event/ LOCATION:Upper Spectacle Pond\, Otis\, Ma CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/61_received_299877134976851_watermark_Thu_22042021_083710-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240531T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240531T150000 DTSTAMP:20240412T214814Z CREATED:20231230T015106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240412T214814Z UID:47556-1717149600-1717167600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com SUMMARY:Mount Greylock Magic Triangle DESCRIPTION:#hikethehilltowns with us! \nMagic Triangle\nMay 31st @ 10:00 am\nParking at Jones Nose parking area on Rockwell Road in New Ashford\, 4.0 miles north of the Mount Greylock Visitor Center. Drive Rockwell Road from the Visitors Center ( 30 Rockwell Road\, Lanesborough\, MA 01237)continue for four miles and you will see the Jones Nose Parking area on your right.\nHike Rating:  Strenuous (first mile is the Jones Nose climb) 4.5 mile loop \nJoin DCR Interpretive Guide Mike Whalen and the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers as we explore the lofty Nose of Mount Greylock along the Magic Triangle. This classic 4.5-mile\, 3-trail loop starts at the Jones Nose parking area\, follows the steep 1.0-mile Jones Nose Trail to the Appalachian Trail on the crest of Saddleball Mountain\, continues east on the A.T. and wraps up the triangle along Old Adams Road. Stops include stunning vistas and the rustic Mark Noeppel Campsite Shelter. Hike is strenuous with an initial elevation gain of 800 vertical feet and includes rugged trail conditions. Leave-No-Trace trail stewardship ethics and historical commentary on the Appalachian Trail will be offered. Suitable for ages 12 and older. Wear sturdy waterproof shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a lunch\, water and trekking poles. \nPlease Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Event 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.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring hiking poles! \nBecome a Hilltown Hiker Member!   You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFor more hike information email: westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.   Follow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, Meetup\, YouTube\, TikTok\, Pinterest\, Threads and Twitter (X).  Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and photos will be for sale at the event.  Our free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too.  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)   \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 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 \n \n\nRegister Here \nSell tickets online with Ticketleap\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/mount-greylock-magic-triangle/ LOCATION:Jones Nose Parking Lot\, Rockwell Road\, New Ashford\, ma\, 01237 CATEGORIES:Group Hikes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/received_2791374441151573_50469444716_o-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR