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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261004T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261004T160000
DTSTAMP:20260618T225806Z
CREATED:20260319T220718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T225806Z
UID:71748-1791118800-1791129600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Chester and Becket Railroad
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Tour \nChester and Becket Railroad Tour\, The Granite Line \nOctober 4th@1:00 pm \nParking: On Hampden Street at the Chester and Becket Trailhead Chester 01011  \nDirections:  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 miles in and back\, mostly flat terrain on dirt\, this will be a guided tour complete with handouts. Option to continue on the railbed heading East to the Route 20 connection with the Boston and Albany Railroad immediately following. (add 3 miles) \nJoin us for a special Housatonic Heritage event on a section of the Chester and Becket Railroad. This is an interpretive tour led by Liz Massa\, President of the Hilltown Hikers.  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 and how it connects to our Granite Saw Property. Additional option to hike more of the old railroad immediately following the main event. Historical maps and relics will be on display for the event.  Donations for the newly conserved Chester Granite Company Finishing Works property are greatly appreciated.  \nGet our exclusive “hike the lost railroad” t-shirt at the event!  \n \n \nRegister\nPlease Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers  Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles and a snack! \nWant to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events\, maps\, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\n \nMission Statement:  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development\, maintenance and operation of historical properties and tours\, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. provides monthly\, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails\, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups\, non-profit organizations\, libraries and schools.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249 \nIMPORTANT: For all activities\, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather\, including rain gear\, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.”  If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash!  Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control\, leashed or otherwise\, and be prepared to pick up after your dog. \nAdults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14\, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time. \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/chester-and-becket-railroad/
LOCATION:Chester and Becket Railroad\, Hampden Street\, Chester\, ma\, 01011
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
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ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T140000
DTSTAMP:20260926T000904Z
CREATED:20260729T142510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T000904Z
UID:76557-1792227600-1792245600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Hilltown Community Strong Hike
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this fundraising event! \nHilltown Community Strong Walk & Hike to Support Local Domestic Violence Survivors\nRUSSELL\, MA — The Southern Hills Domestic Violence Task Force and the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers are joining forces to bring the community together for the first annual Hilltown Community Strong Walk & Hike on Saturday\, October 17\, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month.\nThis free\, family-friendly event will combine outdoor recreation\, community connection\, and an opportunity to support local survivors of domestic violence. Donations raised during the event will benefit the Southern Hills Survivor Recovery Fund\, which provides assistance to our community survivors as they work toward safety\, stability\, and recovery.\nDuring the Hilltown Community Strong event\, participants can choose between two guided hikes designed to include all ages and abilities.\nKicking off at 9:30 am with a walk following Noble View’s All Persons Trail. An easy walk along a gravel path winding through the natural landscape for all people\, regardless of ability\, to participate and enjoy the outdoors together.\nFor those looking for a more advanced adventure\, join us at 10:45 am for the Border Trail Hike. This hike covers approximately 4 miles of moderate terrain\, and you will experience scenic views\, wooden bridges\, and a variety of natural trail conditions.\nThe Hilltown Community Strong event will offer more than just walking and hiking. Community organizations will be participating leading various activities and there will be Refreshments\, Raffles\, and a StoryWalk.\n“Community support can make all the difference in a survivor’s journey\,” said organizers of the event. “Hilltown Community Strong is an opportunity to come together\, enjoy the outdoors\, and show survivors that they are not alone.”\nWHAT:\nHilltown Community Strong Walk & Hike\nWHEN:\nSaturday\, October 17\, beginning at 9:00 a.m.\nWHERE:\nAMC Noble View Outdoor Center\, Russell\, Massachusetts\nCOST:\nFREE!\nALL PROCEEDS AND DONATIONS will benefit the Southern Hills Survivor Recovery FundParticipants should bring appropriate footwear and water. Trekking poles are recommended for those participating in the Border Trail hike. “Well-behaved\, leashed dogs are welcome\,” organizers said\, adding to the event’s welcoming\, community-oriented atmosphere.\nFor more information about the event\, contact the Southern Hills Domestic Violence Task Force or Western Mass Hilltown Hikers by email: southernhillsdvtaskforce@gmail.com\nCome walk. Come hike. Come together. Help make our Hilltown Communities stronger.\nThe Southern Hills Domestic Violence Task Force is the oldest rural domestic violence task force in Massachusetts. It was launched in 1998 after State Police in Russell complained to town officials that there was no local help for survivors and that responding to a domestic violence call could take up to an hour to just arrive on scene. In 2006\, the Task Force founded Hilltown Safety at Home\, a domestic violence program\nnow run by Hilltown Community Health Centers. The Task Force works with community members\, including schools\, healthcare providers\, police and others to support survivors and educate the community in preventing domestic violence.\nThe Task Force is open to community members and agencies that serve in the Southern Hills communities and meets the 2 Wednesday of the month. For more information contact the Task Force at southernhillsdvtaskforce@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.\nnd\nSigns of an unsafe relationship include one person controlling decisions – where you go\, what you do\, isolates you; Lacks trust and respect – jealousy\, possessiveness\, putting you down; you are blamed for everything and may fear your partner. If you or someone you know is being mistreated or abused by a partner\, you can reach an advocate from Hilltown Safety as Home at 413-693-9977. For immediate help\, call the 24/7 state-wide hotline at 1-877-785-2020.\nThe Western Mass Hilltown Hikers connect people with the natural\, cultural\, and historic landscapes of Western Massachusetts through year?round outdoor recreation and education. For fifteen years\, they have hosted monthly public hikes and tours that highlight the region’s most remarkable places\, including the National Historic Landmark Keystone Arch Bridges Trail and the annual First Day Hike at Sanderson Brook Falls in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The organization was founded by Karen McTaggart and Liz Massa\, and has grown from two hikers exploring local history to a widely recognized leader in outdoor recreation\, stewardship\, and heritage education. Working closely with DCR\, the National Park Service\, and local historians to document and protect Western Mass history—serving as the “feet in the woods”. \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-community-strong-hike/
LOCATION:Nobleview Outdoor Center\, 635 South Quarter Road\, Russell\, MA\, 01071\, United States
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Updated-Hike-Flyer.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T150000
DTSTAMP:20260925T233221Z
CREATED:20260319T215654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T233221Z
UID:71741-1792328400-1792335600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:The Hudson and Chester Granite Works
DESCRIPTION:RESCHEDULED FROM SEPTEMBER 27th \nParking: Emery Street Chester at the Granite Saw Parking Lot across from the Ballfield. 7 Prospect Street\, Chester. \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 \nThe Chester Granite Company was one of two granite finishing works in Chester for cutting and polishing stone brought down to the Historic Factory Village on the Chester and Becket Railroad which was built for this purpose in 1896. “Chester Blue Granite” was brought down the steep mountain railroad from the Hudson and Chester quarry\, known today as the Becket Quarry in Becket. The finishing works burned down after many prosperous years in business making monuments and gravestones and has been private property since\, until recently. In September of 2023 the Hilltown Hikers purchased this lot\, including a twelve-foot shot saw and all the remains of its buildings and equipment. This was the second largest stone finishing plant in the state. The saw is still the largest historical stone cutting saw in existence. Tour the property on our newly created walking path with a guide and learn about the Granite Industry in Chester and Becket. Donations for the conserved Chester Granite and Polishing Works property are greatly appreciated.\nThis is a Housatonic Heritage special event! \nHousatonic Heritage Events 2026 Housatonic Heritage Walks – Housatonic Heritage \nRegister \n\nPlease Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers  Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles and a snack! \nWant to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events\, maps\, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\n  \nMission Statement:  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development\, maintenance and operation of historical properties and tours\, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. provides monthly\, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails\, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups\, non-profit organizations\, libraries and schools.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249 \nIMPORTANT: For all activities\, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather\, including rain gear\, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.”  If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash!  Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control\, leashed or otherwise\, and be prepared to pick up after your dog. \nAdults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14\, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time. \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/the-hudson-and-chester-granite-works/
LOCATION:Chester Granite Saw\, 7 Prospect Street\, Chester\, ma\, 01011
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1761274767917.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T210000
DTSTAMP:20260920T233414Z
CREATED:20260820T172258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260920T233414Z
UID:77201-1792861200-1792875600@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Sinister Haunted Trail
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nSinister Haunted Trail \nOctober 24th @ 5:00 pm until everyone goes home!  Kid’s Events kick off at 3:00 at the Ballfield \nParking:  47 Emery Street across from the Ballfield\, Chester\, MA  01011 \nDirections:  From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee\, take Rt. 20 east and drive 18 miles to the Chester center\, turn left onto Main Street and bear right onto Prospect Street under the railroad and turn right to continue on Emery Street to the parking lot across from the ballfield. From Westfield take Route 20 West to the center of Chester\, turn right onto Main Street and under the underpass to Prospect Street. GPS 42.279570\, -72.975155 \nOn October 24th all the ghouls come out with no holds barred for the Sinister Saw Halloween Event where we light up the trail (in places\, the rest of it is dark scary woods) and the crazy clowns\, masked chainsaw men and evil witches will haunt this abandoned mill in Chester Factory Village including a complete sound show\, live props and gags.\nBe prepared for a spine tingling\, jump out of your pants walk thru the haunted woods!  Join the Hilltown Hikers and our volunteers at our Granite Saw property.  We will have a haunted trail complete with a 12-foot diameter cutting saw\, real tombstones\, haunted gags\, bloody ghouls\, skin crawling sound show\, zombies and more!   What is lurking in those woods? Don’t worry\, we will make sure you get out….alive!\nAND THERES MORE!  The Town of Chester invites all ghouls\, ghosts\, and goblins to gather at the Chester Ball Field on Emery Street for frights and fun! We’ll kick things off at 3:00 pm for the little ghouls with pumpkin painting\, face painting\, followed by a rag-shag parade. 3:00 pm face painting….3:30 costume contest…4:00pm inflatable race 5:00 pm trunks and SINISTER opens \n When the darkness comes……Cheer or compete in our inflatable race at 4:00 p.m. (all are welcome to participate!) Then sink your fangs into Trunk or Treat\, live music and great food by the Chester Fire Department while spooky spirits roam the grounds. Dress to impress (or terrify!) for our costume contests\, followed by an award ceremony with medals and prizes for trunks and costumes. Warm your bones by the fire at the snack shack\, where free popcorn\, hot cider and cocoa await .  Get some ice cream from Our Mother’s Kitchen…We hope to see you all there! \nNo dogs please on the haunted trail.  Donations are welcome to support the historical renovations to the Chester Granite Saw. Suggested Donation $10 Donate on www.hilltownhikers.com. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground. \nSPONSORED BY: The Town of Chester\, Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Chester Rec Committee\, Chester Fire Dept\, Chester Police Dept.\, Hamilton Memorial Library\, Our Mother’s Kitchen\, Kosinski Farms in Westfield\, Mel’s Kitchen\, Chester Hill Association\, Chester COA and the Chester Scouts \nPlease contact Jessica if you would like to do a trunk or compete in the inflatable race or JUST SHOW UP! 413-207-4152 jsakaske@live.com  ALL ARE WELCOME! \nEvent is volunteer organized. Suggested donation to the Granite Saw 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 or would like to volunteer as a live ghoul. \n  \n \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/sinister-haunted-trail/
LOCATION:Chester Granite and Polishing Works\, 9 Prospect Street\, Chester\, Ma\, 01011
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-Sinister-Saw-Halloween-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261122T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261122T143000
DTSTAMP:20260618T225736Z
CREATED:20260320T223408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T225736Z
UID:71805-1795345200-1795357800@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Jethro Jones Lost Gravesite
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nJethro Jones Lost Gravesite \nSunday November 22nd at 11:00 am \nParking: Blair Road\, Blandford\, MA 01008 near North Blandford cemetery. GPS 42.20280\, -72.98060  We will park on one side of the road and meet at the corner of Jones Road and Blair Road. \nHike Rating: Moderate 2 miles in and back\, moderately hilly with ups and downs\, rocks\, roots and dirt.  \nJoin our co-host The Blandford Historical Society for a hike honoring Revolutionary War veteran Jethro Jones. In April of 2021 we researched this lost cemetery and found its remains on a rise in Blandford on a once controversial road. The news of this reached direct descendant Jocelyn Jones\, his fourth great grand daughter.  Jones lived here after the revolution until his death in 1828 at age 95.  He\, his wife and other family members are believed to be buried at the same burial plot.  Jones never received a marker or flag because his burial location was unknown. This has now all changed…Jones is now memorialized and rightly so. This is a heartwarming story that Jones himself  over 250 years later would be proud of.  We will honor him and his family.  We will begin at the junction of Blair Road with Jones Road and hike up to the once lost small cemetery. We will learn about the life and work and service of Jethro Jones as we walk from the DAR historic marker for Jones alongside forest managed by Hull Forest Products up to the cemetery where Jones and his family are believed to be buried. We will learn about Jones’s history as one of the earliest documented African American toolmakers in colonial America\, as well as his military service during the French and Indian Wars and Revolutionary War. Blandford Historical Society will share info on the early history of North Blandford\, and Jones’s descendant Jocelyn Jones Arnold will share the story of finding her patriot ancestor.  This hike is free and open to all\, donations to the Hilltown Hikers and the Blandford Historical Society are greatly appreciated. \nRegister \nPlease Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers  Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles and a snack! \nWant to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events\, maps\, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\n \n \n  \nMission Statement:  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development\, maintenance and operation of historical properties and tours\, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. provides monthly\, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails\, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups\, non-profit organizations\, libraries and schools.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249 \nIMPORTANT: For all activities\, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather\, including rain gear\, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.”  If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash!  Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control\, leashed or otherwise\, and be prepared to pick up after your dog. \nAdults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14\, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time. \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/71805/
LOCATION:Blair Road\, Blair Road near North Blandford Cemetery\, Blandford\, MA\, 01008
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Compress_20251013_080013_3495.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261219T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261219T150000
DTSTAMP:20260325T161937Z
CREATED:20260319T223436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T161937Z
UID:71756-1797678000-1797692400@westernmasshilltownhikers.com
SUMMARY:Whistlers Cathedrals in Winter
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nWhistlers Cathedrals in Winter \nThe Keystone Arch Bridges \nDecember 19th at 11:00 am \nParking: 325 Middlefield Road Chester 01011 carpool from Parking at Chester Elementary School 42.29793\, -72.98323 \nDirections:  From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee\, take Rt. 20 east and drive 18 miles to the Chester center\, turn left onto Middlefield Road and Chester Elementary School will be on your right after 1.5 miles. \nHike Rating: Moderate 5 miles in and back\, ups and downs\, rocks\, roots and dirt. WEATHER will determine our route for this hike\, please check for updates here on the website. \nCarpool is required from the Chester Elementary School due to lack of parking at the Trailhead.  Carpool will start at 10:15 from the school parking lot. \nThis hike is narrated by Dave Pierce\, local railroad historian and responsible for the National Historic Designation of bridges and the Chester Railway Museum.  Please visit the museum after the hike. Construction of the 150-mile railroad was completed by 3\,000 laborers in an incredible two and a half years\, opening in 1841. Join us for a Historic narrative by Dave Pierce. Enjoy the incredible narration as Dave tells of the history of the Arch’s creation\, the first cluster of stone arch railroad bridges built in America\, located on the West Branch of the Westfield River. Learn how the stone bridges were built\, visit a quarry\, and the massive “cut”. We will take you up close to all of the stone bridges on the trail including the footpaths over and under the dry laid stone bridges. An optional hike to the Gator Arch will follow. The Chester Railway Station Museum will be open after the hike located at 10 Prospect Street in Chester\, a national historic landmark along with the 65 and 70 foot bridges. \n \nPlease Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers  Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles and a snack! \nWant to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up securely with a credit card on our shopping page here  \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches\, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events\, maps\, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out. \nDonate here: \nVia our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers \nVia Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers  \nVia Venmo:  @hilltownhikers \nVia Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site)   \nGROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010\nMission Statement:  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development\, maintenance and operation of historical properties and tours\, recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.  Western Mass Hilltown Hikers\, Inc. provides monthly\, guided group tours of historical hiking destinations in various locations of Western Massachusetts. We also provide volunteer trail maintenance for trails\, maintain our historic conserved properties and provide educational presentations to other civic groups\, non-profit organizations\, libraries and schools.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249 \nIMPORTANT: For all activities\, participants must come prepared with adequate water and food. Dress appropriately in layers for the weather\, including rain gear\, and wear proper hiking footwear. The hike leader has the discretion to deny people participation if they are not adequately prepared. Contact us via email or text with any questions. Most hikes are listed as “Dog Friendly” or “Dogs on Leash are welcome.”  If leashing is required you must keep your dog on leash!  Please do not bring a dog if it is not reliably under your control\, leashed or otherwise\, and be prepared to pick up after your dog. \nAdults bringing minor children are fully responsible for their safety and well-being. For children under 14\, please contact us to ask if it is permissible to bring them (some hikes may be difficult for them and a liability release is mandatory). Hikes leave from the trailhead at the “Leave Time.” Please ARRIVE at the trailhead prepared to hike at least 10 MINUTES earlier than the Leave Time. \nShare this:Tweet\n				Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)\n				Email\n			\n				Print (Opens in new window)\n				Print\n			MoreLike this:Like Loading…
URL:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/event/whistlers-cathedrals-in-winter/
LOCATION:Keystone Arch Bridges Trail
CATEGORIES:Group Hikes,Social Events/Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bridge-pic.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Western Mass Hilltown Hikers":MAILTO:westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com
END:VEVENT
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