Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Tour
Chester and Becket Railroad Tour, The Granite Line
September 7th@1:00 pm
Parking: 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
Hike Rating: Easy 2.5 miles in and back, mostly flat terrain on dirt with options for more, guided tour with handouts
Join us to walk 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 and Granite industry. Optional continuation on the railbed to the Boston and Albany Connector (3 miles). Donations for the newly conserved Chester Granite Company Finishing Works property are greatly appreciated.
We will hike rain or shine. Registration required. Please Register per car load on
https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . Please email
d2VzdGVybm1hc3NoaWxsdG93bmhpa2VycyB8IGFvbCAhIGNvbQ== or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles!
Want to hike every weekend year-round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events. You can sign up on www.HilltownHikers.com.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches and bags 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.
You may also like the following events from Western Mass Hilltown Hikers:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Chester,
Nonprofit events in Chester.
|
