Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike
Whistlers Cathedrals
The Keystone Arch Bridges
October 26th@1pm
Parking: 325 Middlefield Road Chester 01011 carpool from Parking at Chester Elementary School 42.29793, -72.98323
Directions: 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.
Hike Rating: Moderate 5 miles in and back, ups and downs, rocks, roots and dirt
Carpool is required from the Chester Elementary School due to lack of parking at the Trailhead. Carpool will start at 12:15 from the school parking lot.
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.
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!
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