Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Group Hike – October 22

October 22, 2022 at 10:00am
GPS Location: Carpool from Chester Elementary
Hike Rating: Moderate, 5 miles in and back

Join us for our annual group hike of the historic Keystone Arch Bridge Trail in Chester!

The hike will be narrated by Dave Pierce of the Friends of the Keystone Arches.

Enjoy Dave’s incredible narration as he tells of the history of the Arch’s creation, the first cluster of stone arch RR bridges built in America, located on the West Branch of the Westfield River. Construction
of the 150-mile railroad was completed by 3,000 laborers in an incredible two and a half years, opening in 1841.

We will take you up close to ALL the stone bridges on the trail. The 65 and 70 foot Arches have footpaths with viewing areas, these two keystone arch bridges located on Mass Wildlife’s Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Area in Middlefield and Becket have been named National Historic Landmarks last year!

The Chester Railway Station Museum will be open after the hike located at 10 Prospect Street, Chester.
For more info visit:
www.chesterrailwaystation.net
www.keystonearches.com

Parking is at Chester Elementary School, 325 Middlefield Road, one mile from the trailhead (limited parking at the trailhead, we will shuttle hikers from the school). Carpooling will start at 9:30 am please be at the parking lot by then! Hike will start at the trailhead at 10 am.
• Maps and bottle water will be provided.
• Please be aware that there are no facilities at the trail.
• Friendly dogs are welcome!

Plan for four hours hike time.
Visit https://hilltownhikers.com for more info and registration.

Download flyer here.