January 1st at 10:00AM
Parking: Sanderson Brook Falls lot on Route 20 across from Bannish Lumber in Chester, MA 01011. Google Directions to Bannish Lumber in Chester. 631 Route 20, Chester, MA 01011
Directions: from Northampton take Route 66 to Route 112 Huntington, take a right on Route 20 West to Chester, Chester Blandford State Forest will be on your left, Sanderson Brook Falls sign out front, Bannish Lumber across the road for overflow parking.
Hike 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.
Celebrate the New Year 2026 outdoors with the Hilltown Hikers and the Massachusetts 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. Free Berkshire Destinations waterfall posters, New Years props, photo booth and more!
Please Register per car load on Ticketleap. Maps and bottled water provided. Well-behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. More details at Hilltown Hikers. Please email [email protected] 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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