Petersham, MA Road Trips

Back in the early 1920s the people from Boston, Massachusetts did not have their own water supply to satisfy their growing needs. Thirsty Bostonians looked eastward to the Swift River and the topographic design of the Pioneer valley and figured it would be a perfect fit for a reservoir. Through a series of buyouts the four towns that inhabited this area were bought and the inhabitants were forced to move. The entire landscape was torn up and recreated. Houses had to be torn down, factories demolished, millions of acres of trees were cut, and even bodies from cemeteries had to be dug up (except for some Native Americans) and moved to a new location in the near by town of Ware, MA. The actual flooding of the valley occurred in August of 1939 and in 1946 the reservoir was filled to capacity. To this day it is one beautiful sight in any season. During the Summer the water glistens, Fall brings the marvelous New England colorful foliage, and Winter in its silent white beauty descends on the area. This reservoir in the middle of Massachusetts, allows biking along its paths, hiking its countless trails, and even in the Northern section fishing is allowed in the summer. This is certainly a place for hikers, bikers and other weekend explorers. If one looks carefully, in the woods, there are countless cellar holes, stone walls, and abandoned roads reminiscent of a time past. While fishing, if one happens to look down into the water, on a sunny day, the remnants of old buildings and foundations can be seen at the bottom.

1 The Quabbin Reservoir. is a man-made body of water located in This reservoir was created in 1938 by damming the Swift River and flooding four towns: Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott. Is often called the "Accidental Wilderness" and home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles. Petersham's town common. listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the finest in Massachusetts. Approximately 45 buildings are included in the historic district, including the old Nichewaug Inn, the Petersham Memorial Library and the Petersham Country Store. Fisher Museum, Petersham. small but wonderful. Harvard University's School of Forestry, and an additional 3300 acres of conservation land owned by the university, and containing lovely hiking trails. Trustees of Reservation properties, Petersham. including the North Common Meadow, the Swift River Reservation and the James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve totaling over 1000 additional acres of conservation land right in Petersham. The Trustees own an additional eight properties within a 30 minute drive of Petersham.

Robinson Farm, 42 Jackson Rd, Hardwick, ☏ +1 413 477-6988. Organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, and raw milk are all produced on this farm. As are thousands of pounds of rustic cheeses. (updated Apr 2015) Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick, ☏ +1 413 477-6746. $15-million performing arts center in rural Hardwick. 460-seat main theater, 80-seat studio theater, a 500-seat function hall, gallery and studio spaces. (updated Feb 2015) Gate 36. Petersham, MA (State Forest Rd)After parking at the T intersection, walk east to the shore of Quabbin Reservoir. At a fork in the road, go either direction; both roads lead to shore walks and possible sightings of eagles, loons, or other birds. The one to the right heads north, eventually connecting with Gate 35. The one to the left heads south; it turns inland after about ½ mile, and when it splits, the left-hand extension heads up Soapstone Hill. Gate 22-25. New Salem, MA (South Main St)The dirt roads from Gates 24 and 25 converge and then in short while converge with the road from Gate 22. Near this intersection once lay the village of Puppyville, home of the first gristmill in New Salem; old foundations bear witness of past lives. Further east the main road splits, the trail to the right leads to the shore of Quabbin Reservoir, a total of 1½ to 2 miles from the gates. The trail to the left takes a slightly longer route to the shore and then continues north along it, eventually connecting with a road from Gates 26 and 27.

1 Rose32 Bread, 412 Main St, Gilbertville, ☏ +1 413 477-9930. Popular bakery and deli

1 Hardwick Winery, 3305 Greenwich Rd, Hardwick, ☏ +1 413 967-7763. Small vineyard and winery located in the hills near Quabbin Reservoir. Lost Towns Brewing Company, 483 Main St, Gilbertville, ☏ +1 413-277-0818. Small micro-brewery with an enclosed taproom and beer garden. The name is an homage to the towns flooded by the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir. (updated Aug 2022)

1 Inn at Clamber Hill, 111 N. Main St, Petersham (1 mile north of the Petersham town common or 5 miles south of MA Rt. 2), ☏ +1 978-724-8800. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. An historic country inn, nestled in 33 acres of woodlands. With five spacious rooms, most with fireplaces.

The Quabbin region is best accessed by car as there are no airports or train stations. Access to the northern end of the reservoir is via Massachusetts Route 2, exiting at Athol for Route 32 if coming from the east or exiting at Orange for Route 122 if coming from the west. Access to the southern end is via the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), exiting at Palmer and taking Route 32 to Ware.

A car is the easiest way to get around the Quabbin region. The area is sparsely populated and public transportation is nonexistent. Route 32 running from north/south from Ware to Athol connects the communities on the east side of the reservoir. U.S. 202 running north south from Belchertown to Athol connects the communities on the west side. Route 9 connects Ware to Belchertown at the southern end of the reservoir while Route 122 skirts the northern end from Petersham to Orange. Cycling is a popular activity in the region and most roads are quiet enough that you could use it as a mode of transportation. However, distances between attractions can be many miles.