First Day Hike at Sanderson Brook Falls

First Day Hike at Sanderson Brook Falls in the Chester Blandford State Forest with the DCR January 1st @ 10:00 am Parking: at the Sanderson Brook Falls lot on Route 20 across from Bannish Lumber Chester, MA 01011 Google Directions to Bannish Lumber in Chester. Directions: from Northampton take Route 66 to Route 112 Huntington, take a right on Route 20 West to Chester, Chester Blandford State Forest on your left approx. 2.25 miles. 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 2027 outdoors with the Hilltown Hikers and the 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! NOTE: Registration for events typically opens up 30 days before the event. Please Register per vehicle on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/westernmasshilltownhikers Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com . 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 and a snack! 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 securely with a credit card on our shopping page here Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches, water bottles and safety vests 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. Donate here: Via our website Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Via Paypal at paypal.me/hilltownhikers Via Venmo: @hilltownhikers Via Square: Home | Western Mass Hilltown Hikers (square.site) GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010