Whistlers Cathedrals in Winter

Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike Whistlers Cathedrals in Winter The Keystone Arch Bridges December 19th at 11:00 am 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. WEATHER will determine our route for this hike, please check for updates here on the website. Carpool is required from the Chester Elementary School due to lack of parking at the Trailhead.  Carpool will start at 10:15 from the school parking lot. This hike is narrated by Dave Pierce, local railroad historian and responsible for the National Historic Designation of bridges and the Chester Railway Museum.  Please visit the museum after the hike. 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. 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 westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com 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 A...