Quabbin

The Quabbin Valley is in Central Massachusetts, it consists of the Quabbin Reservoir and a number of small towns and settlements.

Towns and villages in the area inckude: Barre, Belchertown, Hardwick (Including the villages of Gilbertville, Wheelwright and Old Furnace), Hubbardston, New Braintree, New Salem, Oakham, Pelham, Petersham, Ware.

Understand
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. This sort of eerie adventure brings many to this location during all seasons.

One of the most attractive features bringing traveler's to Petersham is it's wealth of conservation land. Bordering the Quabbin Reservoir, thousands of acres are under MDC control.

Wildlife
Many animals are active at dawn or dusk, so your chances of seeing some species are better at these times. The type of animals you are searching for will influence the habitat type you should visit. Two precautionary notes:


 * Animals are wild and should be treated as such. Do not approach animals, keep a healthy distance. Be sure to avoid any animals exhibiting odd behavior as the individual may be infected with rabies.
 * Feeding or baiting animals is strictly prohibited under MDC Rules and Regulations. When it comes to food, animals can fend for themselves just fine. Feeding them foods that are not part of their natural diet can actually be harmful to them and also make them reliant upon humans for their food.

Known animal species in the Quabbin area include the red fox, coyote, beaver, weasel, bobcat, porcupine, white-tailed deer, loons, bald eagles, black bear, and moose. There are have been confirmed sightings of mountain lions.

Get in
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.

Get around
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.

Hiking

 * Some info from North Quabbin Woods
 * Some info from North Quabbin Woods
 * Some info from North Quabbin Woods
 * Some info from North Quabbin Woods



Fishing
All fishing must be done in the Northern Quabbin, you must have a valid fishing license, and must pay a fee before using any boat.(Kayaks and Canoes not allowed)

For a list of fishing regulations visit Massachusetts DEM Quabbin Fishing Guide

Go next

 * Worcester Hills
 * Brookfields
 * Amherst