Quabbin Reservoir — Attraction in Belchertown

I have hiked the Quabbin since I was a little girl… a good 40 something years. It’s such a gorgeous place to be! It was always well kept. It’s sad that the look out tower has been closed for a number of years now but there’s always someone out there that has to ruin it for everyone and there has been vandalism so I get why it’s closed. It’s very unfortunate though. Smh. Still the views are breath taking. So many places to stop! Be sure to visit the quabbin on a day when the weather is good and the humidity is low so you have good visibility because you can see out forever! Be ready to see bald eagles flying over head. I have so many good memories of this place. I remember as a kid sitting in one of the fields and the deer coming out and grazing around us. Going down by the water and watching the eagles take a fish. Sometimes we would see a porcupine out in the lower field by the dam./ water control. It’s great hiking through out. Following trails and picking a gate number and walking the road. Lots of wildlife to see and if you are a native plant lover there good things to see as well. Unfortunately, due to vandalism and perhaps other circumstances as well the stone buildings and bathrooms are closed. There are a few sporadic port-a-potties throughout. But you want to make note of where they are and also bring your own toilet paper just incase. They are not always stocked. Especially lately with the lack of funding we have now. I usually take a roll with me and a good part of the time if needed, leave the roll. Trash is carry in carry out! Be cautious of bears. I have seen a few through the years. Wear spray for ticks as there are ALOT of ticks! Sunblock is a good idea too if you plan on walking out in the open. Please help keep this beautiful place clean! We want this place around for future generations to enjoy if we...

Went to acquire some photos and then found out that the brush is grossly overgrown on the downstream side of the Keyhole Bridge. Quabon is a lot more than the Visitors Station. Would have selected 5 Stars except the park department needs to clean the brush from the advantage view sights. Waited until the leaves were gone since they blocked the view from upstream also, these too need to be cleaned.

Did manage to get some photos from upstream. Enjoy my photos, some need to be copyrighted, those are all on my better Cameras. If you want to print your photos, use a good Camera, Hand Held Electronical Device just doesn't do justice, for the quality.

My photos are from the spill way and weir area. Walk across the Dam or drive in the Middle Gate. Surprised to get the, I believe, Eagle. Photos have different lighting since from separate dates.

Much better viewing in person since perspective is maintained. Check the Munskin on top of the Bridge in one of my shots, it added some perspective to the size of the area.

Really wanted a shot from downstream looking upstream at the Bridge, watters were discharging over the spill way modderitly and would have made a nice photo of the Rapids just past the Bridge, able to hear it but unable to see it.

So anyways our Grandparents have done an amazing job since the dams installation still performs like it should as it did back in circa 1940's.

Don't forget the like buttons on the photos too. Thanks.

Mr. P says...

Quabbin Reservoir is a beautiful and expansive body of water located in central Massachusetts. It is the largest inland body of water in the state and provides drinking water to the Boston area.

One of the main things that makes Quabbin Reservoir so special is its natural beauty. The reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, and the water is crystal clear and teeming with wildlife. Visitors to the area can hike along the several trails that wind through the forests and along the shore, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding scenery.

Aside from its natural beauty, Quabbin Reservoir also plays an important role in providing clean drinking water to the Boston metropolitan area. The reservoir was created in 1939 by damming the Swift River, and today it holds over 412 billion gallons of water. The water is treated and then pumped to Boston and surrounding communities, providing an essential resource for millions of people.

Visitors to the area can also learn about the history of the reservoir at the Quabbin Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on the creation of the reservoir, as well as the ecology and wildlife of the area.

Overall, Quabbin Reservoir is a truly special place that offers natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and an important source of clean water to...