Quabbin Reservoir — Attraction in Petersham

What an excellent location for educational or recreational purposes! Staff at headquarters in Belchertown are friendly, helpful, well informed and forthcoming. Many trails to hike that are open to the public. The 4-mile round trip from Gate 40 (Rte. 32-A) to Dana Common is evocative with cellar holes, foundations and commemorative plaques; I've taken students on this walk on at least 30 field trips; combining this walk with the scenic loop and a visit to headquarters gives a good overview of public water supply issues as well as the social history of central Massachusetts. Interesting nature sightings on most visits. Fishing is allowed (I'm not a fisherman) with significant restrictions and boat cleaning requirements. Everybody should visit the Quabbin along with their kids. When I was a professor (retired now) I took college students to the Quabbin in groups for over a dozen years. This was a very popular field trip, and students often brought siblings, parents, SOs, and kids from ages 4-15 on these trips. During the warmer season, we would stop at Janine's Frostee in nearby Ware for refreshments between the hike and our final stop at Quabbin headquarters. Highly...

The Quabbin is a beautiful, scenic place that showcases Mother Nature's true glory. A perfect place for a walk, hike, or ride. Also great for picnics, tossing around a ball or frisbee. Plenty of open grassy areas, along with trails in the plentiful woods. They do have portable toilets here also. Nice spot to visit when the weather is pleasant. Year round it's always free & open to the public. Good for all ages. Singles, couples, groups, family outing. It's not uncommon to see wildlife here also, such as turkeys & deer. Plentiful parking. Picnic tables. In the warmer months, bring your bug repellent & sunscreen. Whether you spend just a little while, or the whole morning/afternoon, it's always fun & relaxing. I've been coming since childhood, I'm 40 now. My kids love it here, so do I. Well maintained, clean property. Boating/fishing allowed too, but you'd have to seek more information, because I don't know...

I have too many memories here to describe in any amount of fair detail but I have visiting this place from any number access points and have a family story or special moment there. Let alone the dam/dike that was built to create such a unique place.

The historical significance of this creation touched so many lives, brought water to Boston allowing it's expansion. All the residents who were displaced from all the towns that occupied that area. Wow

Visit, hike, fish (check the rules online before you go)!

Visiting the deepest sections of the trails is a true wilderness experience. We have seen bears. Do yourself a favor and by a loud whistle. Blow it and crisis averted. Just be on your toes and make noise while you hike.

There is so much to offer you here I that it could seriously take you years to...