The Western Mass Hilltown Hikers group will hike the Knittel Conservation Area in Blandford on Saturday, November 16 at 10:00 am. GPS Location: 42.16996, -72.92859. Hike rating: easy with some slopes, two-mile loop trail.

The Knittel Conservation Area in Blandford is a 254-acre tract comprised of fields, forest and Falls Brook. Several trails wind through the property on both sides of Herrick Road. We will pass through different and interesting types of forest and around a pond with beaver dams. The conservation area helps protect the water supply of 250,000 people and preserve the rural setting for a working farm. Located at the end of Herrick Road, the parcel has been home to the Herrick family farm for generations. The area feeds the Cobble Mountain Reservoir, which serves as the drinking water supply for Springfield, Ludlow, Agawam, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, and parts of Southwick and Westfield.

Meet at the Trailhead on 26 Herrick Road in the parking lot. Take Route 23 to 26 Herrick Rd in Blandford. Plan for two hours to loop the entire trail. This hike is co-sponsored by the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association: jlba.org and the Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center: shaec.org. Maps and bottled water will be provided. Please be aware that there are no facilities at the trail. Dogs are welcome! No registration required, hike is free, donations are welcome!

Hilltown Hikers is a member of the Hilltown Outdoor Stewardship Alliance Learn more at www.HilltownOSA.com For more hike information email [email protected] or call/text 413-302-0312. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter. #westernmasshilltownhikers. Events, maps and photos located at www.westernmasshilltownhikers.com. Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.