Western Mass Hilltown Hikers group hike the H. Newman Marsh Memorial Trail Saturday September 21 at 10:00 am GPS Location: 42.25618, -72.94677 Hike Rating: Moderate with Uphill Climbing and Steep Descent. Join us for a beautiful mountain trek along the H. Newman Marsh Memorial Trail on Observation Hill in the Chester-Blandford State Forest in Chester, named after the outdoorsman and patron of the hilltowns who made the Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway (route 20) what it is today. We will make a steep climb up to Observation Hill, cross a brook then travel through pine forest and discover three major vistas at approximately 1200 feet with awe inspiring views of the Westfield River Valley then loop back down the hill. We will see out cropping of schist rock, different types of forest, fern, bear claw markings, and wildflowers. About a million years ago, a series of glaciers scraped the mountains. Some of the bedrock resisted the erosion and became the steeper hills of the valley. The scenic hills exposed today are the walls of the great canyon of the Westfield River. This is a loop trail, with a round-trip length of 1.5 miles. Hike rating is Moderate with Uphill Climbing and Steep Descent with rock steps and roots. Plan for two hours for the hike.

Meet in the parking lot of the Chester-Blandford State Forest; look out for Bannish Lumber on Route 20 which is located opposite the parking lot. The trailhead is on Sanderson Brook Road inside the State Forest. There are many other trails located in the Chester-Blandford State Forest to enjoy as well including Sanderson Brook Falls, Dynamite Box, Beulah Land, and the CCC Trail.

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.