Western Mass Hilltown Hikers will lead a guided tour of the Keystone Arches. (AMY PORTER/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
CHESTER – In conjunction with the virtual Chester on Track, this Saturdaythe Western Mass Hilltown Hikers are providing 10 Facebook Events showcasing10n trails in Chester, complete with photos, videos, maps and trailhead parking information for hikers looking to get out and discover Chester.
“Due to current social distancing protocols we cannot officially lead hikers on guided group hikes, so we are providing all the details needed to do it on your own,” said Elizabeth Massa, co-founder of the W. Mass Hilltown Hikers.
For those who would like to enjoy a hike from home, live streaming from youtube and Facebook will be broadcast all day May 16. The Facebook live feed will be on www.facebook.com/westernmasshilltownhikers and the YouTube feed at /www.youtube.com/channel/UCc1u34uweqVz8wkO005MHHQ.
Trails included are the Chester Blandford State Forest, the Chester Becket Railroad Trail, H. Newman Marsh Trail, Goldmine Falls, Beacon Trail at Gobble Mountain, Hampden Park, Sanderson Brook Falls, Boulder Park, Round Top Hill, and The Keystone Arch Bridges Trail.
Massa reminded anyone hiking the trails to follow social distancing protocols by wearing a mask on the trails and by keeping a six foot distance from other hikers, and if the parking lot is full, “go check out another trailhead; there are 10 to choose from.”
Complete details are at westernmasshilltownhikers.com and on all their social media platforms. Hashtags #westernmasshilltownhikers #hikethehilltowns and #hilltownhistory will connect all users to the media. There will also be blogging all day on the website.
Chester on Track is going virtual this year on May 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vintage train footage and musical acts interspersed with live commentary from the Chester Railway Station Museum. Virtual Chester On Track will be streaming live at youtu.be/aFMTHJOFylA as well as on the Chester Railway Station Facebook page. More information about the Chester Railway Museum is available on the website at chesterrailwaystation.net.
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.
