QUABBIN RESERVOIR LETTERBOXES,
PELHAM, MA
 The Quabbin
Reservoir was created in 1939 in the evacuated Swift River Valley,
in order to provide a supply of water for the city of Boston. The
construction of the Quabbin required the building of two dams and the destruction
of the towns of Prescott, Dana, Enfield, and Greenwich. By 1946,
the reservoir was filled, creating one of the largest bodies of untreated
drinking water in the world. The reservation also serves as a wildlife
sanctuary and offers numerous hiking trails on the nearly 40,000 acres
that are open to the public.
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 202 to the intersection in Pelham where 202 meets Main Street (which comes from the west, from downtown Amherst, and ends at US 202). There's a flashing yellow light at this intersection. Cross 202 onto a gravel road that leads to a small parking area at Quabbin Gate #11. Park here. Note: Depending on how long you rest by the water, this circular hike will take about 3 hours.
MOON AND STARS LETTERBOX CLUES CLUE DIFFICULTY: Easy
Walk back to 202, turn right, and walk about a half mile to Quabbin Gate #12, which is on your right. Please use caution when walking along the highway. Walk around Gate #12 and enter the woods on a gravel road. After about a half mile, you'll cross a stream and then the road forks. Go right. Walk on this path for a good 20 minutes (less if you're long-legged); the Purgee Brook will be on your right, sometimes near and sometimes far. Keep going until, on your right, you see Quabbinhenge." (If you saw the movie Spinal Tap, this little area should make you laugh.) You can sit one of these stone constructions and take a little break, or you can continue onward for about 8 paces. To your left you'll see a break in an old stone wall. Peek around on the east side of that wall to locate the Quabbin Reservoir Moon and Stars Letterbox. -Bonnie  Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility
and disclaimer.
SALAMANDER LETTERBOX CLUES CLUE DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate
Now, forward march to your next letterbox. Keep going on this trail. For a brief stretch it is paved, then it bends to the right and after that it crosses Purgee Brook. Soon, on your left, you'll be able to see the reservoir through the trees. Then you'll come to a large stand of tall pines on your right, at which point the trail curves to the right, away from the water. Stop here, and look around on your left for a large birch tree that leans in the direction of the trail. Walk off the path and go to that tree. Stand behind it, facing the water, and walk 28 paces to a fallen birch log. You will pass over the scattered remains of a stone wall. Rest for a moment on this fallen birch and listen to the water gently lapping in the cove. Your prize lies buried beneath your throne, hidden by two stones. From this spot you can walk under the hemlocks closer to the water, but be aware that the way is steep and slippery in spots. If you decide to climb all the way down to the water's edge, you'll find that a hiking pole or walking stick will come in handy when climbing back up. To finish the hike, go back to the trail and follow it as it swings to the right away from the water. It will lead you back to your car, which you parked at Gate #11. You'll pass a couple of spots where the trail branches off to the left, but ignore those and keep going straight ahead. P.S. If you're hungry or thirsty after your hike, drive 10 minutes west on Main Street through Pelham into downtown Amherst, where there's plenty of inexpensive cafes and restaurants with menus to satisfy both vegetarians and meat eaters. - Bonnie  |