Quabbin Rattlesnake Hill Gate 29, New Salem, MA
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Christine Judycki Crepeault, Arthur Beaverson
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Kl8f
Register By: 10/18/2026
Audience: Adults
Description: We’ll be doing a lollipop loop from Gate 29. We will sidetrack to see the Keystone Bridge, which needed to be refurbished as the result of shifting rocks. The hike continues on to where Herrick’s Tavern was located. Before the Civil War, this tavern had a post office and was a stop for stagecoaches (supplied fresh horses) between Worcester and Brattleboro or Greenfield. The trail will continue to the water’s edge – recently the water level has been low, this allows for walking near the water’s edge and observing animal tracks. The gem of this hike will be the ascent to the ledges, which offer a spectacular view of the Quabbin (foliage color should be great!). This section is the only “strenuous” section of the hike with the vertical gain of 200’ feet over 0.2 miles. After we descend from the ledges, we’ll circle back to the location of Herrick’s Tavern and retrace the access road back to the parking lot. Approx 7.5-8 miles, 529’ elevation gain, 4.5 - 5 hours, including break time. We will hike at an average moving pace of 2 MPH. Must have: trekking poles if you use them, adequate footwear, snack/lunch, and clothes for layering.
Registration closes Sunday, October 18, 2026 ay 6:00 PM.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!