Rick’s Ramble: Swift River Reservation/Nichewaug Tract, 3 miles, moderate

The Nichewaug Tract is one of three properties managed by the Trustees of Reservations located near the East Branch of the Swift River in Petersham, MA. This 3 mile loop hike winds through a beautiful stretch of forest, hugging the Swift River for a portion of the trail, and includes an overlook with a fabulous view and the site of an old (dismantled) bridge over the river.

Total distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 450 feet
AMC book time: 2 hours
Tortoise time: 3 hours
Pace: slow to moderate, with occasional stops to rest, chat, snack, and enjoy the view.

Terrain: This is not an easy hike. Parts of the trail are rocky and narrow, and it has a few ups and downs, including a somewhat steep climb near the end of the hike.

A screen shot of the trail map is included in the photos (below).

Sunset: 6:29 pm.

Clothing and Gear

Please wear and/or bring:

• Multiple layers of moisture-wicking clothing. No cotton, no jeans.
• Hiking boots or other sturdy shoes. No sneakers, no sandals.
• At least 1 liter (32 ounces) of water or sports drink per person.
• Insect repellant. Please note that ticks are plentiful and active in New England, and they can infect you with very serious and nasty illnesses, including Lyme Disease.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
• Lunch and/or high energy snacks.
• Trekking poles if you use them.

Hiking Etiquette

We start together, we stay together, we end together. We will hike at the pace of the slowest hiker, and we will be patient with everyone.

If you need to separate from the group for any reason or return to the parking lot early, please let the organizer know.

If you speed ahead and leave the group behind, you are on your own.

No guests, no dogs.

Parking and Trailhead

There is a decent sized parking lot located at 123 Nichewaug Road, Petersham, MA. The GPS coordinates are (42.460033, -72.182205).

The trailhead is at the edge of the parking lot.

I drive a Red Mazda 6.

Please arrive 15 minutes early. I start my hikes on time, with or without you.

Optional Lunch after the hike

I am planning to stop for lunch at the Petersham Country Store after the hike if anyone is interested in joining me. It is a very short drive from the trailhead to the store. The address is 2 North Main Street, Petersham.

More info: Petersham Country Store

Disclaimer

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others;
• you assume all risk associated with this activity;
• you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity;
• you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code
• the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and
• you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.