Quabbin

is a man-made body of water located in This reservoir was created in 1938 by damming the Swift River and flooding four towns: Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott. Is often called the "Accidental Wilderness" and home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles.

listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the finest in Massachusetts. Approximately 45 buildings are included in the historic district, including the old Nichewaug Inn, the Petersham Memorial Library and the Petersham Country Store.

small but wonderful. Harvard University's School of Forestry, and an additional 3300 acres of conservation land owned by the university, and containing lovely hiking trails.

including the North Common Meadow, the Swift River Reservation and the James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve totaling over 1000 additional acres of conservation land right in Petersham. The Trustees own an additional eight properties within a 30 minute drive of Petersham.

Organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, and raw milk are all produced on this farm. As are thousands of pounds of rustic cheeses.

$15-million performing arts center in rural Hardwick. 460-seat main theater, 80-seat studio theater, a 500-seat function hall, gallery and studio spaces.

Petersham, MA (State Forest Rd)After parking at the T intersection, walk east to the shore of Quabbin Reservoir. At a fork in the road, go either direction; both roads lead to shore walks and possible sightings of eagles, loons, or other birds. The one to the right heads north, eventually connecting with Gate 35. The one to the left heads south; it turns inland after about ½ mile, and when it splits, the left-hand extension heads up Soapstone Hill.

New Salem, MA (South Main St)The dirt roads from Gates 24 and 25 converge and then in short while converge with the road from Gate 22. Near this intersection once lay the village of Puppyville, home of the first gristmill in New Salem; old foundations bear witness of past lives. Further east the main road splits, the trail to the right leads to the shore of Quabbin Reservoir, a total of 1½ to 2 miles from the gates. The trail to the left takes a slightly longer route to the shore and then continues north along it, eventually connecting with a road from Gates 26 and 27. The view from both the north and the south trails afford breathtaking view of some of the islands of the Quabbin—islands that were hilltops before the creation of the reservoir. Another pleasure of these trails is their flirtation with the sparkling waters of Hop Brook.