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Home , Bicycle touring, Mount Grace State Forest, Tully Lake, Tully Mountain, Wendell State Forest

CHAPTER 4 Resources

CHAPTER 4 here are many outstanding outdoor recreational resources located along the northern section of the Route 122 Scenic Byway in Franklin County. The Millers Rivers and vast , as well as the forested and T mountainous terrain located close to the Byway, provide unique recreational opportunities. The diverse outdoor recreational activities include , , , horseback riding, , fishing, rock , cross-country , canoeing, kayaking, road bicycling, and wildlife watching.

This chapter of the Corridor Management Plan provides an inventory of these facilities by type of activity, identifies issues related to the existing and potential increase in the use of the recreational facilities, and recommends future actions to ensure that the recreational resources remain an asset to the region’s economy and quality of life.

While the Corridor Management Plan primarily focuses on resources within a half-mile radius of the Byway, the recreational resources section of the report also includes attractions that are located outside of the project area boundary, but within the towns of Orange and New Salem.

State Forests Federated Women’s Club State Forest The Federated Women’s Club State Forest is located in the study area directly off of the This 984 acre forest is located in the Byway in the towns of New Salem and watershed of the Quabbin Reservoir on the Petersham. The New Salem State Forest is border of New Salem and Petersham, directly dispersed in four locations in the town of off of Route 122. Groves of pine and stands New Salem, and is not directly within the of maple, birch and hemlock line the roads study area but is accessible from the Byway. and . A wildlife sanctuary comprising Both forests are owned and managed by the 140 acres has been set aside in the center of Department of Conservation the forest, and a dam on Fever Brook holds and Recreation (DCR). Together the forests back sufficient water to attract migrating and comprise over 1,000 acres available for native wild fowl. In the southwest section is hiking, cross-county skiing, camping, fishing, the forest's chief geological feature, the Swift hunting, and wildlife viewing. A brief River Gorge. Pets are not allowed. The description of the facility and a summary of facilities and activities include: camping, the activities available at each of the sites are fishing, hiking, hunting (restrictions), scenic included below. viewing area, cross-country skiing. Website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/ central/fwsf.htm

34 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section

New Salem State Forest Fittz Family Memorial Forest There are four areas in New Salem known as The 75-acre Fittz Family Memorial Forest is New Salem State Forest that together total adjacent to the Orange Town Forest and 185 acres. One parcel extends from other protected land. It provides a valuable Blackington Road near Michael Lane to link in the North Pond Ridge and the Eagleville Pond and is about 60 acres. larger Chestnut Hill Trail system. Another is located off of Wendell Road, and Recreation, forestry, and scientific and two other parcels are between West Street educational activities are the management and the Shutesbury town line. The facilities goals of the New England Forest Foundation and activities include: hiking, cross-country (NEFF) for this land. The facilities and skiing, fishing, hunting. activities available include: hiking, horseback-riding, hunting, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Website: http:// Other Recreation Areas and www.northquabbinwoods.org/entries/109 Parks Hosmer Woods Orange The Hosmer Woods consists of two parcels Battle-Dorrance Memorial donated by two different families, the 187- Forest (55 acres) acre Hosmer Woods and the 49-acre Webb The Battle-Dorrance Forest is located on the Forest. The New England Forestry north side of Route 2A, approximately 1.75 Foundation actively manages this area and miles west of Downtown Orange. Mr. Harry the forest is dominated by wonderful stands A. Battle gradually acquired the four separate of white pine. The haul roads through the parcels that now make up the forest from parcels serve as inviting trails for visitors. various members of his family. He built a The facilities and activities include: hiking, cabin for shelter and moved to the property horseback-riding, hunting, mountain biking for summers, after wintering in Mexico. Mr. and cross-country skiing. Battle was less than five feet in height, so he Website: http://www.northquabbinwoods. carefully pruned every tree in his forest to org/entries/141 five or six feet. Also, he built a pond entirely by hand, moving the materials and earth with his wheelbarrow. His infrequent trips to town were made on foot or . In 1974 a fire from his wood burning stove destroyed his cabin, so he sold the property to his cousin and left for Mexico. Elizabeth Dorrance, a conservationist, made the gift to the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) to protect the property for the public. The facilities and activities available include: hiking, horseback-riding, hunting, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. Website: http://www.northquabbinwoods. Memorial Park and Peace Statue org/entries/153.

CHAPTER 4: Outdoor Recreation Resources 35

Memorial Park and overlook and a gazebo. The facilities and Orange Peace Statue activities available include: picnicking, kayak and canoe access to the . The Orange Peace Statue was designated as Website: http://www.frcog.org/services/ the official peace statue of the state by the natural_res/natres_riverfront.php Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1998. The statue is located in Memorial Park on the banks of the Millers River in the center of the town of Orange. The 12-foot bronze sculpture was created by Joseph Pollia in 1934 as a memorial to veterans of World War I. It depicts a weary doughboy with one arm around a young schoolboy. A plaque on the base carries the inscription “It Shall Not Be Again” against a shrouded figure of grief. Thirteen stars honor Orange veterans who died in the war. The facilities and activities include: picnicking. Orange Riverfront Park Orange Riverfront Park The Orange Riverfront Park is located on the Orange Wildlife Management southern bank of the Millers River on East Area River Street in downtown Orange. The park The Orange Wildlife Management Area consists of .72 acres and provides access to covers more than 1,500 acres and includes a the river for canoes and kayaks via a concrete beautiful beaver pond of about 80 acres on boat ramp. Paddlers can North Main Street. The area includes mixed approximately 6 miles to the Alan Rich hardwood and softwoods forests, brushy Environmental Park in Athol. A bike trail is fields, open fields, several small streams and also planned to begin at the site and run wetland areas. Deer, bear turkey, coyote, along existing roadways to Athol. Catch and beaver, raccoon, woodcock and various non- release fishing is allowed (the Millers River is game species visit or make their homes a Class B waterway). Pathways and benches within the area. The property is owned by provide places to enjoy views of the river and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and of the native vegetation planted throughout Wildlife. The facilities and activities include: the park. fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping by

permit from MDFW. Website: http://www. The park incorporates Low Impact Design mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/wma/ (LID) elements such as rain gardens, swales, valleywma/orangewma.pdf and soil amendments that treat the stormwater runoff on the site, eliminating pollution found in stormwater before it flows into the river. Subsequent phases of Tully Mountain is the focal point of the Tully construction will add a building for use as a Trail and of the Tully Mountain Wildlife canoe/kayak rental facility and a system of Management Area. The mountain rises 1,163 handicapped accessible docks with an feet above sea level and appears dramatically

36 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section

above the relatively flat land around it. It is Website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/ of geologically interest. From the northwest, habitat//wma/valleywma/ the effect of the glaciers can be seen on the tullymountainwma.pdf smooth northern face of the mountain, while the southern face is much more irregular by New Salem deposited debris. There is a 1½-mile loop- The Bear's Den trail that leads to outcrops near the summit. This 6-acre scenic tract of land is owned and From this trail there are views of the operated by The Trustees of Reservations surrounding land, water bodies and distant and is noted for its 75-foot waterfall created mountains. Tully Mountain is also home to by the Middle Branch of the Swift River as it diverse plant and animal habitats. The area crashes through granite cliffs. A 1/4-mile, is owned by the Massachusetts Division of moderately difficult trail, provides access to Fisheries and Wildlife (MDFW). The the falls and a gorge, and along the facilities and activities include: hiking, river and the site of an old mill. The facilities hunting, and camping by permit from and activities include: hiking, bird watching, MDFW. Website: http://www.mass.gov/ hunting, picnicking. Website: http:// dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/wma/valleywma/ www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/central- tullymountainwma.pdf ma/bears-den.html#t1

Tully Mountain Keystone Bridge Wildlife Management Area The Keystone Bridge is a mortarless stone- This scenic and ecologically diverse 1,200 arched bridge that was built in 1866 by acre area encompasses Tully Mountain itself. Adolphus Porter over the Middle Branch of There are 3,000 feet of frontage on the West the Swift River on Orange Road, the main Branch of the Tully River and one of its road from the Millington Village in New tributaries (Collar Brook). The area also Salem to the Town of Orange. The granite includes Tully Meadow, where beavers have stones that form the bridge were hand fit. turned parts of the river into a rich wetland. The area is ecologically diverse with at least 13 habitat types, including various kinds of forests, swamps, seeps, talus slopes, and open bedrock slabs. The river is stocked with trout and the old fields with pheasant. In addition, deer, bear, bobcat, coyote, turkey, raccoons, snakes, and woodcock inhabit the area. The 22-mile traverses forested sections of the Wildlife Management Area and follows the public road along the meadow. A long-term plan includes relocating the trail off-road, a project that will require a lengthy footbridge across Collar Brook. The property is owned by the MDFW. The facilities and activities include: Historic Stone Arched Bridge fishing, hiking, hunting, rock climbing.

CHAPTER 4: Outdoor Recreation Resources 37

The bridge is located on land owned by DCR, and maintained by the Town of New Salem. just beyond the entrance to Quabbin Gate 30 The facilities and activities include: off of Route 122. The bridge and the area picnicking, hiking. around it is a popular fishing spot. There is still a remnant of the road used and New Salem Town Common maintained by DCR that can be hiked. The The Town Common is a traditional New facilities and activities include: fishing, England village green. This two acre park in hiking. the center of town is the site of the annual

town fair, "Old Home Day", and other family The Lookout and community celebrations. The facilities and activities include: picnicking.

The Quabbin Reservoir Recreational Facilities Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man- made public water supplies in the Nation. It was created in the 1930s when two huge earthen dams were constructed and residents of four towns were relocated. The reservoir is fed by the three branches of the Swift River, and seasonally by the Ware River.

The View from the Lookout The reservoir covers 39 square miles; it is 18 miles long and has 181 miles of shoreline. When full, Quabbin holds 412 billion gallons In the mid 1990s, an area of land was cleared of water. The reservoir watershed (land) is to provide a scenic overlook to the Quabbin Reservoir and a trail was constructed to access what is now referred to by local residents as the “Lookout”. The trail is located just behind the Fire Station and beyond the playing fields in the town center. There are no signs alerting visitors to the presence of the trail and the Lookout beyond. A wide gravel path was constructed in order to provide vehicle access for individuals who have difficulty to the overlook. Several picnic tables are provided to enable visitors to sit and enjoy the spectacular 180- degree panoramic view of the Quabbin with distant in New Hampshire to the north and to the east in Massachusetts. The A Sign at one of the Quabbin Lands Access parking lot, trail, and picnic area are owned Points

38 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section

owned and managed by Massachusetts types of fish may be caught including lake Department of Conservation and Recreation trout and landlocked salmon. Private canoes (DCR), which means that about 75% of New and kayaks are not allowed, but may be Salem is under the jurisdiction of DCR. rented on a first-come, first-served basis at the boat launch facility. The Metropolitan Water Resources Authority (MWRA), which operates the In addition to fishing and boating at certain State’s water system, manages and public access points, other activities at wholesales the water resources from the designated areas include: shoreline fishing Quabbin and Wachusetts reservoirs to 48 (restrictions apply), hiking, bicycling communities: 42 in greater Boston and the (limited access), walking trails, bird and MetroWest areas and 3 in Central wildlife watching, snowshoeing, hunting Massachusetts. Consequently, public access (restrictions apply), picnicking (carry-in, to the Quabbin Reservoir and watershed is carry-out). Website: http://www.mass.gov/ carefully regulated and controlled . dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Entry to DCR lands and Quabbin Reservoir is through designated gates and to designated areas only. To protect Quabbin’s water and natural resources, the following is prohibited: fires, skiing, wading, swimming, hunting, camping, dogs, horses, disposal of refuse, walking on ice, motorized vehicles, alcoholic beverages, firearms, and acts of degradation of natural or historic resources or State property.

Three gates allowing public access to the reservation are located on Route 122 within the project area: gates number 30, 31, and 33. Gates 34 and 35 are located just off of Route 122, and are accessible via South Athol Road in Petersham. The Site of the Rabbit Run Railroad

At Gate 31, DCR maintains a public boat launch for fishing on the Quabbin. At least Rabbit Run Railroad one fishing license per boat is required and In 1871, the Athol & Enfield Railroad (also private boats must meet DCR specifications known as the Rabbit Line, Bunny Road, and with regard to the size of motor and number the Soapstone Limited) began operations of people per craft. All boats must obtain a through the Swift River Valley, eventually decontamination seal prior to accessing the connecting Athol to Springfield. A station reservoir. Also, DCR rents boats and motors was located in the northeast section of New to the public at this location. Salem, known as Hagerville, bringing new

economic opportunities and acting as a There is a fish stocking program and many

CHAPTER 4: Outdoor Recreation Resources 39

lifeline in the pre-automobile age, taking and descends along the flank of Chestnut people shopping and to school, and picking Ridge, skirts Seeds of Solidarity Farm, and up and delivering the mail along the way. ends with the last leg along Gidney Road. The northern part of the line was The nearby North Pond Ridge Trail and the discontinued in 1935 when the Quabbin Bullard Farm Loop are also part of the Reservoir was constructed. Chestnut Hill Trail system. Website: http:// www.northquabbinwoods.org/entries/267 Inside Quabbin Gate 35, a hiker can turn left North Pond Ridge Trail at the fork and follow a well-preserved The 1½-mile North Pond Ridge Trail begins section of the bed (complete with soot- in the Fittz Family Memorial Forest in soaked soil) for over a mile along the Orange. This trail connects with the white- northeast shore of the Quabbin, with several blazed Bullard Farm Loop and the Chestnut of the old stone culverts still in use. The Hill Trail system. railroad bed goes into the water near where a gravel connector road continues south along Tully Trail the shoreline and meets up with a section of the original paved roadway before it too is (Royalston, Orange, Athol, inundated by the waters of the Quabbin. and Warwick) Starting from Gate 35, the remnants of the The 22-mile Tully Trail is the result of rail-bed and the connector road form a 2- cooperation among government agencies, mile shoreline walkway that is open to the private organizations, land trusts, individual public for daytime hiking or bicycling.1 The landowners, and volunteers. The trail travels Rabbit Run name lives on in New Salem as through diverse landscapes which include the official title of the annual race (3K and forests, wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, 10K) that is run in town the third weekend in streams, waterfalls, swamps, marshes, bogs, May. The facilities and activities include: ridgelines and hilltops. From the trail, there hiking, bicycling. are views of valleys and distant hills. The trail loops around Tully Mountain. The trailhead is located at Hiking Trails Campground located on Route 32 in Royalston, where parking, restrooms, and Orange tent sites are available. Chestnut Hill Trail System Chestnut Hill Trail is a 3.25 mile yellow- Sections of the trail are easy or moderate blazed loop through an open hemlock forest while other sections require strenuous effort. and other woodlands. The trail begins at the The trail is marked by rectangular yellow end of Gidney Road and travels west near blazes and the blue-and-white Tully Trail Coolidge Swamp through Orange State logo. The Tully Trail also connects in the Forest. From the southwest corner of the north to the white-blazed Metacomet loop, where the trail turns sharply east, a Monadnock Mattabesett (MMM) Trail. A spur to the west leads to a bridge over the trail shelter at the eastern junction of the two picturesque Whetstone Brook and into trails is available on a first-come basis. A . The main trail climbs section of the Tully Trail is also used as part

1. J.R. Greene, Quabbin’s Railroad: The Rabbit, Volume II (2007) p. 231.

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of a more advanced six-mile mountain bike valleywma/tullymountainwma.pdf loop around Long Pond. The access to this mountain biking trail is located at the Tully New Salem Lake Campground. Website: http:// Federated Women’s Club www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/ State Forest wma/valleywma/tullymountainwma.pdf This 984 acre forest is owned by the DCR. New Salem Limited service are available on a Bullard Farm Loop first-come, first-served basis. No pets are allowed. See an additional description of the The white-blazed Bullard Farm Loop is a two facility on page 34 in this chapter. Website: -mile section of the Chestnut Hill Trail http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/ system that gives visitors a view of scenic fwsf.htm former farmland and peaceful woodlands. The trail to the south from the parking area on South Main Street skirts the Swift River, Canoeing, Kayaking climbs to North Pond Ridge (and connects to the North Pond Ridge Trail in Orange), and Access to the Millers River, Orange returns for the final leg along Elm St. Nearby There is car-top boat access to the Millers is Bear’s Den, a dramatic waterfall on land River at Riverfront Park on East River Street. protected by The Trustees of Reservations. W e b s i t e : http://www. Access to the Quabbin northquabbinwoods.org/entries/269 Reservoir,

New Salem Camping A public boat launch and rental facility is located at Gate 31 off of Route 122. Private Orange canoes and kayaks are not allowed, but can Orange Wildlife Management be rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Area

The Orange Wildlife Management Area is Cross-Country Skiing owned by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. Camping is allowed Cross-country skiing is allowed in many of with a permit from MDFW. See an the recreational and conservation areas additional description of the facility on page detailed in this section of the report. It is an 36 in this chapter. Website: http:// excellent way to experience the beauty of the www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/ Route 122 Scenic Byway region. The wma/valleywma/orangewma.pdf following is a list of where cross-country skiing trails are located. These facilities are Tully Mountain further detailed in this chapter. The area is owned by the MDFW. A permit from MDFW is required for camping. See an Bullard Farm Loop, New Salem additional description of the facility on page Federated Women’s Club State Forest, 36 in this chapter. Website: http://www. New Salem mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/wma/ New Salem State Forest, New Salem

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Chestnut Hill Trail System, Orange Pick-your-own Farms, Fittz Family Memorial Forest, Orange Farm Stands, Agri-, Hosmer Woods, Orange North Pond Ridge Trail, Orange and Farmers Markets There are a number of farms that offer opportunities to pick fruits in the Franklin Hunting and Fishing County section of the byway. Berry and fruit picking are popular family outdoor activities. Hunting and fishing are allowed in some of the recreational and conservation areas Pick Your Own Farms detailed in this chapter of the report. The following is a list of where hunting and New Salem fishing are allowed. These facilities are Hamilton Orchards produces both fruit and further detailed earlier in this chapter. berry crops. Orchard produce, maple syrup and related products are sold out of the Bear’s Den, New Salem (hunting farm’s Apple Barn. Visitors can pick their permitted) own apples and berries, and a hilltop Federated Women’s Club State Forest, provides a dramatic view of the surrounding New Salem (hunting and fishing countryside (http://www.hamiltonorchards. permitted) com/). Keystone Bridge, New Salem (fishing permitted) Farm Stands New Salem State Forest, New Salem Orange (hunting and fishing permitted) Johnson's Farm offers farm products and Quabbin Reservoir, New Salem (hunting maple syrup. Also offers breakfast, lunch, and fishing permitted) dinner, and ice cream for eating in or take- Chestnut Hill Trail System, Orange out. (http://johnsonsfarm.net/). (hunting and fishing permitted) Fittz Family Memorial Forest, Orange (hunting permitted) New Salem Hosmer Woods, Orange (hunting Cooleyville Farm is located on Cooleyville permitted) Road. The self-serve farm stand is open from North Pond Ridge Trail, Orange (hunting May to October and offers vegetables, herbs, permitted) eggs, and maple syrup (http:// Orange Wildlife Management Area, www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php? Orange (hunting and fishing permitted) farm=1996#stands). Tully Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Orange (hunting and fishing New Salem Preserves is located on South permitted) Main Street and includes an apple orchard, cider mill, and a seasonal produce stand. Hot mulled cider, apples, preserves, apple butter, and local cheeses are available in the farm’s barn from mid-September through Thanksgiving. On the weekends home-made cider donuts are served (http://

42 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section

newsalempreserves.com/Home.html). -road bicycle facilities, and identifies Route 122 as a potential route between Worcester Valley View Farm sells vegetables, herbs, and Orange. However, the moderately hilly and flowers at a help-yourself farmstand on terrain and lack of shoulders along Route 122 Wendell Road (http://www.farmfresh.org makes bicycling challenging to the novice //farm.php?farm=1682). biker and more appropriate for experienced cyclists. Agri-tourism Millers River Greenway Seeds of Solidarity Education (Orange and Athol) Center, Inc., Orange The Towns of Orange and Athol have Seeds of Solidarity consists of two entities: identified the development of a bikeway/ The Seeds of Solidarity Farm and the Seeds greenway along the Millers River as a of Solidarity Education Center Inc., a priority, and have taken initial steps towards nonprofit organization. Both Seeds of completing a design. The proposed route is Solidarity Farm and Seeds of Solidarity approximately 4 miles long beginning at the Education Center bring to life the connection Riverfront Park. The route continues east on between environmental and social justice East River Street to its intersection with issues through practice and education. The Daniel Shays Highway. The route then turns goal of the farm is to supply , co- north and follows Daniel Shays Highway to ops and markets, demonstrating intensive an abandoned road that is located just south food production through soil building, of the intersection of Daniel Shays Highway season extension in the Northeast, and and Route 2A. The proposed route travels renewable fuel and energy for farm and along this abandoned road (Procter Avenue) home. The Seeds of Solidarity Education and then through land that is publicly Center provides people of all ages with the owned. The route reconnects with inspiration and practical tools to use residential neighborhood streets (Jones renewable energy and grow food in their Street, South Street and onto Street) communities through several education and then terminates in Athol at the Alan E. initiatives. Website: h t t p : / / Rich Millers River Environmental Park, www.seedsofsolidarity.org/ which opened in the summer of 2006.

Farmers Markets The design of the Millers River Greenway is There is a farmers market in Orange from still conceptual, though it appears to be May 31st to September 27th on Thursdays feasible. The off-road section utilizes land from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Butterfield that is almost entirely publicly owned. There Park on East River Street. is one location where a crossing of the Millers River would be necessary. Bicycling Franklin County Bikeway Bicycling on Roads The FRCOG has recently completed the Bicycle touring can be an excellent way to implementation of a regional bikeway system explore a region. The 2008 Massachusetts that is centered along the , Bicycle Transportation Plan recommends which includes both shared roadway and routes for a state-wide network of on- and off bicycle path facilities. In 2009, the Franklin

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County Bikeway Update was completed Quabbin Reservoir, New Salem which identifies bicycling connections throughout Franklin County and connecting to neighboring counties and states. The Plan Rock Climbing Update identified bicycling routes throughout the county and rated these routes Tully Mountain Wildlife based on the skill level of riders. Bikeway Management Area, Orange maps were created which show these routes. Rock climbing is permitted at Tully Due to the more hilly terrain in east and west Mountain Wildlife Management Area, which county, some routes are very challenging and is owned by the Massachusetts Division of best suited for experienced cyclists. Two Fisheries and Wildlife. The area consists of a routes originate in downtown Orange at the scenic and ecologically diverse 1,200 acre Riverfront Park, the eastern-most terminus area. See additional description of the of the Bikeway. facility on page earlier in this chapter.

The Northeastern Franklin County Route is a

15.5 mile route beginning in Orange that travels north into Warwick, passing through Eco-Tourism the State Forest, and ending on The natural and cultural resources in the Main Street in Northfield. This route is hilly region provide many benefits to the residents and follows windy roads with little to no and visitors of the region. Local shoulder, and is recommended for businesspeople and economic development experienced cyclists only. practitioners are extending efforts to

particular niches of the tourism industry The Orange-Greenfield Route is a 24.5 mile such as agri-tourism, eco-tourism, and route connecting Orange to Greenfield. The related to artists and route travels through Wendell Town Center craftspeople. Offerings such as farm stands, and the Village of Millers Falls in Montague. maple sugar houses serving pancakes, and The route then connects to Millers Falls other forms of interactive experiences are Road, from which bicyclists can access the growing in the agricultural industry. By Canalside Trail Bike Path in the Village of offering value-added products for sale and Turners Falls in Montague. The route is visitor activities, many farms have increased rated for intermediate to advanced cyclists. the number of customers and their profit

margins while diversifying their revenues. Mountain Bicycling Eco-tourism activities include outdoor The following is a list of places where recreation such as and skiing as well mountain biking is permitted. These as education related opportunities like facilities are further detailed earlier in this guided nature hikes. Efforts are underway in chapter. the North Quabbin region to encourage this Tully Trail, Athol and Orange type of tourism. Business activities that rely Chestnut Hill Trail System, Orange on natural resources help to preserve these Fittz Family Memorial Forest, Orange assets and the region’s rural character. Hosmer Woods, Orange North Pond Ridge Trail, Orange Rabbit Run Railroad, New Salem

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Geocaching fishing, boating, camping, , hiking, picnicking and vistas throughout the is an outdoor treasure-hunting Commonwealth. There are a number of game in which the participants use a Global facilities located in the Route 122 Scenic Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other Byway region that provide universal access to navigational techniques to hide and seek certain recreational activities. containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof box containing a logbook Local Open Space and and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value. Today, well over 440,000 Recreation Plans geocaches are registered on various websites Both Orange and New Salem have completed devoted to the sport. Geocaches are Open Space and Recreation Plans within the currently placed in 222 countries around the past six years. The purpose of open space world and on all seven continents, including and recreation planning is to provide an Antarctica. accurate and thorough basis for decision-

making involving the open space and The Great Northern Tier Geocaching recreation needs of the residents in the Tournament is held annually throughout particular town for which the plan is Franklin County. Expert and amateur completed. The most updated plan brings geocachers, individuals, and families are all together and builds upon the planning efforts invited to join the hunt for “caches” hidden of the past. These plans generally identify throughout Franklin County’s forests, parks, the most important community and natural farms and cultural sites using a hand-held resource needs in a town and recommend GPS receiver and a list of coordinates. Camp steps to satisfy these needs and protect Keewanee in Greenfield is the home base, resources. The following includes a brief and there are over 60 new caches around summary of the goals or recommendations of Franklin County. As part of the tournament these plans that directly relate to the Byway classes have also been offered on GPS use. study area.

Town of Orange Open Space and Universal Access Recreation Plan (December 2008) (handicapped accessibility Town officials and residents formed the Ad to recreational areas) Hoc Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee to develop an update the 2002 DCR’s Universal Access Program is dedicated Orange Open Space and Recreation Plan. to providing outdoor recreation Five public meetings and a public forum opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks were held to gather input for the plan. The for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility to the following recommendations were identified: State Parks and Forests is achieved through Prioritize land protection for farmland site improvements, specialized adaptive and large contiguous blocks of forestland. recreation equipment, and accessible Take advantage of the Town’s right-of- recreation programs. Universal access has first refusal with Chapter 61 parcels and been made available to beaches, swimming, of its right to assign the right to an

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appropriate third party. Increase the number of parks, play areas, Support farmland protection through the and sports fields in and around Orange Agricultural Preservation Restriction Center. Program. Improve recreational programs for Ensure the conservation and stewardship citizens of all ages and abilities, and of large blocks of interior forest and support all the organizations that provide connecting wildlife corridors through the them. purchase of conservation restrictions Support the development of community with funds from the Forest Legacy arts festivals and events such as the Program and other sources and through Garlic & Arts Festival, Celebrate the donations where possible. Harvest, Town Hall events, and Starry, For Town-owned parcels of land Starry Night. determine: 1) potential uses and Develop multi-user trail systems that can designated manager; 2) a stewardship be accessed from publicly owned land or work plan, if any; and, 3) a means for private lands with trail easements, coordinating open space related issues particularly where they can be tied into among Town boards and committees. existing systems. Facilitate a program of water quality Support the continued development of monitoring for the rivers, brooks, the Riverfront Park, which adds needed streams, lakes, and ponds in Orange. public access to the Millers River and Promote and help protect historically provides a handicap accessible open significant landscapes, the National space in the downtown area. Continue to support initiatives that enhance the recreational access along the Millers River Greenway between Orange and Athol Town Centers.

Town of New Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan (May 2004) The New Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan was developed using input from a survey sent to all households and a public forum attended by over forty residents. Based on input from the survey and forum, the following recommendations were identified: Identify priorities and methods to preserve scenic/historic resources along Routes 202 and 122. Preserve historic resources, scenic views, Orange Garlic & Arts Festival. and the dark night sky. Historic District (NHD) in downtown Develop tools to manage town growth. Orange and the proposed NHD in North Foster community participation in Orange, and Tully village centers and conservation and recreation projects. farm landscapes. Protect wetlands, vernal pools and rare

46 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section

Wildlife Watching

√ √ √

Rock Climbing

Picnic Area

√ √ √ √

Pick Your Own

√

Hunting

√ √ √ √

Horseback Riding

Hiking/Snowshoeing

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Fishing

√ √ √ √

Farm Stands

√ √ √ √

Farmers Markets

Cross Country Skiing

√ √ √

Canoeing/Kayaking

√

Camping

√

Boat Ramp

√

Biking – Road

Biking – Mountain

√ √

Ecotourism/Educational

TABLE OF ACTIVITIIES AT OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES RECREATION OUTDOOR AT ACTIVITIIES OF TABLE

permitBy of MDFW

New Salem New Den Bear’s BullardFarm Loop CooleyvilleFarm FederatedWomen’s Club State Forest HamiltonOrchards KeystoneBridge The Lookout Salem New Preserves Salem New State Forest Salem New Town Common Quabbin Reservoir Rabbit Railroad Run ValleyView Farm *

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wildlife habitats. supplies and water bodies. Preserve farmlands and forest lands. Preserve lands along rivers and streams. Develop financial plan to acquire and Protect the Town’s groundwater supply. maintain conservation lands. Increase awareness and enjoyment of recreation resources in New Salem. Provide recreation facilities and programs for all demographic groups. Develop financial plan to support recreation improvements. Manage watersheds that replenish water

A Historic View of New Salem Center

48 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section

Wildlife Watching

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Rock Climbing

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Picnic Area

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Pick Your Own

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Hunting

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Horseback Riding

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Hiking/Snowshoeing

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Fishing

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Farm

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Farmers Markets

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Cross Country Skiing

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Canoeing/Kayaking

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Camping

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Boat Ramp

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Biking – Road

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Biking – Mountain

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Ecotourism/Educational

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*

TABLE OF ACTIVITIIES AT OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES RECREATION OUTDOOR AT ACTIVITIIES OF TABLE

Dorrance Memorial Forest

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By permitBy of MDFW

Orange Battle ChestnutHill System Trail FarleyLedges FittzFamily Memorial Forest HosmerWoods Johnson’sFarm Park Memorial and Orange PeaceStatue MillersRiver Greenway NorthPond Ridge Trail Farmers Orange Market Orange RiverfrontPark Orange Wildlife ManagementArea Seedsof Solidarity Farm TullyMountain* TullyMountain Wildlife ManagementArea TullyTrail *

CHAPTER 4: Outdoor Recreation Resources 49

Issues and Recommendations Issues Below are concerns that were discussed during the Corridor Management Plan development process: Many visitors to the Byway area are unaware of the wide array of recreational resources. There is a need to provide information on the recreational resources for visitors to the area. There is a need to maintain the existing facilities. Quabbin access points on Route 122 are not well marked.

Recommendations Compile, publish and distribute a comprehensive guide or pamphlet with information on the recreational opportunities in the Byway towns. Coordinate with guide sign projects as other Byways develop a system of directional signs for recreational and other points of interest within the Byway region. Develop a website with information on the recreational opportunities in the Byway towns that also links with tourism websites and websites for area towns, organizations, and events. Coordinate the website with the Western Massachusetts Byways Marketing Project underway. Coordinate with regional, state and nonprofit land protection efforts to ensure the continued conservation of important natural, recreational, scenic, and open space resources. Encourage towns to prioritize land for open space, and natural, cultural, and scenic resource protection and for recreation purposes. Seek to acquire conservation restrictions, agricultural preservation restrictions or land from willing property owners for the protection of recreational and natural resources within the Byway region through existing programs and grant sources. Educate landowners and communities about the Chapter 61, Chapter 61A, and Chapter 61B Programs for temporary land protection, and about other land conservation programs and funding sources. Improve access to parks and recreational areas within the Byway region for the physically handicapped, elderly, and children. Develop and maintain multi-use and limited-use trails to provide access to natural, scenic and recreational areas where appropriate. Link the Byway with community development and preservation efforts by utilizing resources such as eco-tourism, , and the marketing of local products. Promote the purchase of local farm and forest products. Encourage the investment of federal, state, municipal and private dollars for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and expanding recreational areas, facilities and programs within the Byway region. Develop safe bike routes within the Byway towns that connect the village centers and places of interest. Seek to secure trail easements from willing landowners for passive recreational activities including hiking, jogging, nature observation and cross-country skiing. Enhance the existing, and develop new, roadside pull-off areas to enhance access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

50 ROUTE 122 SCENIC BYWAY — Franklin County Section