Quabbin Reservoir Reviews

The trip to the Quabbin Reservoir area is worth every mile! The views are amazing and the water from the roadways and the trails is crystal clear and mesmerizing! The walking paths are convenient and offer a variety of from easy to off road extreme for the adventurous.

This is a great place to go for a walk or run and there are plenty of hills to give it a good challenge. The scenery is gorgeous and the tower view is a must see!

Great hiking! Nice picnicking. You can bike there too. Clean. You might even get to see a deer or two! Look for them around dusk. There is a nice tower to climb too!

Our Meetup group did a hike to the observation tower that is closed because of Covid, then to Enfield Lookout and finally down to the water level. Over 7,000 steps and 80 flights of climbing. The highlight of the day was learning that it is the Winsor Dam and not the Windsor Dam as I thought for the past 70 years. Others in our group also had the same misconception to the name. Never too old to learn something.

‘The Wall’ hike, from Gate 50, is a moderate 5.1 mile hike (out and back). This trail starts at the end of Goodnough dike and leads about 2 miles before the trail heads left towards the water. The trail that leads to The Wall is not well maintained, so prepare for some bushwhacking. Once you get to the wall, you have a great view of Goodnough dike and the southern end of that part of Quabbin.

If you cannot find the trail that leads to the wall, you can likely blaze your own through the woods to get to it.
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Finally my hubby & I found the time to see the source of water for Boston and surrounding communities. Truly an amazing feat of engineering to create the Quabbin Reservoir from way back in 1939! What's extra amazing is found towns had to be destroyed so the reservoir can be built. Taking in the ambiance of the place...which is HUGE...makes you reflect upon the townspeople who had no choice but to relocate. I cannot imagine losing your heritage. Yet know the sacrifice was necessary so Boston and beyond can have safe water. Be aware this reservoir is strictly surveillanced to keep it free of contamination. I never seen such a clean place. The water is crystal clear. There a few picnic tables nicely placed around with the most awesome views. No grills, fires or dogs are allowed. Whatever you bring in, you must take away. Most important to respect the reservoir and be thankful it exists. Stop in at the visitor center for extensive history, rules, and trail maps. If you have the time and avid hiker, look for entrances or gates around the Quabbin and enjoy nature at its best!

Came here on a Sunday in June 2013. I called the visitor center (413) 323-7221 the day before and asked what's the best time to arrive to rent a motorboat. The person says that if I'm there between 6:30 and 7:15, I should get a boat. I arrived at "Gate 43" at 6:45, and they were already out of rental motorboats. They said the other 2 rental docks are also rented out of boats. The dock guy laughs and says I needed to be in line at 6am for a rental motorboats. Why didn't I get this guy on the phone yesterday?

RENTAL BOAT take-away: Get there at 6:00AM, or you will not get a motorboat rental!

Our alternative was to get a row boat for $20/day. Assuming all visitors are not boat experts, it would have been nice for Quabbin staff to tell us to ensure the drain plug was plugged into the boat. I found out later from an expert fisherman that Installing the drain plug is usually #1 on any boating checklist. We didn't know, so haha, we push off and there's water flooding into the boat. I head to the boat house, ask the staff about it, they tell me to put in the drain plug. Thanks for the advance notice guys.
The row boats are essentially the aluminum motorboats without the motor. The boat has 3 metal rows to sit on. The oars are very old, and make the rowing a back-breaking job. We saw some pickerel and other fish, but didn't catch anything. The temp was very hot so that certainly played a factor. The views are gorgeous and breathtaking! Overall, try to avoid some of our mistakes. Based on our experience this weekend, some of the staff here are extremely unhelpful. Other than that, I'd come here again for fishing (only if I could get a motorboat.)

Have lived here for too long and embarassed that I had not been. We hiked, had a picnic and took in the incredible views. Read the history at the Visitors center and was impressed by the incredible stories....we Will go back with bikes and also want to see it in all four seasons....just amazing.

Go there at least weekly and walk. Most of it is an easy walk and beautiful. Nice for picnics or just to relax with children

My first visit to New England and a family member took me to this beautiful park. Very few people were there. The fall colors were brilliant. Such a lovely place to relax, hike and enjoy nature.

My mother and father family were born and raised in the quabbin before it was flooded it was a sad day for them yo lose their land and there is a lot of family history there and so much beauty in the land that everyone should share

I have been to Quabbin Reservoir many times, since I live in the neighborhood. I always feel so peaceful, and yet at awe of this art and nature.

I rode my bike on the east side of the reservoir, and it is a hilly ride. You are rewarded with a new view and new angle of admiring this wonder.

There are a few nice and relaxing hiking trails around Quabbin Reservoir. A great way to walk in the woods, and you are rewarded with a view from the new angle.

I also like the history of the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin History Calendar is my favorite calendar.

Went with my sister and her husband. Very pretty drive around the lakes. Several good look out points.saw an eagle soaring overhead. The viewing tower is very good with a 360 view of the surrounding area. You can see Hartford 50 miles away.

Absolutely gorgeous hiking and views. Wish we could walk the roads with our dogs, but not allowed...anywhere... It is fabulous in the snow too! Go to the Salem Cross Inn after for a perfect combo for the day.

The Quabbin Reservoir provides the greater part of the water supply for Boston and several other communities. Created in the 1930's and finished in 1939, the 38.6 square mile body of water is the largest in Massachusetts. The Swift River was dammed in two places - the Winsor Dam and Goodnough Dike - both earthen dams creating one of the largest man-made water supplies in the United States.

Four towns and parts of other towns were demolished and flooded in the process. Remains of old roads, stone walls, and foundations can still be seen when the water level is low or when you hike in the watershed area. The towns were Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, Prescott, and much of New Salem.

A good place to start is the visitors' center just off route 9 in Belchertown. Here you can see a map of the overall reservoir area and purchase guide books to the hiking trails. Exhibits about the wildlife are on display and you can get advice from the rangers on duty. This is a wonderful place to picnic, hike, and explore. No dogs allowed. Boating, fishing, and hunting is by permit only. Make sure you climb to the top of the water tower and visit the Enfield Lookout area. Pack a lunch and spend the whole day.

This was a great spot and a nice hike. Great views of the reservoir, foliage and wild life. Random picnic tables around and great views.

There's a giant trail, fishing spots (we were pressed for time, so sadly, didn't get to try), meadow, forest, wildlife, hiking, boating... Had fun chasing the turkeys!
The rangers could work on their attitude though. We went the wrong way (our driver has no sense of direction, we always end up lost with her), and they were so unpleasant about it, barking it up, while not being helpful at all, sheesh.
Other than that, that place is really nice, with a wide variety of activities for kids, adults, and seniors alike!

This is great place to visit in Western Massachusetts. The views of the massive reservoir are breathtaking. Enjoy the visitors center to learn about this park and its history is interesting. Great place for bird watching and hiking.

10 degree day, snow covered trails and flurries.. Perfect hike day. Footprints through the snow off the main trails led to many cool discoveries. The silence was deafening.

My husband and I took a little trip over just to see the beautiful water and take in a little break! What a beautiful spot for walking, hiking and taking pictures! We are so thankful we went!

We watched a couple of the videos about the construction of the dams and the re-introduction of the eagles to the Quabbin Reservoir. Fascinating. Staff was wonderful.

We visit this spot often in the summer on the bike. It's a great place to see, walk around and appreciate the great landscape.

It really is a huge body of water and on a nice spring day, very relaxing.

go a nice sunny day, walk the dam go to the musuem at the end and see the history of how it was built and the towns that they flooded out.

Very beautiful. Highly recommend watching the video inside the visitor center. Very informative and very col how it was all created

a beautiful place to visit. finding the entrance to trails (called gates) is not easy but worthwhile, once you find one. you'll see moose, foxes, and occasional other hikers. no dogs.

We visited the Reservoir on our way to Wachussett Mountain from Amherst. I learned that it is the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts and was built between 1930 and 1939. Apparently, together with T the Wachusett Reservoir, it is the primary water supply for Boston, some 65 miles (105 km) to the east, as well as 40 other communities in Greater Boston. It is a beautiful area and a wonderful drive

There is nothing much to see.
Views at observation tower site are hidden from trees and bushes.
There is 1 more lookout point which is also not good.
So better avoid this.
Furthermore there is no fall foliage even in mid of october.

The Quabbin Reservoir is beautiful!! Nothing less!!
Start with a visit to the Visitor Center. Learn about the history and the making of the reservoir. The exhibits include a framed set of photographs showing the valley before the dam was built, and during its intermediate phase and when the lake was filled.
There are beautiful trails and roads for walks and for cycling, including some beautiful vista points.
There are also some lovely picnic sites all over the park.
Beautiful and relaxing outing!!

We were in the area for a family function & members of the family that lived there took us to see this beautiful piece of history. We couldn't believe that 4 cities were buried under ALL of that water. So much to see and many hiking trails and picnic areas. There were many, many photography experiences along the way. You can fish and rent boats as well! Just get there EXTRA early if you plan on renting one...

If you are in the area it is definitely worth the trip over to the Quabbin!

After over 28 years in Massachusetts, my wife and I finally hiked the 7-mile round-trip trail from Gate 40 to Quabbin Reservoir, through the ghost town of Dana. We wondered why we had waited so long. The trail, which is actually a paved road from 1938 that is gradually surrendering to nature, was quiet, leafy, and compelling throughout. The Dana Town Common, with its sidewalk and stair steps to nowhere, is a must-see, filled with interpretive signs that suggest what once was. One photograph I cannot get out of my mind, weeks later, is of the long-removed veteran's memorial (the foundations remain), which included a list of those who gave their lives in the "1812 War with England." You finally reach the Quabbin, blue and grand and peaceful, where the road submerges. This adventure is both inspiring and a humbling reminder of how transient we all are. To find Gate 40 and other access points, a stop at the very friendly Petersham Country Store is recommended.

This place could easily be a full day's outing (just bring your own food, there are picnic tables) with all the view stops. Gorgeous scenery. You can climb (and climb and climb) to the top of the lookout tower. About every quarter of a mile there's another parking area with different views. Lots of trails, plenty of spaces for kids to run around. It was my first visit and I loved it.

The Quabbin Reservoir is a beautiful place to walk and enjoy peace and calmness. Take a climb up the stairs inside the Quabbin tower to view the grounds. I don't think there isn't a spot there that isn't absolutely gorgeous. If you are in the area drive in the park there are entries from Belchertown and Ware. Whether you are there in the summer when everything is green or in the fall as the foliage is turning there are gorgeous views all around. There is a rock area that you can walk along but just make sure you have comfortable sneakers or hiking boots on when you do. Stop at all the parking areas to make sure you get views of the entire reservoir.

The history of the Quabbin Reservoir and construction is nothing short of remarkable. Anyone who has engineering interests will be fascinated with the planning and execution of this project. Without the wisdom and vision of City planners, Boston would not be the Metropolitan City it is because it would lack sufficient drinking water.

Having grown up in Massachusetts and passing Quabbin many times as a child, I was very interested in seeing it up close. The history itself is interestingly disturbing. I had read of it many times and shared the book "Letting Swift River Go" with my first grade classes.
The reservoir, even in a cold and rainy day in May is starkly beautiful. It is immense and walking across the dam gives you a sense of wonder that this was created by razing several towns and moving buildings and gravestones to different sites in order to supply drinking water for Boston!
The grounds are beautiful and lush. The visitor center is small and very dated as is the restroom, but there are many albums containing photos of the actual razing, moving of homes, people who lived there and building of the dam.
The park ranger was well informed and there was an older elementary grade field trip going on while we were there. We watched the slide show for a while with the students. What an opportunity for them.
Because it was so chilly, we would gave loved a cup of coffee or cocoa or even a hot dog, but there are no facilities for snacks or beverages.

We visited Quabbin Park and Reservoir on Thursday, August 2,2018. The park is located in Belchertown, Massachusetts in a small corner of the vast Quabbin Reservoir. It has vehicle access to great views of the reservoir and surrounding areas. We definitely recommend a visit and hope you have the opportunity to enjoy it as much as we have. We have come back to Quabbin multiple times over the past thirty years and have always loved it!!

There are three entrances into the park. The west, “main” gate, is where the visitor center, Winsor Dam and Loop Hiking Trail are located. Both the middle and east gates lead to the Quabbin Observatory Tower, which has nearby parking and picnicking, as well as great views of Quabbin and the surrounding area, even Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. Also, both the middle and east gates lead to the Enfield Look-out and Winsor Memorial Park, which have beautiful views. We have driven around the entire Quabbin Reservoir, which is immense, and the views from this park, and the associated parking, are the best that we could find. Even the view of the reservoir in front of the visitor’s center is excellent.

The visitor center has good information on multiple aspects of Quabbin, including its cultural history, the management of the reservoir, the watershed and wildlife. There are books, pictures, photographs, postcards and write-ups on each of the towns from the lost valley that make up Quabbin, namely, Dana, Enfield, Prescott and Greenwich. This is a nice tribute to these towns. There are write-ups on how the reservoir was built and interesting details about the “Rabbit Run” Railroad that used to run from Springfield to Athol, Massachusetts, through the towns that make up the reservoir. In addition, the visitor center has information on fishing and boating at Quabbin Reservoir, as well as on the importance of the protected watershed lands that make up Quabbin and the efforts to maintain no negative impact on the forest and water quality.

Multiple helpful informational brochures are available at the visitor center, including a map and guide for the Loop Trail, details about the park and reservoir, the area Wildlife and You, the Winsor Dam Rain Garden and the aquatic invasive species. The visitor center is definitely a good way to learn about both the park and reservoir, including its rules and regulations.

No pets or swimming or wading is allowed at Quabbin but fishing, bicycling, hiking and picnicking (without a fire or grill) are allowed in designated areas. However, I don’t believe fishing is allowed in the park, but is in other areas of the reservoir. Again we recommend a visit and it is free!!

Many people may not realize that the Quabbin Reservoir is an amazing place to hike and bicycle. There are many legal accessible places or gates to enter the reservoir for these activities. Most are on the eastern shore. Remnants of the town of Dana can be seen after about a one mile hike or bike from gate 40. This is worth it. One can hike or ride down roads and see the stone foundations of the town along the town common! There is also a monument there. Only certain gates allow bicycling and they are clearly marked. There are about 100 miles of authorized bike trails in the Quabbin reservoir. I would recommend a hybrid or mountain bike. Not suitable for rode bikes with narrow tires.

We were at the Quabbin on a beautiful fall day. This is a quiet, and serene place with many trails for hiking, as well as large open areas for taking photos. GPS didn't get us there successful, and internet is spotty in that part of the world, but we made it and loved it.

What a great place and so beautiful! Cannot wait to go back in the fall. We pack a nice picnic lunch, took a nice hike and just enjoyed.

I used to live in Mass and visited here a few times one of the prettiest places in the world full of wildlife and the scenery is fantastic. Caught my first landlocked Salmon there back in 1995 still have the picture. Worth a visit in the fall

First we went to the reservoir again. it was beautiful. Lots of nice hikes around there too. then we went to the beautiful Observation tower. Walked to the top for some beautiful views. I Will post a few of the reservoir and some of the observation tower.

I love ITT my hubby put rag on my eyes so I didn't where I was going..but when I took it off..I was natural beauty.. I was like OMG..love it.

I frequently run, hike or bike ride in and around the Quabbin Reservoir and have done so for 30 years. It has a very interesting history dating back to the 1930's when it was created to provide drinking water to Boston. It is generally pristine with limited use by the public in terms of fishing and hunting. The views from some high points are gorgeous and I highly recommend a drive to the Windsor damn observation tower .

The Quabbin is Massachusetts best kept secret. Nestled on the borders of Western Mass, peace and quiet abound for bikers, runners, naturalists and photographers. I live nearby..12 miles and visit the Quabbin regularly.

This is the one of the most beautiful places around. The history behind it alone is enough to make you just stand there and try to imagine the way it used to be vs how it is now. Clean, peaceful, they have an awesome observation deck & picnic areas. Depending on where you go or where you hike, you can get to the waters edge. A must see for history buffs and those with children alike!

I didn't have as much time as I wish to walk and see the tower. I did stop by the visitor center and was fascinated to learn more about the reservoir. The decoy coyote was interesting but I get that it is there to preserve the area from migrational birds.

So happy to have found this gem! Very uncrowded, tons of spots to picnic, nice walks, well-maintained, and absolutely free! My friend is immunocompromised, so we were trying to find a place to picnic and hang out where it was easy to not be near other folks, and this was perfect. You can park in one of the several lots or anywhere on the shoulder of the wide roads, and walk and picnic anywhere (definitely poison ivy in lots of places, so stay on paths and be alert!) Lovely views from the tower hill and other spots--stop by the visitors' center for a map or print the one on their website. No swimming or boating allowed in the crystal clear water, but hiking, biking, scootering, playing frisbee are all good, and the history is fascinating! (Nice displays in the visitors' center)

We moved to a wonderful town very close to the Quabbin Reservoir about a year and a half ago and spent time during the first few months just parking and walking and enjoying the views at the Quabbin!! Such a beautiful place, no matter the season, no rain better than rain, pretty much skipped the snowy days, but we have covered all the on road areas of the Quabbin and loved every minute of it. I strongly recommend it to anyone who just wants to get out and walk and relax and see some special scenery and relax!! No charge for parking or walking and the Visitor Center has lots of great info on the areas that are now under water.

the Quabbin reservoir is a beautiful place to relax, picnic, hike, geocaches, or bird watch. There is always the likelihood of seeing wild life. The visitors center gives a good look at the way the land and towns wereit before, and how the reservoir was made. Miles of trails and shore line.

Took our motorcycle for a ride to Quabbin Reservoir. Although it was overcast, the scenic vistas remained beautiful. Travelled to the fire tower which is still open for visitors to transcend the stairs to the outlook! Great grassy area for a picnic & kite flying - but no drones allowed!!! Parked to cross the Winsor Dam to view the water. No longer able to drive over it or down to bottom. Might be difficult for elderly to make the walk but easy for most on paved road. Enjoyed the ride. Will visit again!

I am highly biased in my opinion about the Quabbin because it has been a part of me my whole life. I have fished there on the shore, access via Gate 44 and by boat through Gate 43, both in Hardwick. I have done so since the 1960's but my connection actually goes back farther than that. My father worked during the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir cutting trees and sharpening saws and much of the knowledge I have of the area was handed down from him.

Public access is most common via Route 9 where you can see the Windsor dam and the Goodnough dike. There is a visitor center an observatory giving you views for miles. That's fine for most people.

The best part of the Quabbin is accessed from Greenwich Rd in Ware and Rt32A in Hardwick and Petersham. There are also gates on Rt 122 and 202. Many of these are paved and easy walking.

So what's the attraction? The deer, raccoon, opossum, loons, ducks, beavers, wildflowers, berries and all the fresh air you can handle!

So bring your camera, some water and expect to leave your stress behind!

Good job, Dad!

Drove across the upper part of the reservoir - some really fantastic vistas. The visitors center was pretty good. The ranger working the desk was quite helpful (this was our first visit). We ended up renting a boat and spent a few hours on the water feeding the fish. This is a beautiful spot.

In all the years we've lived in the Greater Boston area, we've never been to the Quabbin Reservoir, hence our well-worth-it, little day-trip. Quabbin is beautiful, well-kept, peaceful and serene, and when you really learn the story of how it came to be, awe-inspiring. We approached it from North to South (Rt 495 to Rt 2 to Rt 32A/Rt 32 then Rt 9). All the entrance gates with parking areas are beyond the town of Ware and heading toward Belchertown. So the first gate you enter after going through the town of Ware, takes you to the Tower area. What a view! Simply gorgeous. You can climb the 40+ steps to the top for the best view or relax on one of the benches and drink it all in. The second gate you come to - a short distance up Rt 9- takes you to the dam area. We walked over, sat on the rock wall and again, savored the view. It's so nice to see a large body of water (some 35 or so square miles) that isn't surrounded by development, boats on the water, and the general mayhem that results from same. The third gate you come to on Rt 9 (the northern-most gate nearest Belchertown) takes you to the Visitor's Center (located in an old brick building adjacent to the State Police headquarters.) There you can learn all about the making of the reservoir, the why, the how, and the results. You can also learn about the four towns (Dana, Greenwich, Enfield and Prescott) that were completely eradicated in order to make the reservoir, and sitting on the table there are large albums that chronicle the towns from their inception to their demise. Current wildlife sightings are posted on a board, along with other interpretive boards detailing the research, the ecology and everything that goes on at Quabbin besides just supplying the Greater Boston area with water. A must stop for every Massachusetts resident (at least those living East of the reservoir) to give you a good appreciation of your water supply and what it took to make it so. Don't miss it!

If this is your 1st visit, then take Rt 9 to the Windsor Dam, Quabbin tower,& Enfield Lookout. Nice visitor center at the State Police headquarters entrance #1. Second time check out Goodnough Dike or hike down to Swift river. What we've enjoyed lately is taking bikes to different Gates and riding down to the waters edge. For example, park at Gate 35 and you can ride down to the Quabbin and along the shore for 2 miles before the road disappears into the water. Gate 30 too. Google "quabbin bike access" for nice pdf maps from the state.

Great afternoon enjoying the sunshine and landscape. Knowing the park was going to be closing soon, we began to make our way back to our car. At which point, we were barked at to leave immediately by rude park ranger / wannabe state trooper.

We visited Quabbin Park and Reservoir in Belchertown/Ware, Massachusetts multiple times in April, May and June of this year. The park, which is located in both Belchertown and Ware, is quite large but is in a small corner of Quabbin Reservation. We have gone back to Quabbin Park many times over the past forty years and have always loved it for its great views of the reservoir and surrounding areas. What we have really enjoyed during our recent visits is taking walks on the paved Bicycle and Pedestrian-Only Walkways above the Winsor Dam and Goodnough Dike. The Winsor Dam is on the Belchertown side of the reservoir while the Goodnough Dike is on the Ware side, not that far from Route 32 and the east gate entrance into the park. We highly recommend a visit to Quabbin Park and Reservoir and an added bonus of this park is that it is free.

No pets, swimming or wading is allowed at Quabbin Park but bicycling, hiking and picnicking (without a fire or grill) are allowed in designated areas. Fishing is not allowed in the park, but is permitted in designated areas of the reservoir, as indicated on a map that is available at the visitors center. These rules are in place due to the importance of the protected watershed lands that make up Quabbin and the efforts to maintain no negative impact on the forest and water quality through the effective management of the reservoir.
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There are three entrances into the park, which are the west, middle and east gates:

The west, “main” gate, is where the visitors center, Winsor Dam, and paved Bicycle and Pedestrian-Only Walkway above the Winsor Dam are located. The paved walkway/bikeway on the road on top of the Winsor Dam, which is about a half a mile long, is a great scenic walk and is quite invigorating. The only thing is that the parking lot, which is on the side of the visitors center, fills up rather quickly. But alternate parking is available using the middle and east gates as described below.

Both the middle and east gates lead to the Quabbin Observation Tower, the Goodnough Dike, the paved Bicycle and Pedestrian-Only Walkway above Goodnough Dike, the Enfield Lookout, Winsor Memorial Park, the Spillway, and Hank’s Meadow picnic area. All of these spots have very scenic views. The Goodnough Dike and associated walkway/bicycle way, which is less than a half a mile long but involves about a half a mile of walking to get to, are closest to the east gate.

Coming from the middle gate there is parking for the paved Bicycle and Pedestrian-Only Walkway above the Winsor Dam before the Spillway and the barricaded area on the road leading to the Windsor Dam. Parking is available on both sides of the road but there are no real signs stating that this parking is for the walkway. There are also picnic areas at the Enfield Lookout and near the Quabbin Observation Tower, which has great views of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire on a clear day.

The Visitors Center:

The visitors center is a good way to learn about the park and reservoir, including information on fishing and boating and its rules and regulations. It has books, pictures, photographs, postcards and actual examples of the area wildlife. It provides a good cultural history of the area with write-ups on each of the towns from the lost valley that make up Quabbin, namely, Dana, Enfield, Prescott and Greenwich, which is a nice tribute to these towns. The center also has write-ups and pictures on display of how the reservoir was built and interesting details about the “Rabbit Run” Railroad that used to run from Springfield to Athol, Massachusetts, through the towns that make up the reservoir. This is a very good lesson in history.

Multiple maps are available at the visitors center, including; maps of the park and designated fishing areas, and a map and guide for the Loop Trail. Many helpful informational brochures are also available, including details about the park and reservoir; the area watershed and wildlife; the Winsor Dam Rain Garden; the middle gate to the Observation Tower; the aquatic invasive species that negatively impact the reservoir and more. These materials are very educational and worth reading.

Again we recommend a visit to the park and reservoir and hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy it as well. It is definitely a hidden gem with many scenic views and has historical significance.
 
An interesting way to get to Quabbin Park from Windsor, CT without much highway is:

Take I-91 North to Route 140 East in East Windsor, Follow 140 to 191 North. Follow 191 until where it intersects with 190 East. Follow 190 to 319 East. Follow 319 to 32 North. Then follow 32 until it interests with Route 9 West. Take Route 9 West. You will reach the East Entrance to Quabbin first. The Goodnough Dike could be reached from this entrance.  

Visited the Quabbin on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. Even though it was a grey day, the views were amazing. As two of the towns that were "submerged" bore the names of my ancestors, I felt a particular attachment. The woman at the Visitors Center was helpful and knowledgeable about the history and ecology of the reservoir. She ran two DVD's for us, one that explained the building of the reservoir, and another that provided background on the 2500 displaced residents -- including interviews with some of those still surviving --- who lost their homes so that Boston could have a more reliable source of water.

After visiting many times, today I just realized there was a look out tower and an upper parking lot.

Having only visited other areas, to my surprise this was pretty awesome.

Love this place. There are so many beautiful walking trails, a butterfly walk, dyke, dam, and don't forget the tower. A classic way to spend the day at your own pace. It's all free. No dogs allowed.

I gave a lecture in nearby Belchertown. I was told The Quabbin was nearby. I've always wanted to visit this area, since I live in the Berkshires and knew it was known as a pretty area. The drive I did was gorgeous! Definitely worth it, and much more beautiful than I had imagined. Look at the pictures, you'll see what I mean. The tower is great and many of the views on the loop are worth pulling over for. I want to take my family there. It's worth the drive, and I'll be back!

My wife and i walk at Quabbin at least 2x during the week. No traffic where we walk. Either at the dam or the dike. Walking the loop at the dike is approx 2 miles and mostly wooded ,very scenic. A relaxing walk. If you walk at the dam it is flat and more people around,not really wooded and beautiful quabbin views.

Visited the reservoir in the fall when the leaves were bursting with color. Overlooking the reservoir there is gorgeous landscape and no development - nice! We walked the short 2 mile walk but took our time and were all alone except for the few fly fishermen (catch & release only) we happened upon. The water is so clear you can see the large trout as they make their way up the river. Nice display inside gives you the very interesting history of this well maintained facility.

Quabbin Reservoir is a great place to visit. Can drive through the park and stop at various places to explore on foot. Its a great place to hike or bike. However biking is only allowed on the paved roads.There are several scenic views, great for photography enthusiasts!

Just gorgeous---very enjoyable walks around the reservoir. We didn't have time to hike up to the tower so we drove up--the view and area was just great.

Absolutely beautiful place to take a walk and get some exercise. We walked about 3 miles enjoying the quiet, natural beauty of the mountain and forest

My husband and his sister and part of her family and myself went there to enjoy the view and the scenery. My husband wanted me to see it because he always went there a lot.

This man-made reservoir has an eery yet breathtaking vista. Go to the first entrance to the Windsor Dam, then to the second up to the tower for a picnic and spectacular view. Several towns were flooded to make this water source for Boston. It has a sad and spooky history, which is told in the visitors' center. Sad yet beautiful.

The Quabbin reservoir sits in the beautiful valley and offers easy hikes in the woods, magnificent vistas, and flat walks across a well-engineered dam. Be sure to read up on the Quabbin's dubious history. The visitor center is modest but is filled with historical pictures water-use information.

This is a vast reservoir that supplies water to cities and towns in the greater Boston area. The engineering behind it is remarkable with a 24 mile tunnel carrying drinking water to the region. There is a small but informative visitor's center as well as view points within walking distance. To get there, you will drive through the Massachusetts countryside and through some of the very towns that receive their drinking water from the Quabbin.

If you haven’t been to the Quabbin Resovoir ( which is the source of Boston water) go!
It is amazing!the water is so pure and clean, and it is beautiful to hike, bike or picnic near.
A true democratic gem!

We happened upon the Quabbin Reservoir-Winsor Dam area when we were driving around to peep at fall colors. It is beautiful, and peaceful as there's only a handful of people there. Grounds are very well maintained. Do stop by the visitor center for the history, and look for the cute coyote decoy to scare away wild geese.

I was driving along when this amazing lookout opened up. I had to pullover and take in the view for a bit. This was a quick and easy stop just off the side of 202.

This is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. The lookout tower gives you exceptional views, the views from the Windsor Dam are breathtakingly beautiful, especially when you visit during the height of every season. But Autumn is without a doubt the best!

Bring a blanket, a picnic basket and a good book... Or just a good kisser ;-)

What a Wonderful place to visit, Bring a cooler and good sneakers and your camera, the hike and the view is breathtaking. You can stop at the Visitors Center and learn how they flooded this valley that had a town located, so this could be created, truly a magnificent place

There are so many trails and places to take photos here. You can picnic, hike, walk.
We walked up to the Observatory Tower but it was very hazy (humid) so the view wasn't all that it could have been. Still beautiful though! Plan to spend a few hours here, there is a lot to see.

We stumbled on this place whilst planning a car journey off the main Freeways and what a find it was! There is an excellent visitor centre with loads of information about the building of the dam and reservoir and very helpful staff. As well as plenty of walks available there is also an 89ft high observation tower with fantastic views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside.

Our biggest regret was we didn't have bicycles because there are miles of very safe roads for you to explore the area around the reservoir.

And all of this free of charge!! If you are in the Amherst, Ware area don't miss this place.

Such a beautiful place to drive to and visit.....get exercise if you want, many sights to see from the car if you can't. So much history, 75 years ago the four Massachusetts towns in the Swift River Valley were forced to simply move on so the reservoir could be built for the "mighty thirst of Boston." peaceful, nostalgic, full of nature and spirit ~ not to be missed. There is a visitors center full of pictures and historical artifacts, information. T shirts, coffee cups, post cards, pictures for sale.

This was my 3rd trip to the Quabbin Reservoir, every time has been great. I fish out of gate 43 also known as fishing area #3. The website does not give very good directions to this hidden gem, but if you plan going type in Hell Huddle Rd in Hardwick into your gps and it will take you the front gate. Just drive until you reach the office on the water.
Be prepared to wait, and get there early if you want to rent a boat with a motor. They sell out fast! The scenery is breath taking we saw Eagles, Hawks, turkeys, turtles and of course lots of fish! All of the employees that work at the booth are friendly and welcomed us both days of Memorial Day weekend.
Check out the web page for all the different prices, but a
non-resident can get a one day pass, parking, and a boat for $56!

The Quabbin is a reservoir that provides water for 40+ eastern Mass towns. Bit it is far more than that.
Paved paths and roads provide safe walking/running/biking paths suitable for all ages.
Canoes and power boats are available for rent.
Picnic tables are positioned at strategic viewing points.
And the Visitor Center provides historical photos and stories of the 4 towns that were completely removed to make way for the reservoir's waters. Yes, several thousand people lived here; families with decades of descendants. See the exhibits with fascinating photos of what the area looked like before being totally removed.

I saw a floating piece of doo doo in the water and frankly it smeeled bad to and i didnt like that..

"there's a lot of water" - my good friend, who was there with me, at the quabbin reservoir, and who saw the water at the quabbin reservoir

The Quabbin is a beautiful, easy place to visit. There is good parking. The visitor's center is interesting but not flashy. There is no fee to visit. The hiking trails are pretty but not very well maintained or marked. Walking along the roads is nice with minimal traffic. Cycling along these roads is great with nice views, minimal traffic, and enough ascent and descent to keep it interesting or challenging depending on your level fitness. We saw a bald eagle flying over the reservoir fairly close to the visitor's center. A visit to Northampton or Amherst is nice before or after visiting the Quabbin.

I lived in the Quabbin Valley for a few years and there is no more beautiful place in the country! I've chronicled it as extensively as possibly on my website with photos (www.quabbinvalley.wordpress.com), but it is so vast that there's no way you could dedicate an entire lifetime to it and cover all the beauty it has to offer.

The Quabbin Reservoir's main gates allow easy access to trails for hiking or biking, roads to many areas, paved paths to the old tower for scenic views of the pioneer valley and beyond. Great place for bike riding, walking, picnics, etc., but not swimming as it is Boston's water supply. Pets are also not allowed.

I live within 10 miles of Quabbin Reservoir, more specifically the Ware/Belchertown sections of Quabbin Reservoir. As such, I tend to go there at least 2 to 3 times a year. It is a great place for family picnics, hiking or even just sight seeing. The autumn views are often the best, but it is also a great place for a summer wedding. Or for a bit of a challenge try climbing the stairs to the top of the tower, or walking across the dike.

Visited the reservoir & Quabbin Observation Tower in Labor day long weekend. It's a short visit. 2 hours should be good enough.

+ve -
1. The Winsor dam is awesome. Water is so blue & clear, that you will have to love it.
2. Lady in the Visitor Center was helpful.
3. Nice place for walking.
4. Ample of places to sit & relax.
5. Fall would be full of breathtaking sceneries. I'll again visit it during then.

+ve -
1. Didn't like the Quabbin Observation Tower that much. Climbing up almost 100 stairs wasn't worth it.
2. The top floor of the tower is very hot. You can't stand for even 5 minutes.
3. Water body is not widely visible.

You can give a try to Enfield Lookout too. Will get some nice clicks.

This place used to be my favorite, now I wouldn’t step foot back if you paid me.
On Sunday, August 3rd around 1:15pm at Gate 8, we were greeted by the most VILE, DISRESPECTFUL woman I’ve ever had to deal with. From the second we pulled up, she looked at us with pure attitude, like we were beneath her. She made us feel like an inconvenience, snapping and acting like we didn’t belong there. It was humiliating and completely uncalled for, especially considering she was literally with 2 different customers- how professional!
After snapping at us for simply entering the premises, she continued to laugh at how she had just treated us in front of other customers (who experienced the whole thing)
For reference, she was a blonde woman with neck tattoos, so there’s no excuse for whoever in charge to not know exactly who this is and take action.
I seriously don’t understand how someone with that kind of nasty, hostile energy is allowed to work with the public. She has no business being employed anywhere near customers. She should be FIRED IMMEDIATELY. This woman ruined the entire experience, and because of her, they’ve permanently lost a loyal customer. Absolutely VILE behavior that will not be tolerated and this will be continually reported until action is taken.
It’s sad, because the gentlemen that work there are so kind and made our past experiences so wholesome. It was truly the place to go when you needed a break from the busy world. Super unfortunate how some nasty unhappy woman could ruin it.

Amazing views, great areas to walk and get daily exercise, miles of roadways, some fairly level, others an up hill climb.
Lots of history behind the building of the reservoir.