By Jeanine McAdam
On a sunny afternoon in late August, my husband and I, along with our sweet dog Desi, took a hike at the historic Keystone Arch Bridges Trail (KAB trail) located in the Massachusetts Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Area along the Westfield River. The parking area is accessed from Herbert Cross Road, off Middlefield Road in Chester. Note: we couldn’t find an exact street address, but Google Maps brought us to the correct location. There is an upper and lower parking area; so if the top is full, drive down the dirt road to the lower lot by the trail entrance.
The KAB trail takes you to the first series of stone arch railroad bridges built in America. These stone arch bridges were among the first built without steel or mortar in the United States between 1833 and 1840. The trail also takes you along the first National Wild & Scenic River and the longest stretch of free-flowing river in MA.
If you are planning to visit all three arches (you will take some side trails to get you closer to the river), the hike is close to five miles. To start, after leaving the parking lot, go to the left and there is a trail which brings you down to an area along the river and below the 45-ft-high double-arch bridge which is still used by rail trains today.
After viewing the double arch bridge, return to the parking area and get on the KAB trail which will bring you to the other two arches. At the start you cross a bridge (Note: It’s webbed, so you’ll need to pick up your dog). Cross another smaller bridge and follow the trail above the river eventually bearing to the right. You are still on the KAB trail but rather than being a narrow, dirt road it turns into a hiking trail.
Eventually you come to a T in the trail. To the right is the 70-foot stone arch. To the left is the 65-foot arch. When arriving at both arches you are on top of the bridge so you can’t actually see the arches. At the 70-foot arch we crossed over the bridge and found a very steep trail to the left. We shuffled down the trail holding on to trees, roots and rocks. At the bottom one can look up at the bridge and see the stonemasons’ workmanship from over one hundred fifty years ago—definitely the highlight of the hike. To return, follow the KAB back the way you came. Enjoy this beautiful in-and-out hike and don’t forget to bring water and treats for the dog!
Sources: Keystone Arch Bridges (keystonearches.com); Chester Railway Station & Museum (chesterrailwaystation.net)
