| Property Description | 6 acres | Established 1968 |
On its way to the Quabbin Reservoir, the Middle Branch of the Swift River passes through the steep granite cliffs of Bear's Den. A short trail forks at the entrance -- the left spur leading to the gorge, the right leading to the stream bed below the falls. These falls once powered early mills (a long wooden sluice box serving as a flume transported water from the falls, over the river, through a channel cut in the eastern cliff, and onto an overshot water wheel). In 1675, the great chief King Philip met here with neighboring chieftains to plan attacks on Hadley, Deerfield, and Northampton. A black bear shot on the property gives the Reservation its name, though more romantic -- yet unsubstantiated -- stories exist. To the west of the Reservation is watershed land owned by the Metropolitan District Commission around the Quabbin Reservoir. |
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| Trails |
| A short path leads from the road and immediately splits, the left way going to the gorge, the right going to a small cave and stream. Total length = one-quarter mile. Moderate hiking. |
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| Hunting Advisory |
| Seasonal hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. Click here for further information. |
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| Property Acquisition History |
| Bequest of Mrs. Grais Poole Burrage in 1968. Additional land given by Mrs. Dorothy Fittz in 1988. |