Take a short walk to a scenic waterfall at a site where, according to local legend, 17th-century Native American sachem Metacomet, known to European settlers as King Philip, prepared to raid Colonial settlements.

What makes Bear’s Den a special place?
On its way to the Quabbin Reservoir, the Middle Branch of the Swift River tumbles over the steep granite cliffs of Bear’s Den in picturesque waterfalls. These falls once powered early mills on or near this reservation (named supposedly for a black bear shot on the property.)

Here, along a short, quarter-mile trail, you have two choices: go to the left and you can explore a small, secluded gorge with a cascading waterfall; head to the right to follow the stream as it tumbles through large boulders past the site of an old mill. Be sure to watch your children closely as there is a steep drop on the rim of this trail.

Local legend has it that, in 1675, the Wampanoag leader King Philip met here with neighboring chieftains to plan attacks on Hadley, Deerfield, and Northampton during King Philip’s War.

Trails
A single 0.25-mile trail; moderate hiking. Children should be monitored closely as there is a steep drop on the rim of the trail.

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

Regulations & Advisories

• Monitor children along the trail and near falls.
  
  
• Seasonal hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. Learn more about hunting on Trustees land.

Directions

Neilson Road
New Salem, MA
Telephone: 978.840.4446
E-mail: central@ttor.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From intersection of Rts. 122 and 202 in New Salem, take Rt. 202 South for 0.4 mi. Turn right onto Elm Street and follow for 0.7 mi. Then turn left onto Neilson Rd. and follow for 0.5 mi. Entrance is on the right; park on right side of road. 

Admission

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Bequest of Mrs. Grais Poole Burrage in 1968. Additional land given by Mrs. Dorothy Fittz in 1988.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

At present, a downloadable trail map for Bear's Den is not available. 

Planning Your Visit

Community Links
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land 

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