National Parks of Massachusetts

Travel Information

Westfield Wild and Scenic River

River Road
Chesterfield, MA

Description:
The East, Middle, and West branches of the Westfield River are a state- and locally-managed National Wild and Scenic River area featuring native trout fishing and rugged mountain scenery in the context of a historical mill town settlement. The river provides over 50 miles of the Northeast's finest whitewater canoeing and kayaking. The river corridor also contains one of the largest roadless wilderness areas remaining in the state.

Please select a destination point from the following list:



Chester-Blandford State Forest (Chester)

Route 20
Chester, MA 01008

Description:
Chester-Blandford State Forest offers picnicking and a spectacular view of Sanderson Brook Falls. Mica Mine Road and Gold Mine Brook, which run through the forest, are reminders of the days when the hills of Chester were pitted with small mines producing mica, emery, and corundum.

Transit Directions: MBTA logo
Not applicable.

Driving Directions: car
Chester is located in western Massachusetts, approximately 115 miles west of Boston.

From the East or West:
1. Take I-90 (Mass. Turnpike) to Exit #3 (“Westfield”).
2. From the exit ramp, turn onto MA-202/MA-10 and follow signs to US-20.
3. Turn right onto US-20 northwest through Huntington.
4. Pass the first marked entrance to Chester-Blandford State Forest on the right, and continue 0.8 miles past the main entrance.
5. Turn left into a small parking lot at a sign for "Sanderson Brook Falls."

From the North or South:
1. Take I-91 towards Holyoke/Chicopee.
2. From I-91, take I-90 (Mass. Turnpike) West.
3. From this point, follow the directions from I-90 in “From the East or West”, above.

A limited amount of free parking is available.

Ranger Tips: park ranger hat 
A half-hour walk along Sanderson Brook Road takes you to a viewing spot for the falls.

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Chesterfield Gorge (Chesterfield)

River Road
Chesterfield, MA 01084

Description:
Chesterfield Gorge was initially carved from metamorphic bedrock by the torrents of glacial meltwater; the gorge continues to be shaped by the East Branch of the Westfield River. The surrounding transitional hardwood forest features oak, pine, and hemlock, and is home to bears, bobcats, and turkeys. Visitors may enjoy a half-mile trail along cliff tops that offer views of the gorge, the river, and the surrounding forest. Look for trout basking in the pools below.

Transit Directions: MBTA logo
Not applicable.

Driving Directions: car
Chesterfield is located in western Massachusetts, approximately 115 miles west of Boston.

From the North or South:
1. Take I-91 to Exit #19 (“MA-9 – Northampton/Amherst”).
2. From Exit #19, drive east on Damon Road/Bridge Road (MA-9).
3. Turn right onto Main Street (to stay on MA-9) and drive approx. 5 miles.
4. Turn left onto MA-143/Chesterfield Road, and drive 6 miles to the town of Chesterfield.
5. From the intersection of MA-143 and Ireland Street in Chesterfield, take Ireland Street south and proceed 0.8 miles.
6. Turn left onto River Road. The entrance and a small parking area are immediately on the left.

From the East or Southwest:
1. Take I-90 (Mass. Turnpike) westbound.
2. From I-90, take Exit #4 onto I-91 North toward Holyoke.
3. From this point, follow the directions from I-91 in “From the North or South”, above.

From the West:
1. Take MA-9 eastbound.
2. In the town of Cummington, merge from MA-9 onto MA-112.
3. Turn right onto Main Street/Fairground Road.
4. Continue south for approx 0.4 miles, as Fairground Road becomes Cummington Road.
5. Cross MA-143/Chesterfield Road, onto Ireland Street and proceed 0.8 miles.
Turn left onto River Road. The entrance and a small parking lot are immediately on the left.

A limited amount of free parking is available.

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