The lesser-known villages of the quabbin valley

 The area within the quabbin boundaries known as Doubleday village is a fairly remote area of land located on the northeastern side of the quabbin watershed near Petersham , Approximately 24 people called this place home. There are many old roads and stonewalls that seem to wander endlessly through the hills.

Several ponds and streams are visible along the way and it makes for a most enjoyable hike.

Doubleday village

village center

upper Doubleday mill site on fever brook

the mill when it was still in place

yet another walk in the woods

This was an interesting hike,

I started off near the waters edge

In the quabbin reservoir, threw a few fields and

Into the woods, as I was walking along a narrow trail

I saw 5 doe to the left of me, for a few moments they were

 Unaware of my presents, then to the right I heard

Strange grunting noises coming from the under brush

Than without warning a large buck appeared and stood

Atop a stonewall and started what I can only describe

As screaming at me. It sounded like an elk call.

I could tell that he was not happy about me being near

the doe’s and a few seconds later they all disappeared.

An autumn walk in the woods

It was a good

day!

Hiking around the town of Dana ,Quabbin

This is a nice easy walk to the Dana town common, along the way you will find old growth maple and oak trees, small fields and old orchards. Birds are plentiful and along with many Squirrels and chipmunks deer are often seen in the larger fields behind the common. When you get to the common there are many roads to choose from to extend your hike, many miles of old roads meander threw the hills around the reservoir and along the way there are Several old cellar holes to explore. Be aware of old wells. One of my favorite hikes is to a place called Doubleday village, its located a few miles North of Dana a little deeper in the woods. I suggest downloading and old map of the Dana area off the Internet so you will have a reference.

Hiking around Pepper mill pond ,Quabbin

Pepper mill pond is located off of RT 9 in ware just before the First entrance to the quabbin heading west. It starts off as a cart road for about a half mile following the East shore of pepper mill pond than quickly Turns into a footpath at the north end of the pond. At that point you will find yourself in fairly thick woodland Setting, crossing a large beaver dam the trail continues north Winding threw the woods and along side of a large marsh.

There are many birds to see in this area and a lot of deer activity. After about another half mile the trail connects to another cart road, If you stay to the right this takes you to the base of the Goodnough dike in Quabbin.