The Keystone Arch Bridges Trail Is A Beautiful Hike In Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a state filled with an abundance of natural and historical places to explore. Set in the foothills of the Berkshires, the town of Chester offers a one-of-a-kind hike offering both breathtaking scenery and a historical element. It’s one hike to add to your Massachusetts bucket list.

The Keystone Arch Bridges Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back trail that is rated easy with a 501-foot overall elevation gain. It is located within the Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Area under MassWildlife.

Ray Rys/AllTrails

This magnificent trail will be an experience like no other as you hike along the river past a waterfall and head to the impressive keystone arch bridges. These bridges hover above the West Branch of the Westfield River at 65-75 feet.

Kyle Huey/AllTrails

The hike is picturesque and anything but boring, especially when you arrive at the…

Logan James/AllTrails

…Keystone Arch Bridges! Prepare to marvel at these impressive structures that were once part of the country’s first railroad to pass over a mountain.

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Due to the historical significance to the railroad industry, these bridges were added to the list of National Historic Landmarks by the U.S. Department of Interior.

Lindsay Cornwell/AllTrails

The arches were built in 1841 along the 150-mile Western Railroad and the architecture is nothing short of spectacular.

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Head to the top of one of the bridges that trains once traveled on and get a birds eye view of the river and forest below.

Mark Oswanski/AllTrails

Ray Rys/AllTrails

Kyle Huey/AllTrails

Logan James/AllTrails

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Lindsay Cornwell/AllTrails

Mark Oswanski/AllTrails

Have you ever trekked along the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail in Massachusetts before? If so, how was the hike? Let us know in the comments and share any photos you may have in our Massachusetts Nature Lovers Facebook Group!

For information on the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail, visit AllTrails and learn more about the history on the website.

If you enjoy your hikes with a historical element, check out these incredible Massachusetts trails. 

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Address: Keystone Arches Trailhead, Middlefield Rd, Chester, MA 01011, USA