Chesterfield Gorge

1:18 -3 pm. Sunshine and warm breeze with high of 88!
Chesterfield Gorge hike, The Trustees of Reservations, Chesterfield, MA

We parked at the visitor center lot and immediately ate our lunch atop the gorge overlooking the Westfield River and a tall stone colonial era bridge abutment (Old Post Road and Old Route 9). An awesome view of the steep gorge with tall pines rising up from sheer cliffs and with the swiftly running current and rapids far below.
A fly fishermen plied his trade in a deep pool below us and then disappeared through the forest on the other side of the ravine where the post road continues eastward.

We made a quick descent to the banks of the river. We walked along River Road, a fishing access road and after a brief hike we turned around and headed back to the car. There was many people out enjoying the weather as they walked their dogs, hiked or sun bathed. We passed several feeder streams running down precipitous slopes high above the river and added to the already swift currents which must be supplied by ground water as the snow melt has abated for this year.

We stopped at The Williamsburg General Store for old fashioned soda and candy on the way back.