Washington, MA October 2nd 12 NOON – 4:30 PM
HIKE TO HEAR THE STORY OF AND SEE THE REMAINS OF THE NAVIN FAMILY HISTORY IN OCTOBER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST
Join the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers and Tom Hoffman, for a hike through historic 16,000 acre October Mountain State Forest. We will visit the West Branch Cemetery and see the grave of Anna Pease and Cobb Codding then to the site of the Huban home, where Leona Butler’s mother was born in 1904. We will also view a section of the 1922, 9-foot tall game preserve fencing around the private estate and hunting lodge built by millionaire William Whitney, then head down the Navin Trail to Codding’s stone dam which he built in the 1830’s to power a sawmill. Then we will pass his home site, and descend to the Navin family homestead. The house and 3 barn foundations show how this family survived on the mountain from the 1850’s till around 1910. The forest in this pasture is entirely composed of Norway Spruce, planted by the CCC in the 1930’s. 4.5 hours–5 miles
Take Rt 8 in Becket, and at 5-way junction, take McNerney Road, and drive a few miles north to West Branch Road on the left, then drive to the intersection with Whitney Place Road OR if coming from Pittsfield, from Rt 7/20, at Family Footwear store, take Holmes Road and drive to intersection with Williams St. and take a right on Williams St. and drive a few miles and take a right onto Washington Mt. Road. Then drive a few miles to West Branch Road on the right. Turn onto West Branch Road and drive to the intersection with Whitney Place Road. GPS 42.356149, -73.180538
Heritage Areas around the U.S. have distinctive histories, geographies, natural resources and fascinating stories to tell. Ours is one: comprising nine towns in Northwest CT and 20 in Berkshire County, MA. There are 49 Heritage Areas in the U.S. U.S. Congress has designated these areas, which are funded through the National Park Service. Find out more About Housatonic Heritage https://housatonicheritage.org/.
WE ARE EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THE 2022 HOUSATONIC HERITAGE WALKS!
Explore with knowledgeable & local historians, naturalists, and environmentalists at sites within the Housatonic River Valley: tours of historic buildings and town centers, hikes on the Appalachian Trail and other trails, walks through industrial heritage sites, a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River, bike rides on old country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estates. All ages & all people are invited to join us!
The HOUSATONIC HERITAGE WALKS are a partnership between the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, the numerous heritage organizations in the Upper Housatonic River Valley, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and the National Park Service.
We’re extremely grateful for our ‘HERITAGE WALKS’ sponsors!
Register at https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com hike is free, donations are appreciated!
***REGISTRATION IS PER CAR LOAD*** 1 ticket = as many as you can fit in your vehicle
Scan the QR Code with your phone to make a donation or click here
paypal.me/hilltownhikers
Venmo @hilltownhikers
Be prepared water, rocks, roots and mud on the trail. Maps and bottled water will be provided. We hike rain or shine. Friendly dogs are welcome! Please Register (per carload) on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com hike is free, donations are appreciated!
Tees, hoodies, hats, window stickers, artwork, and puzzles will be for sale at the hike, the complete free catalog of printed hiking maps will be there too. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com For more hike information email: [email protected] or call/text 413-302-0312. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter. Search our hashtags #westernmasshilltownhikers and #hikethehilltowns
Donate here: paypal.me/hilltownhikers Venmo: @hilltownhikers or on the donate link on the website.
Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
We head up the trail at Noon sharp! See you all there!
Liability Waiver: As a condition of your
voluntary participation in this activity, you
acknowledge and agree to the following: this
activity involves inherent risks that can cause
property damage, injury, illness, disability,
and/or death to participants and/or others;
you assume all risk associated with this
activity; you are responsible for having the
necessary knowledge, skills, abilities,
clothing, and equipment to safely participate
in this activity; you know and will follow the
Hiker Responsibility Code described at
www.hikesafe.com;.the leader(s) of this
activity are volunteers; and you for yourself,
your heirs, executors, and administrators
release, hold harmless, and indemnify the
leader(s) and all members of this group from
any and all claims for property damage,
injury, illness, disability, and/or death -
including those caused by negligence and/or
other reasons.
