chesterfield gorge

293trishm

Beautiful place for hiking, walking, just enjoying nature at its finest. Can't wait to visit again when we have more time.

r1o4n5it8

I visited the area with a friend. We went all the way to the barrier at the end and climbed down the rocks. Messed around/took photos. Then we looked for a way into the water with easier access. We surrendered our bodies to the frigid rapid water. Be careful! You could easily get pushed down the gorge to who knows where!? It's beautiful with trail like passageways alongside the gorge. Definitely a hiker's and/or adventure seeker's paradise. :)

rivertraveldog

This is a nice quiet place enjoyed by my whole family. My kids have been going here since they began walking. Water shoes and time to play in the stream a must. Fishing is good too.

RSparr0w

Located just off Rte 9 in Chesterfield, NH, this is a short (0.7 miles round trip if you stick to the trail), pretty walk to a series of small cascades. Low fences allow you to look over the edge of the gorge without having to worry about falling.

jaimer246

This was a great little day trip with the kids. The path along the fence was a little steep in places but was fun for my older ones, who are 10 and 11. I chose to take my 2 year old on the flatter path and walked back on the road. You could use a jogger type stroller if needed. Half mile walk down to the water and found a few places to wade in the stream. My kids had a blast, just wish I would have had them wear swim trunks as they did get very wet while they waded in the water. Wear water shoes, the floor of the stream is all rocks. Entrance fee is free for kids under 12 and $2.50 for adults. Very reasonable.

EastCoastAl

Especially in fall. Access to gorge is denied. There is dirt road that parallels it and the stream all the way down to the Knightsville reservoir & dam. I walked a few miles of it and it is easy going for the most part. Piece of cake on a trail bike. Above the head of the gorge is a small swimming area. Water is cold.

TheBigMuffin

If you are traveling with a family like we did, the shorter trail should be nice. Just follow the fence for about half a mile until you get to the small overgrown path leading directly to the river. If you did not bring a swimsuit, you can still take off your shoes and wade into the water or find a rock to sit on and relax. A great hour-long stop.

tablesedge

Along the General Lafayette Trail, Route 143 West, you will come to the center of Chesterfield, Massachusetts. Just past the town hall, there is a normal looking side road, Ireland Street, and up a bit on River Road a small parking lot. It's hard to believe what's down the rocky hill from it. A natural wonderment. Steep rock ledges and cliffs wind as far as you can see. Too bad it's a little hard to walk on the paths and it doesn't afford a more expansive view. But, it's worth the side trek.Carol Colitti LevineTravel Treks

JudyH915

High above the river gorge is a pathway to walk and explore. It is steep for kids and you need to be careful. But it is so beautiful and natural that it is worth a look see. Bring a lunch, sit and enjoy!

carolh787

Rushing boulder strewn creek, falling yellow leaves, a mossy primeval forest and a vigorous walk. This short outing added a special dimension to our fall weekend in New England.

DorisS636

i can't believe my friend didn't take me there sooner. what a great time we had. walked it the first time. biked it the second time and were able to see so much more of this wonderful place. can't wait to go again! maybe this weekend!

lisa0208

Decided to take a road trip from southern CT to MA to check out various sites....i'm glad this is one of the places we stopped. The views of the gorge are wonderful...and there's a nice walking path that goes right along side it. Great place to walk/hike/ and enjoy nature.

springbyker

I went mountain biking on Labor Day weekend with 10 other members of my women's outdoor recreation group, and it was a blast! We rode about 7 miles round-trip on the East Branch Trail (River Road), which, as the name implies, follows the Westfield River. The water level was low because of this year's drought, but we managed to find some wonderful spots for wading. Even on a holiday weekend with gorgeous weather, the place was very quiet -- we saw a couple of groups of hikers and a few cyclists, but only 2 motorized trail bikes. The road is pretty rutted and has some rocks the size of cantaloupes, so a hybrid or mountain bike is necessary if you're going on 2 wheels.The area is run by the Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts. Swimming isn't allowed, but I know folks who come here to skinnydip. In summer, a restroom and picnic tables are available near the parking area on the gorge rim.Here's the website:http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/pioneer-valley/chesterfield-gorge.html

KessieW-H

Walk for seven miles along the river. Swim, picnic in summer. Snowshoe or x-country ski in winter

Jillv162

Great side trip- easy to find. Easy to walk along the river- great road. Would be good for walking, running, and biking.