Chesterfield Gorge

IUCN Category V - Protected Landscape / Seascape

View of the gorge with the eastern branch of the Westfield River

Chesterfield Gorge ( German Chesterfield Gorge ) is a 166 acres ( 67.2 ha) large nature reserve in the town of Chesterfield in the state of Massachusetts in the United States and is managed by the organization The Trustees of Reservations.

History

Originally About the gorge led a built approximately 1762 bridge that crossed an important part of the Boston Post Road from Boston to Albany across the river. Was located at its eastern end a customs barrier to collect charges from the bridge over driving stagecoaches. During the Revolutionary War, the British were marching after their defeat at Saratoga (New York) over the bridge towards Boston. 1835, the bridge was just like any nearby sawmills and flour mills destroyed by a tidal wave. Today her are only obtained some stone foundations.

The first parts of the protected area were acquired by the Trustees in 1929, more areas were followed in 1949, 1950, 1955 and most recently in 1994.

Sanctuary

The reserve is applied along the same canyon that the Westfield River has carved over millennia into the landscape and forms only a small part of a much larger total protected area along the river course. Visitors can learn both the geological history of the region perceive as well as various recreational activities such as fishing, hiking and cycling.

Today's gorge was created by a raising about 500 million years, which was then formed by glaciers and meltwater. The walls of the gorge rise up to 70 ft ( 21.3 m) high and can use a path that leads to the upper end thereof along to be explored. In reserve hemlock, ash and oak dominate; In addition it is home to bears, bobcats, and turkeys.

Due to its significant ecological importance and its recreational value, the reserve was registered as a National Wild and Scenic River. It is open until sunset from 1 April until December 1 of 8 clock in the morning.