Chapel Brook
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Chapel Brook
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| location | Massachusetts , United States | |
| surface | 70 ha | |
| Geographical location | 42 ° 29 ′ N , 72 ° 46 ′ W | |
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| Setup date | 1964 | |
| administration | The Trustees of Reservations | |
Chapel Brook is a 173 acres (70 hectare ) nature reserve near the city of Ashfield in the state of Massachusetts in the United States and is managed by The Trustees of Reservations . At the same time, the name refers to a 6 km long river that runs through the reserve and lies in the catchment area of the Deerfield River , which flows into Long Island Sound via the Connecticut River .
history
In 1765 the first settlers moved to the area and cleared the forest to make space for pastureland. By 1831 more than 8,000 sheep were grazing there. Around the same time, two flour mills were built at Chapel Falls . A school with two rooms was built above the waterfall, which also served as a chapel . However, the settlers continued to move west, and nature gradually regained control of the area.
In 1964, the first areas of today's protected area were donated to the Trustees of Reservations, and further purchases were made in 1981 and 1989. In 1992, additional areas were given to the Trustees.
Protected area
The protected area is known for its rough and pristine landscape, which consists mainly of forest areas with dense undergrowth , through which different streams and rivers run seasonally. There are also some viewpoints of the area.
Chapel Brook attractions include Chapel Falls and the 1,420 ft (432.8 m ) high Pony Mountain . The ascent via the main path up the mountain is physically demanding despite its comparatively low altitude and ends abruptly at a vertical 100 ft (30.5 m) high wall called the Chapel Ledge , which is very popular with experienced climbers . For less experienced hikers there is an alternative, but with 0.5 mi (0.8 km ) significantly longer route to the summit. A total of 2 mi (3.2 km) of hiking trails can be used in the protected area. The Chapel Falls are usually not very exciting, but seasonally swell to a raging waterfall. Over time, the river has washed some depressions and ponds into the ground, which still carry cool water in summer.
The protected area is open during the day from April 1st to December 1st and can be accessed free of charge.
See also
Individual evidence
- ^ Property History. The Trustees of Reservations , accessed November 12, 2013 .
- ↑ About Chapel Brook. The Trustees of Reservations , accessed November 12, 2013 .