Conserve the Hudson and Chester Granite Works

The Western Mass Hilltown Hikers was founded by a small group of friends who loved the Hilltowns of Western Mass. The more they hiked, the more rich history of the area they found. Hiking in our beautiful woods and on the old roads, gave way to the history of our first settlers. With our adventures and research, we found lost cemeteries, old cellar holes, mines, mills and quarries. We promote the local attractions including fairs, businesses, and our conserved open land for recreation which is our best natural resource. We began to offer guided tours and hikes each month; in return we started having quite a following. Our website was created in which we offered maps and a blog that detailed hikes and places to discover so all could enjoy. So here we are twelve years later, a non-profit 501c(3) organization working with other outdoor recreation groups and historical commissions to preserve and promote our Hilltowns.

Our biggest accomplishment to date is the purchase of the Chester Hudson and Granite Works, located in the historic Chester Factory Village. This land has always been private property, originating in the early 1800’s as the finishing works for granite. The granite was quarried at the Hudson and Chester Quarry just up the road in Becket. You may all know this place as The Becket Quarry, owned by The Trustees of Reservations. Our goal is to completely preserve this unique and magnificent historic piece of land and its original equipment. With that, to also apply for National Historic Landmark status for all to enjoy and learn the impressive history of an early industry in Chester Massachusetts. Please help us in making this happen for all.

More details are on Our Website . We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249