Part of the 21st Annual Housatonic Heritage Walks series. Housatonic Heritage Walks are FREE, guided interpretive walks to the most interesting historic, cultural, industrial, natural and scenic sites in Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT.

Join Dave Pierce, from the Friends of the Keystone Arches , and Meredyth Babcock, Westfield River Wild & Scenic Committee, for a hike to the first cluster of stone arch railway bridges built in America, in the 1830’s. They are impressive, breath-taking stone structures, up to 70 feet high, brilliantly revealing their ancestry in the great cathedrals of ancient Rome! NOTE– An inside tour of the Chester Railway Station Museum can be arranged after the free Heritage Walk. Donations are accepted. The Arches and the Chester Railway Station were designated as National Historic Landmarks in 2021. 3.5 hours– 5 miles

To register, email — dpiercedlp@aol.com  OR 413-961-9166

From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee, take Rt 20 east and drive 18 miles to Chester center. Meet at the Chester Railway Museum,  10 Prospect St. We will carpool 2 miles to the trailhead. GPS 42.28054, -72.97860  GOOGLE MAP

PLEASE NOTE–FOR ALL HIKES/OUTDOOR WALKS, PLEASE WEAR HIKING BOOTS/STURDY FOOTWEAR, SUGGEST BRINGING DRINK & SNACK, BUG REPELLENT AND BE PREPARED FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER

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.