Exploring North Quabbin

Quests often show up in mythology and folklore as journeys towards a particular goal, often filled with obstacles and challenges. North Quabbin Woods has a fresh take on this idea and has created a series of three quests. Using the North Quabbin Woods Recreation Map and Guide and clues hidden in rhyming verse, you will likely discover amazing places that you never knew existed! Download your passport book and begin your quest!

The Quabbin Reservoir in Western Massachusetts, source of clean drinking water for the Boston metropolitan area, holds years and years of interesting history.  The body of water is vast, and is home to lots of fascinating plant and animal life, as well as hidden gems like small old buildings, stone walls, historic farmstead, waterfalls, Native American history and much more.

Families can explore and learn about the Quabbin area this summer by participating in the North Quabbin Woods 2012 Quest, a series of adventures that will take families to a number of locations in and around the North Quabbin Area.

The quest utilizes the North Quabbin Woods Recreation Map and Guide to direct visitors to specific locations, using clues written in rhyming verse like this:

This river has served us since the old days of yore; you’re embarking on a journey to Rec Map and Guide number twenty-four. From Pequiog to Rowlands to Miller and his brethren, you’re looking for the imprint at the paddle stop after seven. Think hard how important this river still is, and all the prosperity it continues to give.

Interesting historical facts supplement the passport book, like:

King Philip’s Rock along the bank of the Millers River is a historical site and meeting ground for the Narragansett’s tribal council in the 1600s. Metacomet (known by the English as “King Philip”) was Chief of the Narragansetts and leader of the Wampanoag Confederacy. He met with English settlers at this landmark to negotiate policies and use of land. King Philip’s Rock was the initial site for bargaining amongst the settlers and Native American inhabitants before it lead to conflict and war in 1675 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Participants can spend a day exploring the area, or make many visits throughout the summer to encounter all of the special interesting spots.  Families will learn much about the local and natural history of the Quabbin working together on the North Quabbin Woods 2012 Quest this summer.  For more information, visit www.northquabbinwoods.org.