The North Quabbin Region’s Chestnut Hill Trail System now features a trailhead kiosk and map. The recently completed map and take-away brochures outline the six-mile, three trail system. The map describes a variety of natural trail features and explains to visitors how forest management, conservation, recreational trails and wildlife habitat play an important role in the region’s economy.

The trail system extends from Wendell State Forest and Whetstone Brook to the site of the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival in Orange and then along the North Pond Ridge to Elm Street in New Salem. The moderately strenuous trails are primarily geared toward hiking, snowshoeing, and nature watching. The Kiosk is located at the entrance to the North Pond Ridge Trail on the New England Forestry Foundation’s Fittz Family Memorial Forest in Orange, just up Chestnut Hill Rd. from Lake Mattawa. North Quabbin Woods worked with area landowners and the Student Conservation Association to develop the system over the past few years. The trail navigates state and municipal land as well as a number of private parcels, placed in conservation through the cooperation of private landowners, the New England Forestry Foundation and the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Athol woodworker Dave Tudman constructed the kiosk using local white pine and red oak from Heyes Forest Products of Orange. Athol design company Herald Hill Studios designed the kiosk map. This project was supported through a grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

For more information about the Chestnut Hill Trail System and other recreation opportunities in the North Quabbin Region visit the North Quabbin Woods showroom at 1 East Main St. in Orange or search for recreation opportunities on the web at www.northquabbinwoods.org.