The Hudson and Chester Granite Works Tour
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Tour
The Hudson and Chester Granite Works Guided Tour
Sunday September 27th@1:00 pm
Parking: Emery Street Chester at the Granite Saw Parking Lot across from the Ballfield
Directions: From junction of Rts 20 & 102 in Lee, take Rt. 20 east and drive 18 miles to the Chester center, turn left onto Main Street and bear right onto Prospect Street under the railroad and turn right to continue on Emery Street to the parking lot across from the ballfield. GPS 42.279570, -72.975155
Hike Rating: Easy 1 mile, mostly flat terrain on dirt, please wear sneakers/no open toe shoes.
The Chester Granite Company was one of two granite finishing works in Chester for cutting and polishing stone brought down to the Historic Factory Village on the Chester and Becket Railroad which was built for this purpose in 1896. “Chester Blue Granite” was brought down the steep mountain railroad from the Hudson and Chester quarry, known today as the Becket Quarry in Becket. The finishing works burned down after many prosperous years in business making monuments and gravestones and has been private property since, until recently. In September of 2023 the Hilltown Hikers purchased this lot, including a twelve-foot shot saw and all the remains of its buildings and equipment. This was the second largest stone finishing plant in the state. The saw is still the largest historical stone cutting saw in existence. Tour the property on our newly created walking path with a guide and learn about the Granite Industry in Chester and Becket. Don’t forget to get your I Saw it In Chester T-shirt! Donations for the conserved Chester Granite and Polishing Works property are greatly appreciated.
Please Register per vehicle on www.hilltownhikers.com. Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs welcome. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. Please email [email protected] or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles and a snack!
Want to hike every weekend year round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tees, hoodies, hats, patches, water bottles and safety vests will be for sale by donation at the event. See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
GROUP HIKES AND TOURS SINCE 2010
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3550748-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3550748-2
