TOP 10 Hiking equipment in Franklin, Massachusetts

DelCarte Playground and Conservation Area is a picturesque park located at 459 Pleasant Street in Franklin, Massachusetts. This institution offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and natural preservation, making it an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground equipment. The conservation area also provides opportunities for birdwatching and exploring the local flora and fauna. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, DelCarte Playground and Conservation Area is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Welcome to Chester Granite and Polishing Works, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Chester Factory Village at 7 Prospect Street, Chester, Massachusetts. This unique park, recently acquired by the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization, is a testament to the region's rich industrial past and natural beauty. Originally established in the early 1800s, the Granite Works played a pivotal role in the local industry, cutting and finishing granite sourced from the nearby Beckett Quarry. Visitors can marvel at the historic granite saw, once powered by steam, and the ingenious mechanisms designed to handle massive stone blocks. Thanks to the efforts of the Hilltown Hikers, this remarkable site has been preserved for future generations, preventing its loss to history.

Welcome to Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, your gateway to the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Hilltowns in Western Massachusetts. Located on Round Hill Road in Chester, MA, our park and hiking group is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural and historical treasures of this unique region for all to enjoy. In an exciting development, the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers recently acquired the historic Chester Hudson and Granite Works property. This landmark, near the old Chester Railway Station, dates back to the early 1800s and was pivotal in the granite industry, with its impressive granite saw and mechanisms originally powered by steam. Thanks to our dedicated efforts, this piece of history will be preserved for future generations, with plans to apply for National Historic Landmark status.

Welcome to South Weymouth Naval Air Station South Field, a historic site located at 10 Patriot Parkway, Weymouth, Massachusetts. Established in 1942, this renowned air station served as a pivotal United States Navy blimp base during World War II and later transitioned into a hub for Naval Air Reserve Training. Throughout its operational years, the station supported a variety of Navy and Marine Corps reserve aircraft squadrons, playing a crucial role in both wartime and peacetime operations. During World War II, NAS South Weymouth was instrumental in anti-submarine blimp operations, hosting airship patrol squadron ZP-11 and supporting convoy escort missions. The site was also the starting point for the first transatlantic crossings of non-rigid airships, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.