Date/Time
Date(s) - Jun 20th, 2026
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Historic Dam Trail
Williamsburg historian Eric Weber will lead a ~1.5 mile hike (out and back) to the ruins of the Williamsburg Reservoir Company dam, whose failure in 1874 devastated four downstream villages and claimed 139 lives. Eric will tell the story of the disaster as we walk and pause at several stops.
This series is part of the Resilient Upper Mill River Watershed Project in Williamsburg funded through the Commonwealth’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program.
COST: Free
AGES: Adult and teen
DOGS: Please leave non-service dogs at home.
RSVP: Required
Accessibility
Trail Details
- Distance Traveled: 1.5-mile out and back, ~160’ total elevation gain
- Pace: Slow-moderate (1.5 – 2 mph)
- Seating: No seating is available on this hike. We’ll have opportunities to pause and catch our breath.
- Slopes: Sustained moderate slopes with multiple strenuous, steep sections.
- Trail Surfaces: Forest trails with potential for roots, rocks, and mud, with some spots featuring uneven footing.
The Other Stuff
- Bathroom: No bathroom facilities at this location.
- Fragrances: To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances.
- Parking: Carpooling is encouraged. Trailhead parking: Pulloff on rural road.
- Public transportation: Public transit is not available to the trailhead. Contact us if you’re interested in coordinating a carpool.
We’re happy to discuss your access needs for this event! For questions and accommodation requests, please reach out to sarah@hilltownlandtrust.org or call (413) 628-4485 ext. 6.
