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Hilltown Land Trust

Dedicated to protecting the working lands, native habitats and rural beauty of the Hilltowns since 1986

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You are here: Home / Hiking the Historic Dam Trail

Hiking the Historic Dam Trail

This 1.5-mile woodland trail traverses the east bank of the Mill River and leads to the ruins of the dam whose breach on May 16, 1874 caused the Mill River Flood disaster. The trail was established in 2016 by Williamsburg Woodland Trails (WWT) and protected in 2019 with a 10-year trail easement held by Hilltown Land Trust.

A group of people hiking through the woods on the Historic Dam Trail
Hikers enjoying the Historic Dam Trail. Photo by Candace Hope.

Trailside signs installed by the WWT tell the story of the building and breaching of the dam, and of the disaster that followed, claiming 139 lives and destroying many buildings in the towns and villages along the Mill River. The informative signs allow visitors to take a self-guided history walk as they enjoy the woodland trail.

HLT conserved the trail with a trail easement as part of the Voluntary Public Access Program, an initiative which seeks to create more publicly-accessible areas on privately-held land. We were very excited to work with our partners Franklin Land Trust and WWT as well as landowners Bethany and Will Ouimet, Lorraine Barrack, and the Northampton Water Department to protect this historic trail for public enjoyment.

This is a rugged trail of moderate difficulty with some steep/ rugged portions. Please note the trail is CLOSED IN WINTER due to potentially hazardous conditions along the narrow, sloping trail.

For a trail map, visit the WWT webpage.

Trail Use Guidelines

  • Carry in, carry out.
  • Respect the dam site and artifacts. Do not climb on or disturb the ruins.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the Historic Dam Trail.
  • No fires, camping, or motorized vehicles.
  • Please respect the land, and the generosity of the owners.

Parking and Directions

From Williamsburg center take Ashfield Road north approximately three miles. A small parking area is located at the trailhead, on the east side of Ashfield Road, just south of the Judd Lane intersection. Look for the Historic Dam Trail sign.

Events Calendar

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27
1:00 PM - Clary Hill Trail Opening Hike
28
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8
1:00 PM - Learning Land Stewardship: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
6:00 PM - Accessible Trails Public Forum (Webinar)
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2:00 PM - Collaborative Forestry in the Village: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
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12:00 AM - Chesterfield Gorge Ultra & 25k
Clary Hill Trail Opening Hike
Clary Hill Trail Opening Hike
Apr 27th, 2025    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Clary Hill
  • Family Fun
  • Hike
**RESCHEDULED TO SUN. APRIL 27TH DUE TO WEATHER** Celebrate the opening of HLT’s newest trails at Clary Hill with a 2-mile hike! Explore the meadow, [...]
More Info
Learning Land Stewardship: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
Learning Land Stewardship: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
May 8th, 2025    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Workshop
“Forest resilience” is a big buzzword right now, especially in the face of climate change. But what does a resilient forest – or farm or [...]
More Info
Accessible Trails Public Forum (Webinar)
Accessible Trails Public Forum (Webinar)
May 8th, 2025    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Partnership Event
  • Webinar
Do you have a disability, have a loved one with a disability, or advocate for accessible outdoor spaces? Our state partners invite you to join [...]
More Info
Collaborative Forestry in the Village: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
Collaborative Forestry in the Village: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
May 27th, 2025    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Workshop
“Forest resilience” is a big buzzword right now, especially in the face of climate change. But what does a resilient forest – or farm or [...]
More Info
Chesterfield Gorge Ultra & 25k
Chesterfield Gorge Ultra & 25k
May 31st, 2025 - Jun 1st, 2025    
All Day
  • Partnership Event
  • Race
Join Hilltown Land Trust and Beast Coast Trail Running for the sixth-annual Chesterfield Gorge Ultra and 25k Race, including the only 100 mile race in [...]
More Info
Events on Apr 27th, 2025
Clary Hill Trail Opening Hike
Clary Hill Trail Opening Hike
27 Apr 25
Goshen
Events on May 8th, 2025
Learning Land Stewardship: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
Learning Land Stewardship: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
8 May 25
Accessible Trails Public Forum (Webinar)
Accessible Trails Public Forum (Webinar)
8 May 25
Events on May 27th, 2025
Collaborative Forestry in the Village: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
Collaborative Forestry in the Village: Meet a Forester Woods Walk
27 May 25
Events on May 31st, 2025
Chesterfield Gorge Ultra & 25k
Chesterfield Gorge Ultra & 25k
31 May 25
  • About
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  • Properties
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      • Big View Trail
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