Have You Visited This Off-the-Beaten-Path Gem in Massachusetts?

When you think of outdoors adventures in Massachusetts, your mind may wander to the Cape, or hikes in the Berkshires. But have you ever heard of the Quabbin Reservoir?

Although the boats are intended for fishing, they also serve the purpose of pure relaxation.

I visited this reservoir my first year in Massachusetts and wasn’t too impressed. I drove about an hour northeast from Springfield, Massachusetts, to find the Quabbin Reservoir. I parked in the Visitor Center parking lot and got out of my car, eager to hike. Clearly, I didn’t do my research.

As I walked, I realized there wasn’t much hiking at the reservoir. I gazed out at the reservoir, took a few pictures, and left. It wasn’t until last weekend that I realized that the Quabbin Reservoir has way more to offer than I ever thought. And it’s an affordable adventure!

The Quabbin is actually manmade and serves as drinking water for over 3 million people. Boston friends - here’s where your water comes from!

The disheartening part of this park is that in the 1920s, Boston looked westward for a water source, and dis-established four towns in these valleys to create their water source. 2,500 residents in this part of Massachusetts lost their homes as a result.

Since millions utilize the Quabbin Reservoir as their drinking water, there are several restrictions on activity: Dogs, grilling, and swimming aren’t allowed. You might wonder what there is to do at the Quabbin then. What I didn’t know about the Quabbin Reservoir is that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides boat rentals (and kayaks!) for fishing. Now I’m not an avid fisherman, but after trying out my hand at flyfishing in Idaho, I thought I’d give it a try.

I headed out to the Fishing Area 1 parking. If you visit the Quabbin after 12:30 PM, boat rentals are $36 (including a $6 parking fee).

A view of the Quabbin Reservoir once you jet off in your motorboat.

You need a flotation device, but they provide one if you forget yours or don’t have one.

The beauty of the Quabbin is that it’s untouched since you can’t swim in it and there aren’t many hiking opportunities. There is a walking path around the Visitor Center, as well as two viewpoints at the Enfield Look Out and the Quabbin Tower. Otherwise, the Quabbin is really known amongst fishermen.

The motorboat fits three adults or two adults and two children. I hopped into one and set off deep into the Quabbin on a gorgeous, bluebird day. The only other boat I encountered was the DCR reminding me to return the boat an hour and a half before close.

Where else will you find pristine, clear blue water like this without a soul in sight? It felt like I was back in the alpine lakes of Idaho or Montana. The best part was I was only a half hour drive from home and spent $36 for a new afternoon adventure.

Clear water and views for miles with no boat in sight.

Boats are available to rent during the Quabbin Fishing Season, which this year is from Saturday, April 17th to Saturday, October 16th. Can you just imagine the foliage colors in a couple weeks contrasting with this water? I may need to go back sooner than I planned.

Have you ever considered visiting a reservoir for a day trip? Is the Quabbin Reservoir on your list of places to visit in Massachusetts now?