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Date: 8/25/2020
HILLTOWNS – The Jacob’s Ladder Business Association has released the fourth edition of its popular Hilltown Destinations, which features hiking trailheads and business listings, and will be arriving soon in residents’ mailboxes throughout the hilltowns
The map features trailheads in 24 Hilltowns, with parking areas, boat launches and waterfalls also marked. A QR code on the Hilltown Designation map leads to westernmasshilltownhikers.com, where trail maps for all of the trails listed are available to download.
Elizabeth Massa, co-founder of Western Mass Hilltown Hikers and Director of Parks and Trails for the town of Chester and the Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway, has spent the last several years hiking, taking photos and documenting the trails.
“Hilltown Destinations was only a dream four years ago, as I was once a tourist renting homes in the Hilltowns on the weekends to explore the beauty of the hills. I hiked and mountain biked the popular destinations; however, I grew up in the woods of Hampden and I knew there had to be more to see. The problem was, how do I get there? Hilltown Destinations has the best public trail information along with places to eat and stay which boosts tourism and economic development for both the northern and southern Hilltowns,” said Massa, now a full-time resident of Chester.
“With so many people turning to outdoor activities because of COVID, this is a really useful tool. It’s something that people are able to do,” said Michele Kenney, economic development coordinator for the Hilltown Community Development Corporation, a major sponsor of the Hilltown Destinations map.
Other sponsors include the Westfield Bank, Papa’s Healthy Food and Fuel in East Otis, Kathleen Engwer, RE/MAX Compass Realtor, and the Chester Foundation of the Chester Railway Station. The map was designed and laid out this year by Huntington photographer Lyle Congdon.
Kenney, who also serves as membership director for the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association, said JLBA member business listings comprise the reverse side of the map by categories, ranging from places to eat and stay and local activities, to shopping and services. Kenney said businesses interested in appearing on future Hilltown Destinations maps may contact her at jacobsladderba@gmail.com or leave a message at 354-1055.
Also announced in HIlltown Destinations is the Sights of the Hilltowns Photo Contest, offering cash prizes for best photos of Hilltown sites and activities. More information may be found at hilltowndirectory.com/photocontest.
“Be aware and look for the Hilltown Destinations in your mailboxes. It’s important for people to know to look for it,” Kenney said.