Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Two earthen dams created the resevoir in the 1930's. The Swift River and the Ware River feed the 412 billion gallon resevoir which is 39 square miles, and 18 miles long with 181 miles of shoreline.

• Shoreline Fishing
  (Restrictions)
• Hiking
• Bicycling
  (Limited)
• Walking Trails
• Bird Watching
• Snowshoeing
• Hunting
  (Restrictions)
• Scenic Views
• Visitor Center
• Picnicking
  (carry-in, carry-out)

There is a visitor center south of the resevoir, as well as an observatory tower, the Enfield Lookout. This area is accessible by car from the south using State Route 9. The reservation is a popular spot for hiking and other outdoor activities. This area was formerly part of the town of Enfield, which was annexed by Belchertown.

Because of state restrictions, most areas around the reservoir are accessible only by foot, through fifty-five surrounding gates. Few people ever go into the deep woods, and it has become a wildlife area. Bald eagles, moose, bears, foxes, and wildcats share the habitat. Large portions of Dana are on higher ground, and its remains, predominantly cellar holes, as well as the former town green (where a historic stone marker was placed) can be visited. Much of Prescott is also above water, on what is now known as the Prescott Peninsula, but it cannot be visited because of state restrictions, although there is an annual tour of the town conducted by the Swift River Valley Historical Society. A few houses and roads exist which were once part of North Prescott (now New Salem), and there is a town line marker just north of the gates, indicating the former town line for Prescott. Cellar holes have been filled near the center of what was once Prescott to accommodate the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory operated by the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

For More information please visit Quabbin Resevoir