4.9
(5952)
5,953
hikers
00:38
2.40km
0m
Hiking
The Quabbin Gate 22 trail offers a wonderfully tranquil escape to the shores of the Quabbin Reservoir, perfect for a peaceful outing. You'll follow old roads through forested areas, enjoying tall pines and mossy paths, before reaching a quiet beach with panoramic views of the reservoir and distant peaks like Mount L and Mount Zion. This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike involves a minimal 7 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 38 minutes, making it an accessible option for a quick nature fix.
To plan your visit, head to the trailhead at the end of Shutesbury Road in New Salem. Keep in mind that the Quabbin Reservoir is a protected drinking water source, so dogs, bicycles, and ATVs are strictly prohibited. Ticks are common during warmer seasons, so be sure to check yourself thoroughly. For winter hiking, micro-spikes can be helpful on any icy inclines, and the leafless trees often provide even more expansive views.
What truly sets this trail apart is its serene atmosphere, offering a quiet experience compared to other access points. You can even take a detour on trail 22-3 to discover a foamy-white waterfall, adding an extra layer of discovery to your outing. The trail's beauty shifts with the seasons, from shaded summer walks to vibrant fall foliage and clear winter vistas, making it a rewarding destination year-round.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
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2.40 km
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2.40 km
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2.40 km
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Tuesday 7 July
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This route was planned by komoot.
The trail starts directly from Gate 22, which serves as an access point to the Quabbin Reservoir. You'll find parking available right at the gate.
This hike is generally considered moderate. While the initial path to the beach is mostly downhill and easy, the return journey is predominantly uphill and can be more demanding. Hikers are advised to pace themselves for the 180-foot elevation gain on the way back.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Quabbin Gate 22 trail or any other trails within the Quabbin Reservoir area. This is a regulation to protect the public water supply.
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Quabbin Gate 22 trail. However, as part of the Quabbin Reservoir public water supply, there are regulations in place to protect the watershed, which include restrictions like no dogs.
The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Fall provides stunning foliage views from the beach. Winter, with less foliage, can offer clearer views, but ice can make the hills treacherous, so micro-spikes are recommended. Warmer months are pleasant, but be aware of tall grass and abundant ticks.
The trail primarily follows old roads through a forested area. The path to the beach is mostly downhill and shaded. Beyond the beach, the road continues along the shoreline with minor elevation changes. You'll also encounter a brook crossing (Hop Brook) shortly after starting. Be prepared for a mostly uphill return.
The primary highlight is the quiet beach at the end of the downhill section, offering expansive, panoramic views of the Quabbin Reservoir. From here, you can see Mount L, Mount Zion, Curtis Hill, and Mount Pomderdy. The trail itself features walks through tall pines and mossy paths.
The hike is approximately 4 miles out-and-back. While the tour data suggests a duration of around 38 minutes, a more realistic hiking time for the full 4-mile out-and-back, considering the uphill return, would be closer to 2-3 hours for most hikers.
Yes, the route utilizes sections of several old roads. You'll find yourself on parts of Shutesbury Road, South Main Street, J Vaughn Road, and Bliss Road as you navigate the area.
In warmer months, be vigilant about ticks, which are abundant in the Quabbin Reservoir area, especially in tall grass by the roadside. During winter, ice can make the uphill sections treacherous, so consider bringing micro-spikes for better traction.
The Quabbin Gate 22 trail is an out-and-back route. You hike down to the beach and reservoir shoreline, and then return the same way, which means the return journey is mostly uphill.
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