Quabbin Gate 16

Gate 16, my go-to Quabbin entry point near Shutesbury along Route 202! It's only a 20-minute hike to the reservoir and offers three trails. Take a left after 10 minutes for a visit to a scenic shallow cove. Or go straight, face a fork, left for a 5-minute shore trip or right for a 20-30 minute scenic route. At the end of the trail that goes left, you'll spot a very photogenic island across from you that changes size based on the season. To its right, notice the carefully crafted beaver lodge where dawn, dusk, and post-rainstorms are reliable times to see the resident beavers!

Dawn or dusk, summer or winter, I've tracked moose here and identified their prints in the snow and mud. Follow left to the beach where you'll notice mammal footprints of all types including tons of moose tracks.
I've also been lucky enough to spot river otters down gate 16. Keep coming back, try different times, different seasons, and you'll be surprised that your hard work will pay off when you spot a family of otters fishing from the ice, they're such curious animals. Despite being touristy, Gate 16 remains a top wildlife spot at Quabbin for me.

Posted on December 13, 2023 08:22 PM by bmaher222