Chapel Brook facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chapel Brook
Established	1964
Operator	The Trustees of Reservations
Website	Chapel Brook

Chapel Brook is a cool place in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It's both a small stream and a nature preserve. The brook flows into the South River, which is part of the larger Deerfield River system. The preserve covers about 173 acres (70 hectares) of land.

The brook is about 3.79 miles (6 kilometers) long. It starts in Ashfield and flows through Conway. Eventually, its water reaches the Connecticut River and then Long Island Sound. The Chapel Brook preserve is managed by a group called The Trustees of Reservations. It's home to Chapel Falls, which has three beautiful waterfalls. They are 10 feet, 15 feet, and 20 feet tall! The preserve also has Pony Mountain, also known as Chapel Ledge. This is a 100-foot-tall open granite cliff that's popular for rock climbing.

History of Chapel Brook

After the town of Ashfield was created in 1765, early settlers moved to the area. They cleared forests to create pastures for animals. By 1831, many sheep lived around Pony Mountain.

At the same time, Chapel Falls became a busy spot. There were at least two mills that ground grain, called gristmills. There was also a two-room schoolhouse. This school was special because it also served as a church on Sundays. The folding doors between the two rooms would open up for services.

The Chapel Brook preserve started thanks to a generous gift. In 1964, Mrs. Henry T. Curtiss donated the first part of the land. She did this to honor her husband. Later, more land was added in 1981, 1989, and 1992, using funds from her gift.

Fun Things to Do at Chapel Brook

Chapel Brook is a great place to visit if you love being outdoors! You can enjoy many activities here.

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking: There are several trails to explore.
• Mountain Biking: Some trails are perfect for biking.
• Picnicking: Bring a lunch and enjoy it surrounded by nature.
• Fishing: You can try catching fish in the brook.
• Rock Climbing: Pony Mountain's granite cliff is a popular spot for climbers.
• Wading: On a warm day, you can cool off by wading in the pools below the waterfalls.

Exploring the Trails

The Chapel Falls are easy to reach by following a short path. If you're up for a bit more adventure, a 1-mile (1.6 km) trail goes up to the open ledges of Pony Mountain. From there, you'll get amazing views of the forests around you.

There's also a 2-mile (3.2 km) forest trail. This trail is managed by a local group called Ashfield Trails. It starts at the base of Pony Cliffs and leads to West Road in Ashfield. You can even cross West Road and continue hiking into the Daughters of American Revolution State Forest (DAR SF).

You can find the starting points for these trails along Williamsburg Road in South Ashfield.