On its way to the Quabbin Reservoir, the Middle Branch of the Swift River cascades into an intriguing woodland pool at the bottom of a secluded gorge. Here, along a short, quarter-mile trail, you have two choices: go to the left and you can explore the enchanting waterfall; head to the right to follow the stream as it tumbles through large boulders past the site of an old mill.
According to local legend, in 1675, the great chief Metacomet (known to European settlers as King Philip) met here with neighboring chieftains to plan attacks on Hadley, Deerfield, and Northampton.
A black bear shot on the property gives the
reservation its name.
Trails
A single 0.25-mile trail; moderate hiking. Children should be monitored closely as there is a steep drop on the rim of the trail.
When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.
(From (
visit link)
Directions/Parking:
From Orange, take Route 122 south to Route 202. Turn right on Route 202, and drive 1.3 miles to Elm Street. Turn right on Elm Street, drive 7/10 of a mile to a left turn on Nelson Road, driving 5/10 of a mile, parking at a pullout on the right. The falls are a short walk through the woods.