Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Tour
Guided Hike on the Knox Trail in Otis
September 20th@10:00 am
Parking: On Norton Street Extension near house #92 Otis, MA 01253
Directions: Take Route 23 East or West to the Center of Otis take Norton Road and bear right onto Norton Road Extension to end of road.
Hike Rating: Easy to Moderate 3 miles in and back with very little elevation
Join us on a journey on the original “Ye Trodden Path” to follow the footsteps of the men who saved our country. Narrated by Mr. Tom Ragusa, local historian, our journey will take us through a section in Otis stopping at each historical location along the way listening to Tom’s amazing stories. During the winter of 1775-1776 Gen George Washington held the high ground around Boston while the British were firmly in control of the city. If Washington had artillery, he could dislodge the British and retake Boston. The nearest available artillery was at Fort Ticonderoga, under Continental Army control, in up-state NY. Gen Henry Knox then was commissioned in Dec 1775, by Gen Washington to secure these artillery pieces and transport them from NY, through Massachusetts to Dorchester Heights outside Boston. To do this Gen Knox successfully crossed the Berkshire Mountains and large rivers in winter, with 59 pieces of artillery. When the artillery arrived in Boston in early March 1776, Gen Howe realized the hopelessness of his position and evacuated the city.
We will hike rain or shine. Registration required. Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided. Well behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15. More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com. Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions. As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles!
