Tower Trail-Webster Road Loop

This moderate to challenging route starts at a parking area on the right roughly 0.25 miles past the Middle Gate entrance off Route 9 on the Belchertown/Ware side. From the trailhead, follow the Tower Trail—a broad forest road—uphill through dense hardwoods toward the Quabbin Hill Observation Tower. Stay on the main road at junctions and follow red blazes, continuing to climb steadily until reaching the tower clearing. While the tower is currently closed for repairs, the open area still offers broad views over Quabbin Reservoir. From the tower area, the route bends right, traverses the parking lot, and follows a series of narrower forest paths and powerline cuts along yellow blazes. This section has a more rugged feel, with uneven footing, scattered rocks, and occasional muddy stretches. Watch for stone walls and changes in forest type as the trail curves downhill, eventually connecting to Webster Road. Turn right and follow this gently descending green-blazed road through mixed woods to reconnect with the Tower Trail and return to the starting point. This short but varied hike offers a satisfying mix of forest road walking, narrow trail travel, and elevated views of one of Massachusetts’ most iconic landscapes.