Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Belchertown, MA

This town, with a population exceeding 15,000 residents, is situated east of the esteemed college town of Amherst, and is renowned for a historic fair celebrated annually each September.

The Belchertown Fair represents a heartwarming tradition, featuring time-honored attractions and events ranging from a parade along Main Street to livestock exhibitions.

Stunning vistas can be found in Belchertown, extending from the easternmost summits of the Mount Holyoke Range to the expansive Quabbin Reservoir, the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts.

From Belchertown, individuals may embark on westward hikes along the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, or venture east towards Quabbin Park, climbing to inspiring lookouts in the hills along the southern shore of the reservoir.

1. Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Belchertown lies in the eastern foothills of the Holyoke Range, an east-west traprock mountain ridge extending to the east bank of the Connecticut River in Hadley and South Hadley.

This range is part of the Metacomet Ridge, which traverses the Connecticut River Valley for about 100 miles, extending from Long Island Sound to the Massachusetts-Vermont border.

From Belchertown, one can access seven miles of the ridgeline at Mount Holyoke Range State Park, primarily located within the town of Amherst. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail crosses the ridge here, showcasing peaks such as Long Mountain (920 feet) and Mount Norwottuck (1,106 feet) while hugging the ridge for a total of 116 miles.

In Belchertown, the trail can be accessed at Bay Path Road, off Bay Road, offering breathtaking views over the Fort River Valley.

The state park features over 30 miles of trails, and for an extended hike, visitors can continue westward into Skinner State Park.

2. Quabbin Reservoir

Belchertown’s northeast section borders Massachusetts’ largest inland body of water. Spanning 38.6 square miles, the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir in the 1930s necessitated the removal of four towns from the geographical map.

Together with the Wachusett Reservoir, this serves as the primary water source for Boston. Water is transported via the 25-mile Quabbin Aqueduct, recognized as one of the longest aqueduct tunnels globally.

The awe-inspiring Winsor Dam, measuring 2,640 feet long and 295 feet high, provides an exceptional view along the west side of the reservoir.

The Quabbin Visitor Center, situated within the Quabbin Administration Building, features informative displays revealing the reservoir’s historical significance and its importance to the Greater Boston area, accompanied by intriguing facts and figures.

3. UMass Cold Spring Orchard

The University of Massachusetts Amherst maintains an agricultural research orchard in Belchertown.

At this site, UMass scientists investigate methods to reduce hazardous chemicals in fruit cultivation, study different trees’ resistance to pests and diseases, and explore effective strategies for more productive fruit harvests in limited spaces.

The UMass Cold Spring Orchard offers the public stunning vistas of the Mount Holyoke Range and opportunities to purchase delectable apples in late summer and fall.

Over 100 apple varieties are cultivated here, including Macoun, Cortland, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, and McIntosh, allowing visitors to enjoy a picnic amidst the picturesque scenery.

4. Belchertown Town Beach

Located just off Route 9, Arcadia Lake is a picturesque location framed by gently rolling hills to the east and west.

During the summer, visitors can unwind along the shoreline at Town Beach, which features an expansive sand area, a designated swimming zone, and various amenities including picnic tables, charcoal grills, an outdoor shower, and changing rooms.

Paddle boats are available for rental during the season, allowing visitors to explore more of the lake. During the off-season, Town Beach serves as the home base for the Five-College sailing team—offshore, Arcadia Lake is known for its unpredictable winds that can challenge even the most skilled sailors.

5. Belchertown Center Historic District

To gain insight into Belchertown’s historical background, visitors can explore the center, which is preserved as a historic district.

At the heart of this area is a common that is notably expansive at 1,200 feet in length, featuring a Civil War memorial and a bandstand dating back to the 19th century.

In the summer months, attendees can enjoy concerts by the Belchertown Community Band held here. The common is bordered by more than two dozen houses constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, predominantly featuring wood frames. Among the most significant structures in the district is the Clapp Memorial Library (1887) located at South Main Street.

Constructed in the style of a Romanesque basilica, this building was funded through a bequest and is currently maintained by a trust.

The building is crowned by an octagonal lantern, which is part of a tower eight feet in height. Inside, visitors can admire the exquisite stained glass windows in the transepts, depicting Allegory of Literature in the south and St. Cecilia, the patroness of music, in the north.

6. The Stone House Museum

Established over a century ago, the Belchertown Historical Association oversees this remarkable Federal-style house, which is open for tours on Saturday afternoons during the summer months.

The Stone House, built in 1827 as a wedding gift for the daughter of a wealthy local landowner, has its interior restored to reflect its appearance in the 1840s. Visitors can explore nine rooms furnished with period items, including exquisite 18th and 19th-century ceramics, furniture, quilts, musical instruments, and historical costumes.

One room is designated for the museum’s special exhibit, focusing on a particular aspect of local history and updated biennially.

The Ford annex, constructed with donations from Henry Ford, showcases preserved farming tools, cobbler tools, looms, spinning wheels, sleighs, and carriages.

7. Quabbin Park

Most of the Winsor Dam and its spillway is located next door in Ware, which acquired land to the north when the reservoir was constructed.

Quabbin Park is situated on a peninsula along the shore of the reservoir and offers several noteworthy spots that are easily accessible from Belchertown.

The park contains 22 miles of forest roads and hiking paths, one of which leads to the summit of Big Quabbin Hill.

Crowning the summit is the Quabbin Observation Tower, which provides a breathtaking panorama extending 60 miles in all directions.

Other notable lookouts in the park include Ball Mountain Hill and the Enfield Lookout, both of which can be accessed by road or on foot from the observation tower.

8. Norwottuck Rail Trail

Belchertown is located at the eastern terminus of an 11-mile rail trail that winds through Amherst and Hadley, concluding in downtown Northampton, where it connects with local trails.

This trail follows the route of the Central Massachusetts Railroad, originally established in the 1880s and later absorbed by the Boston & Maine Railroad.

On the Belchertown side, the eastern segments of the trail navigate through serene landscapes, passing by areas such as Lawrence Swamp and the Brickyard Conservation Area, with ample opportunities for detours, particularly along the secluded banks of the Fort River.

As one continues, the trail skirts the southern end of the prestigious Amherst College campus.

9. Metacomet Lake

Adjacent to Arcadia Lake is a 74-acre pond prized as a fishing destination in Belchertown.

Furthermore, Metacomet Lake is a beautiful section of the town, situated within wooded areas, featuring a public boat ramp on the eastern shore, just off Poole Road.

This site is particularly captivating at sunset, representing the only area along the lakefront that permits shore fishing. The lake is stocked with trout every spring and fall, and in the winter months, it becomes a favored spot for ice fishing, with trout and chain pickerel frequently caught during this season.

10. Robert Frost Trail

On Belchertown’s western boundary, the Norwottuck Rail Trail intersects with another long-distance path.

This is the Robert Frost Trail, which meanders alongside the eastern side of the Connecticut River Valley for nearly 50 miles, stretching from Mount Holyoke Range State Park in the south to Wendell State Forest in the north.

The trail is named in honor of the famous poet who spent a significant part of the 1920s and 1930s in this area, teaching at Amherst College.

Hikers can explore several miles without straying far from Belchertown, as the trail runs along the western boundary after descending from the Metacomet Ridge, passing by the village of Dwight before entering “Lawrence Swamp” alongside Hop Brook.

There is convenient parking available at the intersection with the Norwottuck Rail Trail on Station Road in Amherst.

11. Phoenix Fruit Farm

This farm has been a part of the Belchertown community for over 60 years and welcomes the public during the summer for pick-your-own fruit opportunities.

Phoenix Fruit Farm spans more than 100 acres, offering spectacular views of Quabbin, located less than a mile to the north.

One of the many appealing aspects of this location is its commitment to being 100% pesticide-free—while the fruit may not conform to conventional beauty standards, these trees contribute to a rich ecosystem.

The season commences with strawberries in June, followed by peaches, which are typically ready for picking in August. Finally, apple picking begins around mid-September and continues into October.

12. Jessica’s Boundless Playground

Established in 2014, this well-designed facility is part of the extensive Chestnut Hill Recreation Area and has been constructed to be universally accessible.

This means that the play structures at Jessica’s Boundless Playground feature wide and gentle ramps instead of stairs, accommodating wheelchairs.

The ground is covered with a soft, rubberized surface, and in the absence of natural shade from trees, the playground is equipped with large umbrellas that provide ample shade.

Around the main structure, visitors will find a variety of freestanding components, such as a “Roller Table” and “Oodle Swing,” which create inclusive, multisensory play opportunities. Additionally, outdoor fitness stations nearby allow caregivers to remain active while supervising their children.

13. Cold Spring Country Club

Despite its name, this acclaimed 18-hole course operates as a semi-private facility. Cold Spring Country Club opened in 2012, featuring a layout designed by Mary Armstrong, embraced by rolling hills and offering distant views in all directions.

The course includes five sets of tees at each hole, exhibiting a distinct contrast between the more challenging and tight East side and the spacious and forgiving West side.

Among the memorable holes is the 15th, named “Seclusion,” a par 3 hole that boasts magnificent views and a broad, accommodating green supported by a slope in the back to assist long approach shots.

14. Belchertown Fair

Each September, Belchertown commemorates its agricultural heritage with a fair that has been ongoing for over 160 years.

Spanning three days, the Belchertown Fair features a variety of activities including carnival rides, live music, entertainment for children, delicious food, and numerous traditional fair exhibits.

A highlight of the event is the parade, which takes place on Saturday morning along Main Street and showcases a variety of local organizations, services, and clubs, as well as the award-winning Belchertown High School Marching Band.

Additionally, the Exhibit Hall presents displays ranging from quilts to scarecrows, while the 4-H tent allows children to experience farm animals up close.

In the pulling area, attendees can witness demonstrations of various skills, including K-9 unit handling, hay bale tossing, and horse pulling.

15. Belchertown Farmers’ Market

From mid-June through September, a weekly farmers’ market is held every Sunday on the Town Common. Typically, there are around 20 vendors present, with all products being locally grown, raised, or produced.

Shoppers can find seasonal vegetables, poultry, grass-fed beef, eggs, honey, maple syrup, cut flowers, baked goods, spice mixes, handmade candies, popcorn, dog treats, and much more.

The market is also well-populated with craft vendors selling jewelry, home decor, bath bombs, yarn, hand-carved wooden items, and various other handmade products.