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OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE RESOURCES
Outstandingly remarkable resources are regional unique, rare or exemplary resources, including scenic, recreational, geologic, fish & wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values.
Adding character to our towns, the Westfield River and its tributaries provide a special ability to soothe the human soul, whether by the refreshing sound of whitewater cascading over rocks, the dip of a canoe paddle into slow-moving flatwater, the glimpses of spectacular views or by sightings of fish and wildlife. Here are some reasons why the Westfield River is so special:
- One of the best coldwater fisheries in the Commonwealth
- One of the oldest consecutively run whitewater races in the United States and some of the finest whitewater opportunities in the northeastern U.S.
- Outstanding historic resources including the Keystone Arch Bridges built circa 1840s
- Glendale Falls, the highest waterfall in the Commonwealth
- Several historic villages on the river
- Unique geologic features such as the remarkable Chesterfield Gorge and Windsor Jambs
- One of the largest roadless wilderness areas remaining in Massachusetts
- October Mountain State Forest (16,127 acres), the largest contiguous state forest in Massachusetts
- Home to endangered species and important habitat areas for biodiversity
- Excellent drinking water for wildlife and suitable for drinking in the Middle Branch
- West Branch, the longest free-flowing, uncontrolled river segment in Massachusetts
Download a PDF version of the Westfield River Resource Guide (Acrobat Reader™ required):