Quabbin Reservoir Reservation

Ames Pond & Big Loop

7.8 mi · ▲ 728 ft · 2 hr 58 min

Ames Pond & Big Loop is a 7.8-mile out-and-back in Quabbin Reservoir Reservation near Shutesbury, MA. The route reaches Ames Pond. It climbs 728 ft. It scores 27/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi768 – 1,116 ft8.3 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Unnamed 42.46078, -72.39255
Nearest town Shutesbury, MA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Ames Pond & Big Loop

7.8 mi · ▲ 728 ft · 2 hr 58 min

Elevation 768–1,117 ft

Out & Back · Quabbin Reservoir Reservation

Trailhead: 42.46078, -72.39255

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:35 AM · sunset 6:52 PM

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading W.
  2. 0.6 miSharp left, heading SW.
  3. 50 ftBear right, heading SW.
  4. 1.6 miTurn left, heading N.
  5. 0.2 miTurn right, heading W.
  6. 0.4 miBear left, heading NW.
  7. 0.5 miBear left onto Big Loop, heading NW.
  8. 50 ftPass Ames Pond.
  9. 0.2 miBear right onto Meadow Trail, heading W.
  10. 100 ftContinue straight onto Big Loop, heading NW.
  11. 0.2 miTurn right onto Pondside Trail, heading NW.
  12. 450 ftContinue straight onto Big Loop, heading NW.
  13. 0.7 miSharp left, heading SW.
  14. 0.8 miSharp right, heading E.
  15. 0.3 miSharp left, heading SW.
  16. 0.5 miTurn left, heading SE.
  17. 0.6 miTurn left, heading SE.
  18. 0.1 miBear right, heading SE.
  19. 0.5 miBear left, heading SE.
  20. 50 ftSharp right, heading SE.
  21. 0.5 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail surface

14% dirt2% boardwalk84% unspecified

Weather

Sunrise 6:35 AMSunset 6:52 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.1 mi in (~62 min). Leave by 5:30 PM for the 6:52 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:05 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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