ClintonMass.com - Discussion Forums

I noticed today the NO Treaspassing signs were gone from the Nashua Street side. Does this mean they are open? If so great news.

Will have to give it a try tomorrow, thanks.

Julie wrote:

The dam will always remain closed (darn!)

I assume you mean walking over the dam, correct?  That is too bad.  I live right by it, and would love to at least walk on it once!

Thanks for checking with the DCR.

Julie wrote:

They said the North Dike and Spillway are OPEN again

Sorry, I should have mentioned this earlier in the thread. The spillway has been open for a while, featuring some different terrain and these scary signs.

Julie wrote:

The dam will always remain closed (darn!)

That's too bad. I've only been up there once, and it would be fantastic to have it accessible to all.

Julie wrote:

The area around the stairs (fenced off area) will likely remain closed for another year as they are resurfacing the Dam itself (the next phase to the project).

Thanks for the info, Julie!

Hi guys. I am fairly new to the area, and don't know what you mean that the 'spillway' and other paths are open, but not the dam itself.

I'd love to take my dog down there, where exactly could we get close to the water and where it is open to the public? What streets? Thanks!

Ken wrote:

BCarder wrote:

Hi guys. I am fairly new to the area, and don't know what you mean that the 'spillway' and other paths are open, but not the dam itself.

If you're standing looking directly at the dam, the spillway area is on top of the hill to your right. A great way to reach it is to park at the corner of South Meadow Road and Rt. 110, and walk the old rail bed behind the high school/middle school. If you are down below the dam itself, there are two trails that follow the spillway to the top, from the Grove Street side.

BCarder wrote:

I'd love to take my dog down there, where exactly could we get close to the water and where it is open to the public? What streets? Thanks!

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on reservoir property, as it is a public water supply (not exactly sure about BELOW the dam, but I believe the same holds true). If you want to walk around the bottom of the dam, one option is to park at the very end of Grove Street, and go through the gate.

If you're talking about the reservoir itself, there are many gates off Rts. 70, 110 and 140 (West Boylston) and miles and miles of fire roads to explore. Again, no dogs, though. If a ranger spots you, they will ask you to leave.

The 'river' (down across from Cumberland Farms) end I used to let my dog go in the water but what was the beach area is way overgrown now. I dont know if you could find a path down but that would be where I THINK you could let your dog swim..

JoelF wrote:

Seriously.  Am I crazy?

No.

JoelF wrote:

Seriously.  Am I crazy?

Not at all. There are some great hiking opportunities in the rough here. It could be amazing if it was all put together, and someone had the political pull to open these areas up, connect them, and publicize them.

We go the Hudson rail trail all the time which is great fun for the kids - we used to live a block away from it. The Hudson trail goes over the Assabet and has a nice lookout at one point, but that's about it. Something equivalent here would be far more impressive.

Last edited by SJT (04.30.09 1:19pm)

pepperish wrote:

FYI

I spoke with the MWRA, and they said that when the weather gets a little warmer, the contractor can finish up their work, and the DCR has a little to do after that, but they said the dam should be opened back up late spring.  I have heard a lot of dates that have come and gone, so hopefully this timeframe will stick!

Thank for the info. I'm assuming you mean the many areas that are still secured, but not the top of the dam?

I've always wondered why the top of the dam itself had been closed (prior to the work being done on it). Immediately following 9/11, I know the National Guard was there, but when they left it blew my mind as to why it remained closed. For years they were only preventing law-abiding citizens from enjoying the dam, as anyone with other intentions could easily hop the fence...

But it's good to hear that most areas might be opening again soon.

Last edited by concernedclintonian (02.08.10 6:33pm)

Frankly I'm getting pissed that we live in a town with a dam that we can enjoy yet are not allowed to. It's getting out of control with the time frame.

My boys want to walk around down below.

WGW wrote:

Evidently, Quabbin allows boating. Thoughts?

Not since July 15th.

fwix.com/boston/search/quabbin

Unless it re-opened?

concernedclintonian wrote:

pepperish wrote:

FYI

I spoke with the MWRA, and they said that when the weather gets a little warmer, the contractor can finish up their work, and the DCR has a little to do after that, but they said the dam should be opened back up late spring.  I have heard a lot of dates that have come and gone, so hopefully this timeframe will stick!

Thank for the info. I'm assuming you mean the many areas that are still secured, but not the top of the dam?

I've always wondered why the top of the dam itself had been closed (prior to the work being done on it). Immediately following 9/11, I know the National Guard was there, but when they left it blew my mind as to why it remained closed. For years they were only preventing law-abiding citizens from enjoying the dam, as anyone with other intentions could easily hop the fence...

But it's good to hear that most areas might be opening again soon.

I remember the top being open to the public until the mid 80's I was told it was closed for safety reasons The fence on top was to low