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All the United States Massachusetts Chester Keystone Arch Bridges

Keystone Arch Bridges

The first keystone arch railroad bridges constructed in America.

Chester, Massachusetts

Added By
santasarmy
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Keystone Arch Bridges   santasarmy / Atlas Obscura User
Keystone Arch Bridges   santasarmy / Atlas Obscura User
Keystone Arch Bridges   santasarmy / Atlas Obscura User
Keystone Arch Bridges   santasarmy / Atlas Obscura User
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About

A relatively easy 2.5-mile hike brings visitors to the first keystone arch railroad bridges built in America. These bridges are truly a sight to behold, reaching heights of over 70 feet. They are an engineering marvel, wholly dry-laid, meaning there was no mortar used during construction.

On each bridge is a prominent "keystone" that is a crucial part of the bridge's stability. When the railroad was rerouted, the bridges were no longer used by trains. However, several of the other nearby arch bridges are still in active use today, carrying over 30 times the weight they were originally built for. 

As a bonus, early in the hike past the first bridge visitors can see the remnants of a former artist colony with a storied history of its own. Look for the remains of the kiln chimney to the right of the trail.

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Trains Architecture Bridges

Know Before You Go

You can park in the parking lot at the trailhead, it isn't always plowed in the winter but you can always park at the top and walk down.

There is a bridge visible from the start of the trail, but the two largest bridges are farther along the trail. Both of the larger bridges have goat trails down to a great viewpoint of the bridge. The trail officially ends about 1/4 mile past the last and largest bridge, where it intersects with the still active railroad track.

If you lose the trail, look for blue trail markers that say KAB trail on them, they are well placed.

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santasarmy

Published

March 2, 2023

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Keystone Arch Bridges
Middlefield Rd
Chester, Massachusetts, 01011
United States
42.311579, -72.992614
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Photo of Massachusetts

Massachusetts

United States

Places 541
Stories 43

Nearby Places

Andrew DeVries Sculpture Trail

Middlefield, Massachusetts

miles away

Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest

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miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Massachusetts

Massachusetts

United States

Places 541
Stories 43

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