Quabbin Reservoir of Massachusetts: The World's Largest

The immense Quabbin Reservoir in central Massachusetts offers spectacular scenic views, especially in fall.

The 39-square-mile Quabbin is the world's largest manmade reservoir devoted solely to water supply — it provides water for the Boston area, about 65 miles east. It holds 412 billion gallons of water!

At the Visitor Center outside Belchertown, you'll learn about the rural towns that were flooded in the 1930s when the Swift River was dammed. The reservoir includes hiking trails, scenic overlooks and an observation tower.

The reservoir is bounded roughly by U.S. Highway 202 and State Highways 9, 32A and 122. The visitor center (485 Ware Rd. ) is located at the southern end off Highway 9, about 3 miles east of where it meets Highway 202. It's open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days and the weekend between Christmas and New Year's.

The day-use park closes at 7:30 p.m. in summer and 4:30 p.m. in winter. To learn more, call 1-413-323-7221.