Dana Commons is a 7.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Petersham, Massachusetts and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Walk or bike through history at Dana Commons. Stone walls, cellar holes. No pets please.
Quabbin Administration Bldg. 485 Ware Rd. Belchertown, MA 01007 Phone: 413-323-7221 Email: clif.read@state.ma.us Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm
From Petersham center, go south on Rte 32 0.3 mi. Turn right on Rte. 122, go 0.5 mi., and turn left onto Hardwick Rd., Rte. 32A. Proceed approx. 3 mi. to gate, on right. To reach the center of Dana enter Quabbin through Gate 40 off of Rte. 32A in Petersham.
Fantastic easy stroll. Good distance. Parking lot was crowded but we didn’t see many on the trail.
Very nice walk on old country roads. Dana Commons is about 2 miles in from Route 32A. The Commons, surrounding foundations from buildings long gone, and the related history make it very interesting. Following road 40-4 down to Graves Landing, and the waters edge, adds another 2 miles. The walk is through nicely wooded areas with the potential for seeing wildlife.
Let me get this straight. It is a old road. Otherwise It is a great walk! One would not call it a hike. Watch out for snakes! You go to the ruined “Ghost town” which has signs where the buildings used to be. Then after you keep going you get to the Reservoir and the tall grass makes it a spooky setting! -The White Mountains kid Age 9
Great easy trail. Nice surprise ahead if you’ve never been to Dana Commons. A once thriving town from the 1830’s-1938 before it would be flooded out to become part of the Quabbin Resevoir. 3 other towns would also fall victim to this in the early 20’s. Beautiful but eerie ghost town!
Easy paved trail through a town, Dana, abandoned in the early 20th century, I assume because of the filling of the Quabbin reservoir.
Nice way to spend an afternoon and see the remnants of Dana. To get to Dana you walk about 2.5 miles down a road. Pretty straightforward. after a while you will start to see some of the fields from the old farm houses. Eventually you come to the former town. really peaceful place to just sit and listen to your thoughts. there are also some game trails and logging roads that you can pick up from the main drag. The only downside is that there isnt much signage.
So beautiful and really historical. Old roads make the perfect place for a longer run!
Nice hike. Cool to see the Common. Beautiful view of Quabbin at the end - will budget more time to spend there next time. Fairly level with some elevation change closer to the water.
Gorgeous 50 degree day in February. Loved this hike! It was cool to see the foundations of the old houses. I liked seeing the Dana town common. There were small signs with pictures showing what building was there before it was demolished. Also got a great view of the water. Small streams make it relaxing next to the trail. Not overly busy trail and everyone was very friendly. I highly recommend this hike! I went to the petersham country store after! Definitely a place to check out.
Nice and easy walk. Ignore the person who gave it one star because she couldn’t bring her dog. If she doesn’t know what Quabbin is—a reservoir for a public drinking water supply—then she shouldn’t get to review it. Dogs aren’t allowed for good reason, just as people aren’t allowed to swim in the water. It’s not hard to understand.