Gate BL4

The Gate BL4 Trail at Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, Massachusetts is a moderate 1.2-mile out-and-back slightly-overgrown and very underused logging trail that features a peaceful walk through the woods.

Hikers should be aware that as of Autumn 2020, this unmaintained service road appears to be used for logging, but is nonetheless a quiet gate to hike at Quabbin if you don't mind overgrowth. This trail was tracked during COVID-19 when literally every trailhead at Quabbin was bursting at the seems, so I came to Gate BL4 to hike in the woods away from the crowds of people.

I followed the service road up the hill to where there was a large cutout. From here, I followed a much skinnier, and overgrown, trail that lead further up the hill along a more gradual elevation gain. Near the top of the hill I noticed a large set of boulders and some hills through the trees. I hiked to the top of this hill in hopes of getting a glimpse of a view between the trees, but there really wasn't much up there other than the large boulders.

The trail continued onward, but I had already found 5 ticks on me by this point, just 0.7-miles in from the road so I decided to turn back.

Parking
Hikers will find a small parking turnout in front of the gate. Do not block the gate. The parking turnout is large enough to fit about 2 vehicles.

Pets
Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Quabbin.

Biking
Mountain biking is permitted along this trail; however, it may not be easy to ride as of 2021.