Westfield River
Jeannette Pierce
17‑Dec‑2022
Westfield River, Chester and Blandford, MA. Photo credit: Jeannette Pierce.
Westfield River, Chester and Blandford, MA. Photo credit: Jeannette Pierce.
The Westfield River is the Connecticut River's longest tributary in Massachusetts. From its headwaters in the Berkshire Hills, it flows 78.1 miles to its confluence with the Connecticut River at Agawam, MA. Known for its rapids and scenic beauty, the Westfield River provides over 50 miles of whitewater canoeing and kayaking, and is located in one of the largest, roadless wilderness areas remaining in the Commonwealth.
During the mid-20th century, the Westfield River was so polluted it would change color based on the contaminant present in the water. Today, this state and locally managed waterway is clean enough for swimming and fishing, and features rugged mountain scenery in the context of an historical mill town settlement.
Video Transcript
00:00:00
00:00:12
Rushing water is heard as the videographer films the river.
