While less-known than popular destinations such as Cape Cod and the
Berkshires, the Valley region of western and central Massachusetts is
home to a wealth of natural areas, picturesque countryside, abundant
wildlife, and historic sites connected by the watersheds of some of New
England's most scenic rivers. Among the areas featured are the Deerfield
River and Mohawk Trail, the National Wild and Scenic Westfield River,
Quabbin Reservoir, southern New England's largest conservation area, the
North Quabbin Bioreserve, and the Connecticut River, one of America's
most celebrated waterways. In addition to its diverse natural features,
the region boasts a rich human history that includes the construction of
the Hoosac Tunnel and Keystone Arches Railroad Bridges, the discovery of
dinosaur tracks in the Connecticut Valley, King Philip's War, Shay's
Rebellion, the great storms and floods of the 1930s, and the
controversial creation of Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.