Many outstanding features contributed to earning the national “Wild & Scenic” designation for 78.1 miles of the Wild & Scenic Westfield River.
10 Exceptional Features
- One of the most intact, free flowing (not dammed) river systems in Southern New England and one of the healthiest tributaries to the Connecticut River.
- Excellent water quality and one of the best coldwater fisheries in the Commonwealth supporting a native fishery
- Remarkable historic sites such as the Keystone Arch Bridges built in the 1840s as well as several historic villages along the river
- Glendale Falls, one of the highest waterfall in the Commonwealth
- Regionally unique geologic features such as the Chesterfield Gorge and Windsor Jambs
- One of the largest roadless wilderness areas remaining in Massachusetts, as well as the largest contiguous state forest in the Commonwealth (October Mountain State Forest, 16,127 acres).
- Exemplary natural communities and outstanding biodiversity including many plant and animal species categorized as rare, threatened and of special concern.
- Seasonal whitewater paddling recreation opportunities.
- Excellent overall water quality with low nutrient concentrations
- A population density of less than half a person per acre—the second lowest density of all Massachusetts watersheds.