Welcome to Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 52 in Ware Massachusetts

Besides being Massachusetts’ largest inland body of water, Quabbin Reservoir is a great location for beautiful, expansive nature scenery and outdoor adventures. And just like our Gate 35 day trip, Gate 52 in Ware, MA, is an easy, fun trip to explore Quabbin’s natural variety along the reservoir shore.

Update: Quabbin Gate 52 and Hank’s Meadow spring 2022

The sun was shining on this past Easter afternoon and took a drive to several Quabbin gates to see beautiful vistas and skyscapes.

Two favorite spots are Gate 52 and Hank’s Meadow in Ware, Massachusetts. At both, it is only a few minutes walk or hike to the reservoir shore, and the views of the reservoir are incredible .

Drive into the Quabbin by turning onto Old Enfield Road from MA-9 in Ware and look for Hank’s Meadow signs (you can’t miss them). You’ll see a parking lot and picnic area; it’s maybe a three-to-five minute leisurely walk down on grass (or dirt path) to reservoir shore.

You can walk right up to the water and see incredible views of the Quabbin on a bright day. There are also a couple picnic tables and meadow for family gatherings.

Hike down a rugged paved path (the decline is gradual) for maybe one-third mile to the reservoir shore. The views are spectacular, and this part of the Quabbin Reservoir tends to be very quiet as the gate is tucked away.

During our visit, the reservoir was extremely high, and it was not possible to hike on the sandy, rocky shore like we did last year (you can reach Gate 52 from Hank’s Meadow depending on the water level). The payoffs are the expansive views and serene moments being surrounded by the Quabbin Reservoir’s diverse nature.

Gate 52 and Hank’s Meadow are great for young kids as well given the easy, quick walks down to the reservoir shore.

Have you been to either of these Quabbin spots? What Gate is your favorite?

Leave a comment below.

More Details on Quabbin Gate 52 to help plan your trip

Gate 52 entrance offers a quick (less than one-third mile) walk to the shore that is suitable for all ages. Families with young kids and nature/hiking enthusiasts will equally enjoy this outdoors day trip and on a bright day, the scenic vistas across the Quabbin Reservoir shore are expansive.

How to get to Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 52 (Ware, Massachusetts)

To visit Gate 52, drive into the Quabbin Reservoir on Old Ware-Enfield Road, which you access by turning off of MA Route 9. Then drive about two miles and look for a small parking area for a just few vehicles that veers and slightly down to the right.

Gate 52 location

What to see at Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 52

Walk down the paved path, which has a gradual decline, about a quarter mile to the Quabbin shore for scenic vistas,. You’ll encounter a cement barrier (strollers will need to be carried past) to walk around and arrive at the sand. Not only is the walk to the shore quick, the views are awesome.

The shoreline is narrow and at certain parts, you’ll hike around decent sized boulders, which is part of what makes visiting this gate an adventure. During our visit, there were only a couple of other people so you’ll potentially have this section to yourself.

You can also drive about one half mile past Gate 52 to Hank’s Meadow (there is a sign on your right) for another short, easy walk to the Quabbin shore. A largely flat dirt trail, which has a slight decline and few bumpy areas, leads from a parking lot down to the shore and is about a half mile round trip.

Tip: The grassy area by the parking lot is a great spot for a family picnic or frisbee, and young kids can easily walk down to the shore. When we visited, there was also a porta-potty.

Tip: Standing on the rocks is a great perspective for taking landscape photos.

Have you been to Quabbin Reservoir? What part is your favorite?

Leave a comment below.