Conservation Areas
Town of Athol
Conservation Commission
Staying overnight in the Bearsden - Newton Reservoir Conservation areas
Paige Cabin Reservations can be made for up to 4 nights Thursday through Monday with only one party being able to use the cabin each weekend period.
Overnight camping and open fires are allowed by permit only at one of the specific shelters shown below. Vehicle camping is not allowed. Use of the Cabin and Shelter is free to the public with a pre-approved permit by the Athol Conservation Commission. Paige Cabin is available for general use from March 1st to December 15th each year depending on the weather. Exceptions may be made for supervised groups of young people. Please note this is a rustic off grid experience. There is no running water or electricity. Visitors must be self sufficient and bring everything you need for the stay. The cabin is equipped with 3 wooden bunk beds, a wood stove and table. It is suggested to bring sleeping pads. An outdoor fire pit is available for use. Your reservation is your permit for the outdoor fire.
Paige Cabin at the entrance to Bearsden Conservation Area
Buckman Brook and Duckpond shelters may be reserved for a maximum of 7 nights
The Duckpond and Buckman shelters may be reserved through the winter but parking is very limited and snow removal is not consistent.
For those wishing to have a more wilderness experience the shelters at Buckman Brook near Newton Reservoir and the Duck Pond in Bearsden offer a remote overnight facility about a mile from the nearest parking areas. Reservations are limited to seven (7) nights and a responsible person 21 years of age or older must sign for the shelter or cabin. Your reservation is your permit for the outdoor fire in the fire pit at each shelter.
Buckman Brook Shelter - Newton Reservoir
Duck Pond Shelter - Bearsden
A map board at the parking area outlines the many possibilities for exploration, and a log cabin, built of local hemlock, and 2 Adirondack type shelters are available for overnight use free of charge.
Trail Map
To reserve Paige Cabin or the Shelters at the Duck Pond or Buckman Brook:
1) check availability in the calendar linked below. (reservations are labeled for each shelter) If the cabin or shelter is named on a particular day it is reserved already. If blank the cabin or shelter is available: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=paigecabin11%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York
If the cabin is available,(not listed) submit your request using the form at this link: http://forms.gle/Np7MbfEUbVAN8wu89
Directions: From downtown Athol, go east on Main St. (Rte. 2A) approx. 1.5 mi. Take left onto Bearsden Rd. Go 1 mi., bear right to stay on Bearsden Rd and continue 0.5 mi. to Conservation area entrance.
Questions about Paige Cabin reservations, Shelter Reservations, or Key pick-up or drop off Contact Dave Small Paigecabin11@gmail.com or 978-413-1772 (leave message)
All other questions for the Conservation Commission Contact: Athol Conservation Commission Athol Town Hall 584 Main Street conservation@townofathol.org