USA Bear's Den

From the trustee's website:

On its way to the Quabbin Reservoir, the Middle Branch of the Swift River cascades into an intriguing woodland pool at the bottom of a secluded gorge. Here, along a short, quarter-mile trail, you have two choices: go to the left and you can explore the enchanting waterfall; head to the right to follow the stream as it tumbles through large boulders past the site of an old mill.

According to local legend, in 1675, the great chief Metacomet (known to European settlers as King Philip) met here with neighboring chieftains to plan attacks on Hadley, Deerfield, and Northampton.

A black bear shot on the property gives the reservation its name.

Trails
A single 0.25-mile trail; moderate hiking. Children should be monitored closely as there is a steep drop on the rim of the trail.

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

Do not bother to arrive here at sunrise or sunset as the area does not get any direct sunlight. If the water is high, a thick layer of foam will develop in the pool and rob you of any chance at a swirly photo. Swirlys are made by using a tripod and a long exposure. This shot had an exposure of 10 seconds. I use a ND filter and polarizer.

1/4 mile walk from the parking lot.