In a state that’s hundreds of years old, Massachusetts is rich in preserved historic sites, ranging from Revolutionary War-era battlefields and cemeteries to historic homes and meeting halls, and everything in between. I’ve been on many fascinating hikes throughout Massachusetts, where farmland was once tilled, rock walls that once marked old property cut through the forest, cart paths once used by horse-drawn carriages, and rock foundations where a home once stood. Historic sites, whether known or unknown, seem to be everywhere we look in the state, and that’s one of many reasons why I love it so much. If you’re fascinated by mysterious underground attractions in Massachusetts, there’s a man-made cave hiding on conservation land that you may want to check out. The Nashoba Brook Stone Chamber is somewhat of a mystery, but there are theories about what purpose it once served.
The 123-acre Nashoba Brook Conservation Area is one of four conservation lands in Acton, totaling 500 acres altogether. Two parking lots provide access to the trails at Nashoba Brook: one located off MA-27 at the north end and the other off Davis Road at the south end. Nashoba Brook runs north to south in this conservation area, and plenty of wildlife can be found here. To make hiking here even more interesting, there are remnants of prehistoric and historic evidence.
Take a hike along the 2.1-mile Yellow Trail at Nashoba Brook, and you’ll see historic sites. There are old stone foundations and sluiceways of mills that once stood at the edge of the brook, the foundation of a farmhouse, the ruins of a barn, dams filled with earth, stone walls, stone piles that may have Native American origins, and a stone chamber. These historic remains are also part of the Trail Through Time, a 2-mile loop that passes through stone structures representing the three distinct time periods of this land: prehistoric, colonial, and industrial. Interpretive signage gives insight into these remains and the history of this area.
One of the most fascinating parts of Nashoba Brook Conservation Area is the stone chamber. This chamber, built into a hillside, is small, measuring approximately 10 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 9 feet tall. It’s the only one found in the town of Acton. The entrance is accessed down a staircase.
Although it’s referred to as a “stone cellar,” its use is not exactly clear. Some refer to it as the “Potato Cave,” believing that farmers in the colonial era used it to store root vegetables. Others theorize that Native Americans built it for ceremonies or that early settlers used it to store food supplies. Whatever the origin, there’s no doubt that this is one of the most fascinating structures within the Nashoba Brook Conservation Area. Do you have any theories as to who built this stone cellar in the hillside?
Plan your own Massachusetts hiking adventure with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner…