The Quabbin Reservoir is located in mid-western Massachusetts, between the cities of Worcester and Springfield. At about 18 miles long [1], it blankets 38.6 square miles [2], making it (in surface area) the second-largest man-made body of water in the world. Holding 412 billion gallons [3], it provides fresh water to the Boston metropolitan area and the communities of Chicopee, South Hadley Fire District #3, and Wilbraham [4]. The watershed area covers about 117 square miles (74,886 acres) [5].
Second-largest in the world? That's right! Go to the 'landmarks' page. This photo was taken from barely left of point B (Goodnough Dike)...and the island is only point D (Mount Lizzie). This view is only a very, very small portion of the entire reservoir!
Spectacular beauty is not the Quabbin's only attraction. It is also a popular venue for fishing, hiking, biking, bird-watching, and picnics. There are also controlled deer hunts. Diverse wildlife includes moose, foxes, bears, beavers, blue herons, bald eagles, and — if it's still around — at least one cougar (discovered in 1997) [6]!