Hanks Meadow is located near the south end of the Quabbin Reservoir, along MA-9. The meadow is named after Henry Hanks, a farmer who owned the land before it was flooded to create the reservoir. The meadow offers a panoramic view of the water and the surrounding hills, as well as a variety of wildlife and plants. Hanks Meadow is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

The Quabbin Reservoir is a remarkable engineering feat that provides water to millions of people in Massachusetts. It was constructed in the 1930s by damming the Swift River and flooding four towns in the process. The reservoir covers an area of 39 square miles and has a capacity of 412 billion gallons. The Quabbin Reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir is surrounded by a protected forest that hosts a variety of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. 

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Along with the Wachusett Reservoir and Ware River, it is the source of high-quality water for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system. Recreational activities are regulated and limited to protect 3 million people’s drinking water.