Gate 22 is one of the many access points to the Quabbin Reservoir. Gate 22 leads to a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that is moderately challenging and offers scenic views of the water and the surrounding forest. The trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and it is usually not crowded. Gate 22 is located at the end of Shutesbury Road in the town of New Salem.

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.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike from Gate 22.