Hewitt Gem Mine, Haddam, CT
GPS COORDINATES: 41.4527777778, -72.5105555556
Google Maps Address: 214 Turkey Hill Rd, Haddam, CT 06438
Directions to the Locality
Look for a steep dirt driveway on the same side as the church. The driveway bends to the left, then to the right, and continues into the woods. Parking is available at the top of the hill. If you reach the Valley Bible Evangelical Church, you’ve gone slightly too far.
Important Notes:
A change of clothes and waterproof footwear (if you plan to explore the pit area). While the pits may be dry, it’s best to be prepared.
No Facilities: There are no bathrooms available at this location.
What to Bring:
Tools for digging or collecting.
Bug spray, eye protection, steel-toed boots, and gloves.
A first aid kit.
Food and plenty of water.
Quabbin Aqueduct Shaft 10, Hardwick, MA
Driving Directions from Worcester
Distance: 26 miles (one way)
- Head northwest on Route 122 to the center of Barre.
- At the town green, turn sharp left onto South Street (just past the pizza parlor; note that this road is unmarked).
- After 0.5 mile, turn right onto Wauwinet Road and continue for 2.5 miles to a crossroad.
- Proceed straight through the crossroad (road becomes Jewitt Road) and continue for 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Taylor Hill Road at the Maple Hill Farm.
- Drive 0.5 mile to the brook crossing and park. The gated entrance is located just past the bridge on the right, opposite Brook Road.
Important: Park along the roadside without blocking the gate.
Once There
- Follow the jeep trail past the gate for about 0.5 mile over fairly level ground to a large mound of tailings on the right.
- The tailings are remnants from the excavation of the Quabbin Aqueduct.
Collecting Tip:
The best finds are often located about halfway up the southeast side of the mound, which faces the pond. Minerals are primarily found as microcrystals coating the open seams of a fragmented and brecciated red granite. Surface pickings are typically modest.
Equipment to Bring
- Safety gear: Safety glasses and steel-toed boots.
- Tools: Hammers, chisels, shovel or hand rake, and a hand lens (loop).
- Other essentials: Bucket, camera, water, and food.
Minerals Found at This Site
Epidote, Babingtonite, Fluorite, Apophyllite, Stilbite, Heulandite, Prehnite, Calcite, Tremolite, and others.
Additional Notes
The tailings mound is approximately 50 feet tall and can be steep and slide-prone. Exercise caution when climbing or working on the mound.
The hike to the site is about 0.5 mile over level ground.